Fernanda Santos
@ByFernandaS
Followers
20K
Following
14K
Media
994
Statuses
26K
Managing editor @19thNews. @nytimes alum. Immigrant. American. Chingona. I sound better on Substack.
Joined October 2009
In 2012, I left my @nytimes job, hoping for a fresh start as writer. Then my husband died and I thought I’d never be able to write again. I was so wrong. I’ve written magazine stories, columns, essays. I’m now co-writer on a musical opening Off Broadway in 2022. Never give up.
84
100
3K
1. I was speaking Spanish on the phone a few min ago in North Phoenix and a man was glaring at me. When I hung up, he said, "Speak English!".
402
3K
3K
When I said “yes” to taking Mike as my husband on this day 21 years ago, I agreed to care for him in sickness and in health, never contemplating the premature ending to our story. Forget how corny this sounds for a moment and for me — for Mike — hug whoever you share life with.
41
26
2K
My husband died 2 years ago today. It took me 16 months to decide who should get his clothes. In a weird way, I have Trump to thank for the decision I made. Thank you @nytopinion and @jimdao for publishing my essay on the saddest and also most perfect day.
104
303
2K
This is Manuel Saldana. He tied himself to one of the front wheels of the van. He said he's going to be here "for as long as it takes."
19
901
2K
"There will be no food in Puerto Rico. There is no more agriculture in Puerto Rico." A must-read by @FrancesRobles
91
2K
2K
Luke Black, who's blocking van: "We're tired of folks like Trump coming in and thinking they're going to be able to destroy communities."
16
610
1K
I'm outside @ICEgov office in Phoenix, where protesters have surrounded a van taking Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos to Mexico.
94
1K
1K
This is 48. I embrace my wrinkles and gray hairs, the lower-back pain that flares up sometimes, the occasional night sweats. I’m older, wiser, bruised by losses and disappointments, but also stronger and unafraid to feel whatever it is that floods me. Happy birthday to ME!
94
11
1K
4. I'm quick to say Arizona has been great to me and my family. As an immigrant and NYT reporter, I've never felt unwelcome. Today I did.
132
1K
1K
My colleague @StevenBeschloss told me he made $32K on his first journalism job 30 years ago. I made $32K on my first journalism job 20 years ago. A former student, recent grad, is making $32K on his first job. Is that still the starting salary for entry-level journalism jobs?.
332
136
1K
3. I told him I speak four languages and he told me to fuck off. He was a white older man, maybe old enough to be my father. I'm shaking.
104
1K
993
Police arrested 7 protesters blocking van. Dozens others still on sidewalk across the street from @ICEgov, including Rayos' 14yp daughter
25
660
888
2. I've lived in AZ for 4 years, spoken Spanish countless times - my daughter and I only speak Portuguese to each other. This never happened.
11
1K
883
JUST IN: Federal judge refers Sheriff Arpaio for criminal prosecution for intentionally disregarding court order on racial profiling case.
30
582
696
A student is working on an emotionally difficult story and told me he’s not sure journalism is for him because “I feel what other people feel and it’s hard.” I told him empathy is an important quality in a journalist (and, yes, it’s hard). What coping strategies can you share?.
85
70
817
It’s pretty funny that @nytimes calls Lula, the Brazilian president, “Mr. Lula.” It would be like calling Jimmy Carter “Mr. Jimmy.” Lula is a nickname to Luis. Either call him “Mr. Silva” or just Lula. I vote for Lula.
22
70
745
A young journalist asked me, “When you were 26, what do you wish you knew?” . I wish I knew that asking for help isn’t a weakness, but a strength. Also wished I didn’t waste time trying to emulate others and, instead, focused on myself. What do you wish you knew when you were 26?.
54
52
763
In Denver, undocumented mother of 4 skips meeting at @ICEgov and enters sanctuary at local church to protect herself from deportation.
