News personality Karla Amezola has made headlines this year for two very different reasons.
First when she lost her job as the main anchor at KRCA, the flagship station of Estrella TV, a Spanish TV network, after filing a lawsuit claiming her boss was sexually harassing her. This week another headline, Amezola is now driving for Uber.
We talked with Amezola about her new life, the firing that she calls a lesson, and why she’s not giving up on journalism.
>TVSpy: Tell us about your life after leaving TV?
Amezola: I don’t even have time to think about the time after I was fired. I knew I would get fired after my claim. I didn’t think about other job options in media because I wasn’t emotionally prepared. Like everyone else I have to pay bills and rent, so I had to move on and start fresh. I loved my job as a TV anchor and reporter but due to the circumstances it was not worth it to dive back in. The last few years were so stressful. I feel strong again.
>TVSpy: So you’re driving for Uber and Lyft, how did that come about?
I didn’t think about it too much. I just had to work and this was the fastest option. Funny thing is that after some rides with Uber and Lyft without knowing it I was interviewing people in my car so I started to enjoy it more and more every trip. I always like to be a positive person. I try to enjoy everything I do. Now I’m a 5-star Uber and Lyft driver and probably the first Uber driver Emmy nominee. Life moves in a strange ways, I was fired four months ago and now I’m nominated again for an Emmy but now without even working in the media. I feel blessed and grateful.
>TVSpy: Are you considering a career change or do you still want to get back into TV?
No, I’m a journalist and that’s what I’m going to do. Sooner or later I’ll be back. In the meantime, I’m writing a book during lunch time and getting to know the city in a deep way.
>TVSpy: How do you see this as a lesson for women in the business who want to stand up for themselves? Don’t you think it might scare them since it’s been tough for you to get back into TV?
Yes, this is a lesson. It is a lesson that everything we do has consequences and we have to be strong to deal with them. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m working for Uber as an election. Women shouldn’t have to be scared, we have to fight for our rights and be proud. I believe in my work. I’m professional and I’m a good team player and that’s what media companies are looking for.