Your Latina Girl Carmen Contreras, will snatch a microphone in a heartbeat and make you "Turn up the Volume." After all, she has captivated Houston listeners for more than 15 years.
Carmen started off in the research department in Houston radio, and one day noticed the DJ never came back to the studio. No music was on the air, so she took it upon herself to start playing some. After all, her nosy self had seen the DJ pushing buttons every day, so how hard could that be? She started pushing buttons even played some Public Enemy music - the dirty version - but quickly realized, "oops … I guess it's supposed to be the squeaky clean version" Her boss was three blocks away but was determined to teach Carmen how to run the radio equipment over the phone. Carmen quickly learned and was also determined to keep learning and never quit!
Her boss, Robert Scorpio, quickly saw that radio passion in her and soon gave her a chance to open the microphone. She still remembers the first song she talked into — "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) by the Digable Planets! That day, a RADIO STAR was born, and since then she has continued to rock the Houston Radio airwaves on 97.9 The Box and Hot 95.7.
Carmen believes in winning and loves the competition in radio because it keeps one on your toes at all times. She brings talent, history, and she IS Houston. Carmen Contreras was the spokesperson for Texas Bay Credit Union for four years, and partnered with the Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros.
Carmen has participated in throwing out the first pitch at several of Houston Astros home games. She has also worked with the Texas Executive Women Mentoring Program. She has a passion when it comes to high school students and often takes time to mentor them by speaking about her success, how to dress for job interviews, and prepare for life after they leave school..
She goes above and beyond for her community, volunteering at numerous events every year. Not only do you hear "Your Latina Girl" on the radio, but you can also catch her on Fox 26 TV Friday nights with host Isiah Carey on the Isiah Factor Uncensored.
Carmen has been married for 12 years to Kelton Smith, and they have four dogs — Paul Wall, Ciarra, Fendii, and Sasha. Wherever “Your Latina Girl" goes, she brings her entire entourage — her listeners whom she calls her “Radio Babies.”