By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Hello readers, I’m Dianté Marigny, the new editor-in-chief of this wonderful publication. Some of you may recognize me from my two years as a Channel 5 News Anchor-Reporter.
I moved to the RGV about three years ago to work in news. I almost immediately knew that one day, I would reside on the beautiful South Padre Island. When I lived in Weslaco, I would bring my two daughters to
the island almost every Saturday morning, before my 2 p.m. shift at KRGV. That’s how much I adored this place. I never wanted to leave. In fact, I frequently covered SPI stories during the week, just as an excuse to
visit the island. (Don’t tell my old producers.)
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my livestock animals (a mini bull and donkey…they are in Mercedes) , crocheting, and watching movies.
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I grew up in Dallas. Although the big city can be fun, I find The Valley tremendously peaceful, especially, and I can say this again and again, the Island.
I have a bachelor’s Degree in Communications-Broadcasting, obtained from The University of Texas at Arlington. During my time there, I mastered graphic design, video and photo editing, web writing and design,
radio communication, television broadcast techniques, digital and social media marketing, newspaper writing, magazine writing, public speaking, and so much more.
After graduation, I obtained a position at an NBC/FOX affiliate news station in Tyler, Texas, as a multimedia journalist. There, I was responsible for filming, writing, editing, and presenting multiple DAILY news
stories by deadline on my own. My time there furthered my media experience and helped me tremendously in time management. My results and skills allowed me to land a job here on the Texas-Mexico border as the
Weekend Anchor at Channel 5.
As I became more well-known in the area, companies and cities began reaching out to me to MC their annual events. A few events I was the MC for were the City of Weslaco’s State of the City Address,
Brownsville’s Juneteenth Gala two years in a row, Village in the Valleys annual celebration, and more. I also participated in countless career days across the Valley, teaching the youth about the value of learning to
communicate.
During Brownsville’s Juneteenth Gala 2024, I was honored by the Cameron County Judge and Commissioners in an official Resolution for my “outstanding service” and my “commitment to journalistic excellence,” demonstrating “professionalism, integrity, and a passion for delivering accurate and timely news”. This honor was a huge surprise I’m still so thankful for today.
Before becoming a journalist, I was a licensed realtor here in Texas for 7 years. I obtained my real estate license in New York as well. During my time as a realtor, I spent some time initially being an office manager
for companies like Keller Williams and other agents/teams in the field. I also did some transaction coordinating for real estate teams where I was the liaison and coordinator from contract to close. This gave me the skills I needed to step out on my own. In fact, creating video house tours and utilizing marketing strategies like making open house signs and flyers to build my real estate business is what led me to get my degree in the communications-broadcast field.
I am so thankful to be in this position here at the Press. When I was a writer for my college newspaper, I’d refer to myself as the Black “Carrie Bradshaw” (if you know, you know). It’s an honor to fulfill that role for
myself again and an honor to tell your stories each week. Thank you to our publisher Ray Quiroga, for trusting in me, and thank you to our long-time editor Alexandrea Bailey, for passing the torch.
I am excited to see what the future holds for this publication, and how I can be of service to you all.
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