Ambitious Immokalee Kid Becomes Award-Winning TV Reporter

The Story of Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez's Sister

Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez's sister describes her as an incredibly hard-working and ambitious woman. As Guadalupe was growing up in Immokalee, Florida, her sister recalls how driven she was to pursue her dreams no matter the obstacles in her path.

An Ambitious Kid

Even from a young age, Guadalupe had big goals. She attended Immokalee High School and was always one of the top students in her class. Her sister describes her spending many late nights studying to maintain her excellent grades.

"Guadalupe was one of the smartest and most driven kids in town," her sister said. "She spent hours reading and studying while the rest of us were out having fun. She always had her eye on the prize."

Overcoming Hardships

Life was not always easy for Guadalupe growing up in a small, rural town. Her family struggled financially at times, but this only motivated her more. She took advanced classes, participated in clubs, and took on leadership roles like editor of the school newspaper.

"We didn't have much money, but Guadalupe never let that get in her way," her sister recalled. "She worked part-time jobs to save up for college and made sure to apply for every scholarship possible."

College and Early Career

Guadalupe attended #msu on an academic scholarship, majored in broadcast journalism, and graduated summa cum laude. She then landed a job as a TV news production assistant in Fort Myers, Florida.

"Guadalupe called me crying tears of joy when she got her first job in TV news," her sister said. "I know she made some sacrifices and worked extremely hard to get to where she was."

Becoming an Award-Winning Journalist

Over the next few years, Guadalupe quickly worked her way up the ranks, becoming one of the top TV reporters in southwest Florida. She earned multiple regional Emmy awards for her investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of issues impacting the Immokalee immigrant community.

Giving Back to the Community

Despite her professional success, Guadalupe never forgot where she came from. She returned to Immokalee High School to speak to students about her journey and becoming a first-generation college graduate.

"The kids really looked up to Guadalupe as a role model," her sister said. "She inspired many of them to dream bigger and set their goals higher."

Leaving a Legacy

Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez's story is one of passion, grit, talent and giving back. Her ambitious drive took her from the fields of Immokalee to the TV news studios of Fort Myers. She paved the way for other immigrant kids to pursue their dreams.

As her sister reflects, "I could not be more proud of all that Guadalupe has achieved. Her hard work shows what is possible with dedication and heart."

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FAQs

Where is Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez from originally?

Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez is originally from Immokalee, a small rural town in Florida.

What did Guadalupe major in for college?

Guadalupe majored in broadcast journalism at Michigan State University.

What awards has Guadalupe won for her journalism career?

Guadalupe has won multiple regional Emmy awards for her investigative reporting and coverage of issues impacting the Immokalee immigrant community.

How has Guadalupe given back to her hometown?

Guadalupe returned to Immokalee High School to speak to students about her journey and inspire them to reach for their dreams like she did.