43
368
707
I spent the summer learning about what it’s like to be an older American experiencing homelessness for the first time during the pandemic for a story for @NYTMag. Here is what I found out:
23
297
669
“The burden of working for racial justice is laid on the very people bearing the brunt of the injustice, and not the powerful people who maintain it. I say to you: I refuse.” . May you always live in power, @nhannahjones.
8
91
615
Today is my last day at Futuro Media Group. I offered my resignation in hopes of saving jobs. Too many people were laid off and I couldn’t in good conscience stay while seeing them gone. I stand in solidarity with them and remain committed to helping them on the road ahead. 1/.
33
76
657
I'm driving to Nogales, Mexico w/ Jacqueline & Angel, children of Guadalupe Rayos, deported this morning. They're talking to her on phone.
63
376
605
@reporterdriver @nytimes Not a single worker of color was quoted in the story. I’d bet that if front line meatpacking workers were interviewed, they’d have other things to say about Tyson. But it likely wouldn’t fit the story line. Shameful.
0
31
605
Rayos is in the van that was presumably taking her to Mexico. Her children are among protesters - they're American citizens.
18
434
600
Remember that BIG ANNOUNCEMENT? Here it is: I have joined @PostOpinions as a contributing columnist, writing from and about the American Southwest. To my fellow writers of color: If you don’t feel free to write as yourself where you are, trust me: You are NOT the problem.
The Washington Post today announced @ByFernandaS and @billwhalenCA will join @PostOpinions as contributing columnists
93
38
630
These women from Sedona, Ariz., rode a bus under heavy snow to come to the #WomensMarch in Phoenix. Yup, it snows in Arizona!
19
171
544
The view outside the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, where marchers are gathering. Lots of signs and LOTS of pink hats. #WomensMarch
1
168
481
First, @nytimes. Now, contributing columnist for @PostOpinions. Not bad for this non-native English speaker who’s also a journalism professor at one of the best journalism schools out there. If you’re an immigrant, hear me: There’s no limit to what you can do.
28
40
540
Dear Diary,. I had been paying to keep my husband's cell phone number since he died, in part because I couldn't bear the thought of that number belonging to someone other than him, in part because I wanted it to be my daughter's number whenever the time was right. 1/.
25
36
522
Whoever you are: Thank you!
8
101
455
This is Jacqueline, the one on the dark video. (It's a dark street.) Her mother is in van surrounded by protesters as it left @ICEgov bldg.
18
400
442
THRILLED to be joining the outstanding team at @futuromedia as editorial director, leading a newsroom that includes @LatinoUSA, @InTheThickShow podcast and the Community Podcast Lab. This is a dream job for me and I can’t wait to get started. ¡Sí se puede!.
BIG NEWS from @futuromedia!!!!!. Welcome to @ByFernandaS and @penileyramirez! . Plus @Maria_Hinojosa has some new news and so do I. AND congrats to Yolanda Moore and @StacyLeMelle!. READ IT ALL HERE!.
87
29
496
This western diamondback bit my cat. He’s now at the vet fighting for his life and I’m here reliving the pain of suddenly losing my husband as I contemplate the possibility of suddenly losing the cat he gave me. Hug the humans and pets you love. And send positive vibes for Rocky
65
7
485
Among people blocking van from backing up and returning to ICE is Emrys Stanton, a Unitarian Universalist pastor. He's the one on right.
10
209
418
A must-read by the incomparable @soledadobrien:.“We are risking jobs and status and a metaphorical stoning by bigots on social media to call out an industry that reports on racism and segregation while shamefully allowing it to fester within.”
7
119
405
Here is what Arizona is today:.NOT a synonym to racism. NOT a state ruled by the white majority alone. NOT a Republican fiefdom.
2
42
379
The story I wrote about woman arrested by @ICEgov during scheduled appt on her case. Check my timeline for more
41
368
366
Here's my story, detailing what happened earlier today: It will be updated w jnfo from unfolding protest.
