Leyla Santiago Wikipedia | Biography
Leyla Santiago is a highly regarded foreign correspondent, journalist, and media educator who currently serves as a Professor of the Practice at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She joined the university faculty in the fall of 2023, following an impressive career in local, national, and international broadcast journalism.
Before transitioning into academia, Santiago worked as a correspondent for CNN in Miami. During her time with the network, she earned recognition for her insightful reporting on a variety of topics, including natural disasters, immigration, politics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the complex relationships between the United States and Latin America. Her work often placed her at the forefront of major breaking news stories and humanitarian crises.
In recognition of her growing influence in the field of broadcast journalism, Santiago was named one of Crain NewsPro’s “12 to Watch in TV News” in 2019.
Prior to her role at CNN, Santiago sharpened her skills in several local television markets across the United States, including WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina; KBAK-TV and KBFX in Bakersfield, California; KTUU-TV in Anchorage, Alaska; and WVIR-TV, also known as NBC29, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In 2020, she became part of CNN’s political reporting team, where she covered the U.S. presidential campaign trail. Her reporting focused on the campaigns of Beto O’Rourke and Elizabeth Warren, emphasizing voter concerns and the issues that resonate with communities across the nation.
One of Santiago’s most notable assignments occurred in 2018 when she spent nearly a month traveling through Mexico with a migrant caravan that gained national attention after comments from President Donald Trump. Her reporting highlighted the personal stories of migrant families while also illuminating the legal and political complexities surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
Leyla Santiago Age
So, how old is Leyla? As of 2026, she’s 45 years young! Born on July 12, 1980, in Mexico, Leyla celebrates her birthday every year on that special day.
Leyla Santiago Education
After completing high school, Leyla headed to the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Leyla Santiago Nationality
Leyla proudly holds Mexican nationality and citizenship. She was born and raised in Mexico and identifies with her white heritage.
Leyla Santiago Height | Measurements
Standing at about 5 feet 4 inches (around 1.62 m), Leyla is of average height. However, she hasn’t disclosed any specifics about her other body measurements publicly.
Leyla Santiago Family | Parents
Leyla grew up in Mexico, surrounded by the love of her parents. She once shared a heartwarming video featuring her family at the CNN News station. Leyla also has two siblings, though their names remain a mystery for now. We’re keeping an eye on this and will update you as soon as we can!
Leyla Santiago Husband | Children
Leyla is happily married to her wonderful husband, Zac Gooch, who works as a videographer. The couple even took a trip to Cuba to delve into the evolving relationship between the United States and the island nation, which resulted in their award-winning documentary, Inside Cuba.
Leyla Santiago Professor of the Practice
Leyla Santiago is a highly regarded foreign correspondent, journalist, and media educator who currently serves as a Professor of the Practice at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. She joined the university faculty in the fall of 2023, following an impressive career in local, national, and international broadcast journalism.
Before transitioning into academia, Santiago worked as a correspondent for CNN in Miami. During her time with the network, she earned recognition for her insightful reporting on a variety of topics, including natural disasters, immigration, politics, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the complex relationships between the United States and Latin America. Her work often placed her at the forefront of major breaking news stories and humanitarian crises.
In recognition of her growing influence in the field of broadcast journalism, Santiago was named one of Crain NewsPro’s “12 to Watch in TV News” in 2019.
Prior to her role at CNN, Santiago sharpened her skills in several local television markets across the United States, including WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina; KBAK-TV and KBFX in Bakersfield, California; KTUU-TV in Anchorage, Alaska; and WVIR-TV, also known as NBC29, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In 2020, she became part of CNN’s political reporting team, where she covered the U.S. presidential campaign trail. Her reporting focused on the campaigns of Beto O’Rourke and Elizabeth Warren, emphasizing voter concerns and the issues that resonate with communities across the nation.
One of Santiago’s most notable assignments occurred in 2018 when she spent nearly a month traveling through Mexico with a migrant caravan that gained national attention after comments from President Donald Trump. Her reporting highlighted the personal stories of migrant families while also illuminating the legal and political complexities surrounding U.S. immigration policy.
Salary
As a correspondent and journalist at CNN News, Leyla earned a respectable salary. Her estimated annual income was around $160,000.
Leyla Santiago Net Worth
Leyla Santiago was a well-known CNN News anchor and reporter, and it’s clear that she’s built up quite a bit of wealth over the years. Her estimated net worth is around $3 million.