Luz María Doria

For much of her career, Luz María Doria was more comfortable behind the scenes. She had spent years helping shape the stories that reached millions of Hispanic households, yet sharing her personal experiences was another matter. It wasn’t until she turned 50 that the Colombian journalist and television executive began to see herself differently. Writing La mujer de mis sueños gave her the opportunity to confront insecurities she had carried for years and connect with women who recognized something of themselves in her words.

In April 2026, Doria celebrated ten years since the publication of her book with a special anniversary edition from Penguin Random House. The updated book includes a new introduction and a chapter on financial education and loss. It also gave her a chance to look back at the woman she was when she first started writing and how much has changed since then.

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While writing has given Doria another way to connect with women, television remains at the center of her career. As vice president and executive producer of Univision’s Despierta América, she has helped shape the popular morning show since 2012. She knows her audience well, and that understanding has been central to her work. For Hispanic families across the United States, the show offers more than news and entertainment. It’s a familiar part of their mornings, with stories and conversations that often reflect their lives.

Born in Cartagena, Colombia, Doria first made her mark in magazine publishing, working with Cosmopolitan en Español and TVyNovelas before taking the helm of Cristina La Revista. She later moved into television at TeleFutura, overseeing Escándalo TV and La tijera. Those years prepared her for Despierta América, which won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Morning Program in Spanish in 2018, with Doria credited as executive producer.

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Her interest in women’s everyday struggles has also shaped her other books, including Tu momento estelar, El arte de no quedarte con las ganas and ¿Cuánto te pesa lo que te pasa?. She writes about the things people don’t always know how to handle, from disappointment and self-doubt to finding the confidence to make difficult decisions. Her advice is straightforward, often drawing on experiences that readers can recognize in their lives.

When asked in a 2026 interview which decision had made the greatest difference in her life, Doria answered with one word: "Atreverme.” To dare. It’s a philosophy she continues to embrace after more than three decades in media. Between producing one of Hispanic television’s most beloved morning shows and writing books that encourage women to believe in their possibilities, Doria has found a way to make her experiences meaningful to others. And at this point in her career, she knows that it’s never too late to try something new.