74
449
358
Obligatory picture of my first day as managing editor of The @19thnews. Note the lipstick-dress match — not accidental 😉 Red is definitely my color 💋
31
9
392
I’m struggling to finish my column and can only say it’s bc today would have been my husband’s 51st birthday. I don’t grieve by a calendar, but calendars have a way to sneak up on me. So much about grief is cyclical and beyond our control. If you’re grieving, you’re not alone ♥️.
11
3
339
That feeling when a place you’ve always, always DREAMED of writing for calls you up, asks for a pitch, and then says “yes” to the pitch? That’s me right now. But you know what? I deserve it.
15
4
320
.@monivettec Thank you. And guess what I'm doing in 15 min? Teaching a writing workshop. IN ENGLISH!.
5
45
259
An editor once told me I wasn’t going to move to a job I really wanted bc I had “a hard time organizing my stories.” Instead of asking for help or pushing back, I internalized the criticism and let it chip away at my self-confidence. Look at me now. Don’t make the same mistake.
16
10
296
He died on Nov. 1 four years ago. I’ve spent all day remembering what today was like four years ago, seeing him fade away, delirious, lucid, delirious. I smiled today. I’ve had a great day today. Today, I’ve been so sad. Hug the ones you love.
13
3
268
When I was in grad school, I asked my advisor for help finding a job after graduation and she said, “Writing in English is so hard. Why don’t you go back to Brazil?” .I got to work at NYT for 12 years, wrote a book and now teach writing at one of best journalism schools in US.💪🏽.
8
16
270
This is the most consequential political weekend in Brazil since I left in 1998. The first (and likely only) round of presidential elections Sunday is way more than a choice between 2 very different candidates. It’s about the fate of a young and flimsy democracy.
6
59
245
I do not have a job lined up, so if you’re looking for a multi-skilled, multi-talented, multi-cultural and multi-lingual editor and leader, hit me up. I have enjoyed management and would prefer to continue along this path. 10/.
8
81
261
The Tohono O'odham, whose land and people straddle the U.S.-Mexico border, showed with their vote the disapproval of President Trump, who ignored their reasons to oppose border wall. Note also how heavily Democratic Hopi and Navajo nations voted. They have been hit hard by Covid.
With a lot of talk about Native voting in Arizona. I thought I would share 2 maps. The left is a map showcasing all 22 tribes in the state. The right an updated 2020 voting results maps by precinct. This give you an idea of how Indigenous communities voted in the 2020 election.
3
81
237
This is a stellar example of why local journalism matters. Congratulations to the entire @Documentedny team!.
Today we are releasing Wage Theft Monitor — the largest public repository of data on New York businesses found guilty of wage theft. This is the culmination of a five-year effort to provide more transparency about the conditions New York workers face. 🗺:
2
60
235
PERFECT SCORE!.Bird is called “arara” and came from an artist I met on the streets of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Painting by the amazingly talented Waldomiro de Deus, from my home state of Bahia, Brazil. Fruits also from Bahia, made of ceramic. I’ll be eating the real ones soon.
Without question some of the best bird art we’ve seen. Colors are phenomenal. Plus a fruit bowl. 10/10 @ByFernandaS
13
10
216
To the podcaster who sent me an unpaid internship “opportunity” for my students, repeat after me:.I will always pay my interns. I will always pay my interns. I will always pay my interns.
10
27
243
So many truths in this piece by @DriverWrites about women in journalism and the trials we face
5
112
209
If you’re in line and waiting to vote in Arizona, DO NOT LEAVE!. Anyone in line by the time polls closed STILL HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE!.
1
53
226
1/4 I went to the U.S.-Mexico border looking for the “migrant crisis” that Gov. Doug Ducey and others have been talking about. What I found was an economic crisis threatening the livelihoods of U.S. citizens in the borderlands. My latest for @PostOpinions:.
