September is Hispanic & Latino/a Heritage Month. In this post, we spotlight the exceptional career of one of our community members: Jenniffer Guerra.
Guerra is a meteorologist originally from Cuba and currently a member of the Telemundo 51 weather team in South Florida. She delivers weather forecasts, scientific reports, and atmospheric insights to the Spanish-speaking community across the Miami–Fort Lauderdale area.
Guerra is a multiple Emmy Award winner. She holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from the Higher Institute of Technologies and Applied Sciences (InSTEC) in Cuba and a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. She is also an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM).
For Guerra, meteorology represents the perfect intersection of two of her greatest passions: science and communication.
What are a few highlights from your career?
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in different areas of meteorology. I started as an aeronautical meteorologist, working day and night alongside flight crews and air traffic control. During my master’s degree in Brazil, I worked as a researcher on atmospheric studies and data collected at the Brazilian Antarctic Station. As a broadcast meteorologist, I’ve covered extreme weather events in deserts, mountains, and tropical regions across the U.S.
What are you most proud of in your professional life?
I’m most proud of building my career as an immigrant while overcoming language and financial barriers, becoming a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society, and now serving the Hispanic community alongside South Florida’s No. 1 news team, regardless of language.
Have things changed for Hispanic meteorologists or scientists over the years? What still needs to change?
Hispanic meteorologists and scientists have gained more visibility and recognition, largely because our communities seek us out as trusted sources of information. But misinformation, especially on social media, has become a major challenge. We need more support, visibility, and opportunities to help our communities recognize reliable sources and find accurate scientific information.
Are there other Hispanic meteorologists/atmospheric scientists who have particularly influenced or inspired you?
My inspiration started with a satellite image. Meteorologist Maritza Ballester would bring printed satellite images to class and teach us how to identify clouds and recognize weather patterns. We had few resources, but so much passion for meteorology.
Later, cuban meteorologist Gladys Rubio from National Hurricane Center became a major influence. She is a great source of pride and inspiration, especially for Cuban women in science.
