Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurora Dominguez.
Hi Aurora, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where storytelling became my language long before I ever realized it would be my career. Surrounded by the warmth, color, and rhythm of island life, I developed a deep appreciation for stories that reflect culture, identity, and community. That passion led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism with a minor in English Literature and Theater from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, followed by a master’s in Mass Communications and Journalism from Florida International University. I began my professional journey in the newsroom, working as a reporter and editor for The San Juan Star, The Miami Herald, and Bauer Media’s J-14 Magazine and Twist Magazine, where I spent over 15 years covering everything from breaking news and entertainment to travel and lifestyle. But over time, I discovered that my true calling was helping others find their own voice. That realization brought me to education, where I now teach Journalism, Creative Writing, and Newspaper at Boca Raton Community High School, home of the award-winning The Paw Print newspaper, and also serve as a professor at the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. Beyond teaching, I continue to write for Booklist, OUTSFL, and Boca Raton Magazine, blending my love of books, travel, and storytelling. Whether in the newsroom, classroom, or at a comic convention in full cosplay, my journey has always been guided by a belief in the transformative power of creativity and the enduring truth that stories, our stories, can change the world.
Alright, 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?
I grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the voices of my community taught me that stories matter. My parents believed in me long before I believed in myself, and that faith became my lifeline when I felt different, when I endured teasing and bullying for being “too loud,” “too imaginative,” or simply too me. Island life taught me resilience, and how the warmth of family and the way that culture holds you up when you think you might fall really stays with you even after you leave the island to pursue your dreams. I carried those lessons into my passion for journalism, earning my bachelor’s from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and my master’s from Florida International University, and it led into more than fifteen years newsrooms at The San Juan Star, The Miami Herald and beyond. But the most important shift came when I recognized I could stop apologizing for being bright, bold and free. I realized that my voice, my story, and my presence were not only valid, they were vibrant and made a difference. That recognition led me from the newsroom to the classroom, where I now teach Creative Writing, Journalism and Newspaper at Boca Raton Community High School, while also serving as a professor and continuing to write for major publications. At home in Hollywood, Florida, with my husband Sebastian and our cats Luna and Bailey, I celebrate the whole of who I am: Puerto Rican, educator, journalist, cosplayer, student of life. Because someone believed in me, and I learned to believe in myself. And honestly a lot of the struggles came from at times not realizing that I could genuinely make a difference being myself and taking off that armor that I placed on myself thinking I needed to fit in with others where it felt comfortable to. My obstacles included financial ones, self doubt, and also mental health struggles. But I made it through and now find myself realizing that in life you do not have to fit in one box only and that’s changed my life. Also, so many people that I love and admired have passed, a lot unexpectedly. And that made me even prouder and thankful that a lot were able to see this girl from a small community in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico gain a summer degree from Oxford University, be honored by Walt Disney World as a 50th Anniversary top 50 teacher in. the United States, and even win Teacher of the Year at Boca Raton High School. Honestly, my doubt in myself at times was my biggest obstacle. But a lot of support has made me realize that I’m worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller and educator who believes in the transformative power of words. I’ve spent my life moving between two worlds, the newsroom and the classroom, and I’ve learned that both have the same heartbeat: truth, creativity, and connection. Today, I teach Creative Writing, Journalism, and Newspaper at Boca Raton Community High School, where I guide students to find and share their voices through storytelling, reporting, and self-expression. I’m also a professor at the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University, where I teach Mass Communications and Journalism to college students ready to enter the media world. Beyond teaching, I continue to write as a journalist for Booklist, OUTSFL, and Boca Raton Magazine, specializing in book reviews, author interviews, and travel and lifestyle features that highlight joy, identity, and culture. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the awards or recognition, it’s watching my students light up when they realize their words matter. It’s seeing them win journalism awards, get published, and find their confidence through storytelling. What sets me apart, I think, is that I live what I teach. I’ve been in the newsroom trenches, I’ve faced rejection and self-doubt, and I’ve learned to embrace every part of who I am, from the Puerto Rican girl who once doubted her voice to the teacher and writer who celebrates that same voice today. My work is about inspiring others to be unapologetically themselves, to tell their stories with heart, courage, and truth and to enjoy it all along the way.
What’s next?
I’m most proud of the balance I’ve built, between educator, journalist, and creator, and how I’ve turned moments of doubt and struggle into opportunities for growth. What sets me apart is authenticity. I bring my full self, from my Puerto Rican roots, pop culture passion, and creative heart, to everything I do. I’ve learned that embracing who you are is the key to inspiring others to do the same.
After years of telling other people’s stories, I’ve completed my own: a novel that captures love, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery in In The Tropics. My next goal is to mentor emerging writers and educators, helping them build confidence in their craft and careers. Whether I’m writing, teaching, or moderating author panels, my mission remains the same, to uplift voices, celebrate creativity, and remind others that their stories have power. I’d love to continue to mentor others, to edit that book, write more, support my island and others that have diverse voices and dream to pursue their art, and to have everyone realize that kindness and hard work goes a long way. And, that it’s ok to knock on doors, even when you worry that someone might reject you. I want to continue a life that leads me to surprises, one with purpose, and one that celebrates me and my loved ones. Also, opening a bookstore with a bar and coffee shop, and some yummy food, would be awesome as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.auroradominguez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auroralydia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auroralydia/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurora-lydia-dominguez/
- Other: https://muckrack.com/aurora-lydia-rodriguez
Image Credits
Sharma Shari Photography (Snow White and Moderating Photo)
ISOSS at Yale University (2018)