31
103
205
I couldn’t be more grateful, excited and eager to lead @futuromedia’s hugely talented and diverse teams. What a privilege to do work that elevates misrepresented voices and frames stories through the eyes of the new American majority. We are the present and the future.
TODAY is the day! @ByFernandaS starts as Editorial Director of @futuromedia! YAY! Fernanda will lead the @LatinoUSA @InTheThickShow and @latinorebels teams. Let's do this!
25
22
231
How I’ve felt since #ElPaso: “Citizenship, it turns out, is an illusory shield. In the eyes of that gunman, I am not American but an invader, an instigator. It is because of people like me that he did what he did.”.Thanks @nytopinion for the space.
16
104
201
Omg I won the @MaybornLitCon awards contest on the personal essay category!!!.This, coming a day after the anniversary of my husband’s death, is a great reminder that I matter, my words matter and my perspectives matter. I’m alive, I’m alive. It’s great to be alive.
20
4
228
I see my late husband's face every day in pictures at home. Today, I found a video where I can't see his face, but I hear his voice. So much meaning in a person's voice. Just had to share, if anything to remind whoever cares that it's good to talk, but it's even better to listen.
15
8
217
In Puerto Rico, a plea written on the pavement: "SOS. We need water/food"
10
206
186
For @POLITICOMag, my story on what may well be the real legacy of Sheriff Arpaio, SB1070 and the tough anti-immigration laws that have come to define Arizona: the rise of a new generation of Latino elected leaders:
5
116
202
Kind of amazing that @NYTNational is now entirely led by women. Congrats @monicadavey1, @Julesm_b, @kimmurphy, @jamiestockwell and The Boss @jialynnyang.
7
20
212
As a proud member of the faculty of @Cronkite_ASU, I am here to assure all of our students that our commitment to what is just, and true, and right is steadfast. We embrace you as you come and we value you for who you are. ¡Adelante!.
Breaking: Sonya Forte Duhé will not assume the position of Cronkite dean on July 1, according to an ASU spokesperson. An interim dean will be announced at a later date.
5
23
205
My mom, who lives in Brazil, has been glued to the TV, watching chaos unfold in the Capitol and beyond. She told me it reminded her of the instability that ushered in military ruling in Brazil. "Democracy is strong until it isn't," she told me before we hung up.
5
38
184
I’m helping build a list of books written by Latinos and/or about Latinos at my daughter’s school. These are aimed for elementary and middle school students Looking for suggestions in English and Spanish. Go!.
87
49
193
BREAKING: "After methodical review I am shutting down Tent City," Sheriff Paul Penzone says. Last symbol of Arpaio's time as sheriff gone.
5
86
161
.@BiffTFinancial I don't blame all white people. My husband is a pretty awesome white man. I blame ignorance. Ignorance knows no color.
2
35
164
Police arrest protesters blocking van. Van rolled back into @ICEgov bldg. Protesters chant, "The people, united, will never be divided."
7
153
165
You rise up, publish stories in prestigious magazines, sign as a columnist w/ an excellent newspapers. Suddenly, people who once ghosted you, didn’t bother to know a thing about you, pushed you aside to make room for others reappear and they’re all nice and sweet. I see you all.
10
5
183
Just got my Covid vaccine. I didn’t expect to cry as I made my way to the lady with the needle who waited for me under a white tent, greeted me with a smile and said, “Isn’t it great to be here?” Indeed it is. But it’s also difficult to be here. 1/
6
4
181
Things to retire after this election:.- Polls.- the Needle.- the “Latino vote”.
5
13
169
Every family should have it. My husband died of cancer at 46 and knowing his passwords made all the difference. Also, families should have a will, a box/drawer with all emergency papers (passwords included) and a plan on what to do w/ kids if one or both parents die.
