Today we’d like to introduce you to Nautica de la Cruz.
Nautica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While I was in college at San Jose State University, I had a Hip Hop and R&B show on a college radio station 103.3FM KSCU and an internship at a Spanish radio station called 1430AM K-BUENA. Working at KSCU was dope because I got to play the kind of Hip Hop music I loved listening to growing up in New York. Working at K-BUENA was another story because it was a Spanish music format, different from the Salsa I grew up on. So, it was tough not only because of that but because in addition to working on the air, I had to work in promotions, marketing, and programming. Back then, I was like, “Man! This is a lot of work!” But now, I can look back and be grateful for all I learned because it prepared me for a career in radio that has lasted over 23 years and has taken me from the Bay to LA, where I landed my 1st major market job at the illustrious Power 106. After a few years there, I went across the street to the late 100.3FM The Beat, where I did mornings with Hip Hop greats Ed Lover & Dr. Dre and then with comedian/TV host Steve Harvey. And now, I work for Stevie Wonder at 102.3 KJLH! I’ve been blessed to have worked with legends throughout my career.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not easy getting a job in radio. I was turned down 14 times before I got my first radio job. And after 14 times, you can either give up or you pull your big panties up and say, “No matter what it takes, I can do this. I’m going to make it and I’m going to prove them wrong.” So, I did and got my first radio job. It’s also not easy being a woman in radio. Like most careers, women are underpaid and that was the case with me when I first started. With my first salary, I couldn’t understand how I had made more money part-time than full-time. I asked another radio personality that I was working with and he referred me to an agent who shared his negotiation tactics with me and after that, I was able to negotiate a better salary that was comparable to my male counterparts. I believe in equal pay and I know my worth. And I understand that some women get scared to ask for a raise. But my advice to them is to not be afraid because someone is in a management position. Bring your “A” game, back up your facts, and keep your head and chin up. Don’t let your nerves or anxiety get the worst of you. Tell yourself in the mirror “I am valiant and I can do this.” And don’t be afraid to speak up! Like I tell my daughter, “A closed mouth don’t get fed!”
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Most people know me from my days working at Power 106 or working at The Beat with Steve Harvey in the mornings as one of his co-hosts, or “The Angels” is what he called us. Stevie Wonder was a frequent guest on the Steve Harvey Morning Show, and he would always ask me, “When are you going to come and work for me?” Well, after my time as an “Angel” was up, Stevie Wonder got his wish! I called him up and started working for him at his radio station, 102.3 KJLH, where I’ve been for the past 12 years. You can hear me Monday-Friday from 10a-1p on 102.3fm KJLH.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I come from a family of hard workers. I would see my Mother work two jobs to put me through private school so I could get the education she never got. My mom comes from a family of 11 siblings. She only went to the 6th grade because she had to be the Mother figure after my Grandmother had died. When she moved to New York, she knew there was potential to live a better life. There were times I wanted to do stuff with her but Sunday’s was her only day with me. After church, we did anything I wanted to do. All I really wanted was to have my mom. She is the reason I talk for a living. She taught me to speak up and to speak my mind. It’s kind of a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, I speak my mind way too much. She also set my goals without me even knowing. My mother has a way of doing those Yoda Jeti Mind tricks on you. From the time I was 13 to the day I left my house at 23 years old, she would say, “Hija mia, save your money, don’t get pregnant and be better than me-be somebody.” Well, today, I am a saver, I didn’t get pregnant until I was married and I am somebody.” Thanks, Mom.
Contact Info:
- Email: nauticadelacruz@gmail.com
- Instagram: nauticadelacruz
- Facebook: nauticadelacruz
- Twitter: nauticadelacruz
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
