With the start of Hispanic Heritage Month just behind us, we caught up with second-generation Austinite Christine Martinez-Escobar, President / General Manager and Director of Sales at Univision Austin, for a look at her Austin experience and the work of the Univision community. Plus, we got a little behind-the-scenes peek at the filming of Univision’s 2021 “El Grito” celebration event. Check it out here if you haven’t yet!
GET TO KNOW CHRISTINE
Greetings, all, and happy Last Day of Summer! I don’t know about each of you, but I’m eager to say hello to my favorite season of the year — FALL! Although I love hanging out poolside with my family and pup in the summer months, we all look forward to the start of fall music and art festivals, football, and the holiday season.
Allow me to officially introduce myself before I get too carried away with the awesomeness of Autumn! My name is Christine Martinez-Escobar and I’m a proud second generation Austinite — AKA, a unicorn these days. As a lover of all things Austin, I’m a proud graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and have made Austin my home for the last 42.5 years.
Believe it or not, I married a unicorn, too, as I met my husband at a UT tailgate — in the fall — following our love for UT football. Granted, we opted to get married in the summer so that our anniversary didn’t conflict with Longhorn Football — ha! Call us crazy Orangebloods, but funnily enough, our two loving boys Christian (10) and Austin (7 1/2), were born in June and December so we don’t have to worry about hosting our kiddos birthday parties on a Texas Football weekend, either. (Side note: our Goldendoodle, Bolt (1), does have a September birthday, but he’s happy with a belly-rub and a game of fetch.)
HISPANIC HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA
While football, family, music events, and our boys’ extracurricular activities keep us busy on the weekends, this #BoyMom certainly has a full plate of duties as the President / General Manager and Director of Sales at Univision Austin Local Media. I’m blessed to say that I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a company that serves as the Hispanic Heartbeat of America for over 18.5 years, connecting with families via all paltforms: Univision 62, UniMás 31, 104.3 La Que Buena, 107.7 Amor & 104.3 HD2 TUDN Radio and UnivisionAustin.com.
Since joining Univision Austin in 2003, I’ve seen tremendous growth and significant change in the Austin Hispanic market. As the leading Spanish-Language media and content company in the U.S., it is our responsibility to educate, empower, inform, and entertain the growing Hispanic audience in Central Texas and beyond. Whether it’s through our News, Radio, Community Empowerment, Marketing, Promotions, Production, Ad Sales, or Engineering Departments, I take great pleasure in working alongside a passionate group of 50+ team members who are eager to serve the loyal Hispanic Community.
Providing opportunities for Hispanics in Health, Education, Civic Engagement, Financial Stability, and Culture and Arts is what makes my work life so rewarding. Through these empowerment platforms, Univision Austin works to establish meaningful relationships and lasting partnerships with key organizations and contacts, such as the Long Center. We most recently hosted a performance for our annual “El Grito” event from the H-E-B Terrace showcasing a cultural celebration centered around Diez y Seis de Septiembre, Mexico’s Independence Day. Dancers from Ray Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico were featured with the Austin skyline as a backdrop as we produced and recorded a portion of our “El Grito” telecast — airing on our Univision 62 television property.
The partnership that Univision and the Long Center have established spans the last 10 years, when we first hosted our state-wide music award show, “Premios Texas,” from the Michael and Susan Dell Hall. Various Spanish musical acts encompassing all genres and categories performed in front of a full house, complete with awards and memorable moments — broadcast on Univision properties across Texas.
In addition to the excitement within the workplace, I enjoy representing Univision as an active member of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (@GAHCC) as well as holding a board position on the Texas Association of Broadcasters (@txbroadcasters) and the 4ATX Foundation (@4ATXFoundation). My involvement in media has also included serving as President and Vice President for the Alliance for Women in Media (@AWMAustin) where I was most recently awarded with the Trailblazer of Excellence Award for my service and involvement in the local media community.
FAMILY TIMES AT THE LONG CENTER
Before I wrap up to allow you to get your first pumpkin spice latte of the 2021 fall season, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing memories that the Long Center has helped me create with my fun-loving hubby and wonderful kiddos. As I can’t pick just one, I’ll share a few with you in case it takes you down your own memory lane while you sip on your version of cozy pumpkin in a cup!
I’m humbled and grateful to represent the ever-changing Hispanic Community in the great city of Austin alongside so many esteemed leaders, professionals, and organizations. My love for the capital of Texas is accentuated by the vast number of iconic landmarks and venues that serve music and the arts, just like the Long Center. It is through partnerships and connections we all make that elevate the status and bond that is alive and strong in Austin. Thank you to my family and villages for allowing me to serve, and welcome fall!
— Christine
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