6
60
165
In my narrative writing class at @Cronkite_ASU, students have the (rare) opportunity of spending the semester working on a single story. Their work this semester is amazing AND I'D LOVE TO SEE THEIR STORIES PUBLISHED. Editors: My DMs are open! Here's a thread on they're about:.
5
45
176
@BrentNYT I always thought I'd be ready for it if it ever happened. But then it did and I was left speechless, paralyzed, wounded.
12
31
149
Moving is tough, but, for my daughter and I this time, moving is also exactly what we needed. We're celebrating one week in NYC today, a return for both of us and also a new beginning. We're building a future that's ours, embracing our pain, scars and, most of all, growth.
10
0
169
JUST IN: Feds to file criminal contempt-of-court charges against Sheriff Joe Arpaio for disobeying orders to stop immigration patrols.
8
109
137
@MikeTheSauce I miss him every day, we both do, even as we've learned to live and laugh and love again. -30-.
11
0
170
In past 10 days, my @Cronkite_ASU students have received internship/fellowship offers from:.- @WSJ .- @insideclimate .- @sfchronicle .- @washingtonpost.- @azcentral .More TK, I know. But let me tell you, it feels SO GOOD to know that I played a part in getting them there.
5
2
174
1/ I used to think that $32K for an entry-level journalism job 20 years ago was only OK pay. But then I asked about salaries for entry-level journalists these days. Here is a sample of what I heard:.
13
66
171
My father is in the ICU in Brazil. He has covid. After a scare last night, he’s doing well, breathing on his own and improving. He wrote to our family’s WhatsApp group with a message: Vaccines are the answer.
29
5
155
IT SNOWED IN PHOENIX!! .Ten minutes later, it was gone, but it was pretty while it lasted.
4
11
153
A must-read by @KarenAttiah on the myth of the Texas exceptionalism: “Our culture of rugged individualism puts the burden on vulnerable Texans to survive together, as best we can, overlaying crises caused by systemic failures of leadership.”
4
48
139
Rayos' lawyer said van was likely taking her to Nogales, Mexico, on other side of border. She's now inside ICE bldg.
6
102
143
1/5 So #MossimoGiannulli, the fashion designer, decided it was better to bribe @USC coach to get his daughter into college than to let her go to @ASU. Other than the fact that I teach at ASU, here are some of the things he should have considered:.
7
37
148
It is EXHAUSTING to be a widow/single mother because of constantly having to answer questions about the father’s name that isn’t on the form, if the father is the health insurance holder, the father, the father, the father. WHAT IS WRONG WITH BEING A WOMAN AND BEING IN CHARGE?.
5
8
149
I’m an immigrant. I moved to US at 25. English isn’t my native language. But I made a career writing in English and wrote for 12 years for the @nytimes. I still write. And I teach writing. In English. Since my husband died, I‘m also raising a child and paying bills on my own. 1/.
4
17
147
I worked with my narrative writing students at @Cronkite_ASU to create a list of remote reporting strategies. Sharing the list here; hope it helps journalists and # journalism students out there in these unusual times. 1/.
6
66
155
So proud of @futuromedia for our first #PulitzerPrize in audio for “Suave,” a serial podcast that @Maria_Hinojosa reported for 30 yrs. None of it would be possible w/out super-star producers @ItsJMartinelli & @maggiefreleng and amazing engineering team led by @StefLebaux ✊🏽
9
15
138
Five doses of antivenin and $5,000 later, Rocky the Cat 🐈 is back and really, really annoyed at the bandage covering the rattlesnake’s puncture wound. Thanks to all who wished him well and @bluepearlvet hospital for taking good care of him.
15
2
144
Spent three days with my kid in paradise without wifi or cell service. Missed a lot, but truly didn’t miss a thing. This is all that matters 👇🏽
6
0
144
You can call me Professor Santos 😉
.@nytimes correspondent @ByFernandaS named @ASU Southwest Borderlands Initiative Professor at Cronkite School. Info:
19
22
141