Denver's Lori Lizarraga co-hosts NPR's "Code Switch" podcast - Axios DenverLog InLog InAxios Denver is an Axios company.

Denver' s Lori Lizarraga named new co-host of NPR' s Code Switch

Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo courtesy of NPR Local listeners of NPR's "" will hear a familiar voice over the airwaves later this year. Driving the news: — a former 9News journalist now based in Philadelphia — has , a role in which she will explore how race shapes American society.The first-generation daughter of Ecuadorian and Mexican immigrants plans to elevate Latino voices and stories and offer a fresh perspective she hopes will resonate with Spanish-speaking communities. Why it matters: Lizarraga, an award-winning journalist, has been a champion for more diverse representation in the newsroom. Last year, she , 9News, over alleged discrimination after she and two other on-air Latina reporters were laid off without adequate reason. What she's saying: Obstacles that have come with challenging the media industry have "all been building blocks to get to this point … and a crucial part of what has qualified me for the role," she told Axios Denver. We caught up with Lizarraga about what makes her tick: First tap of the day: The shared family album on her iPhone, to peep the latest photos and videos of her nephew, Liam (with whom she usually starts the day over FaceTime). ? Morning fuel: Green juice blended with spinach, romaine, celery, cilantro, lime and "whatever fruit is in season." Podcast queue: "," a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast that tells the true story of a minor sentenced to life in prison who was released and suddenly gets a second chance. "I have been profoundly moved," Lizarraga says. Reading list: "," by Danny Trejo with Donal Logue, which Lizarraga stresses is "really, really good." Favorite sips and eats in Denver: for dinner and for a cocktail. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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