Veteran leader recognized in media category for 35-year career advancing Spanish-language TV in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 19, 2026 – Migdalia Figueroa, President and General Manager of Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ, part of NBCUniversal Local’s Telemundo Station Group, was recognized by the Sales & Marketing Executives Association (SME) of Puerto Rico with the 2026 Top Management Award in the media category on Wednesday, March 18, at the association’s 75th anniversary celebration in San Juan.
The SME awards recognize executives for outstanding professional achievement, leadership, integrity and the respect they bring to their profession and industry across 14 categories, including education, media, marketing, advertising, technology, tourism and sales. Figueroa was honored for her successful 35-plus-year media career and her impact on Spanish-language journalism and television in Puerto Rico and the United States.
“Migdalia is a visionary, purpose-driven leader,” said José Cancela, president of Telemundo Station Group. “Her strategic leadership and deep commitment to Puerto Rico have strengthened WKAQ and expanded its connection to the audiences we serve. This recognition is a well-deserved honor for her remarkable career and an acknowledgement of the tremendous example she continues to set forth.”
Figueroa has held several key production and editorial leadership roles across Spanish- and English-language media. Prior to being named to her current role in January 2024, Figueroa served as president and general manager of Telemundo 31 Orlando / WTMO, Telemundo 49 Tampa / WRMD, and Telemundo Fort Myers-Naples / WWDT. She also spent time as senior vice president of content and branding for the Telemundo Station Group, vice president of news at Telemundo 51 / WSCV, and later NBC6 / WTVJ in Miami.
“I am deeply honored to receive the SME Top Management Award,” said Figueroa. “I share this recognition with my extraordinary team, whose passion, talent and commitment make our work possible every day. Together, we remain focused on serving our audiences with journalism and storytelling that inform, connect and empower our communities.”
In 2018, Figueroa received the Silver Circle Award, which honors professionals with over 25 years of significant contributions to television.
Telemundo Puerto Rico / WKAQ has been broadcasting quality local news, information and entertainment programming throughout Puerto Rico since it first signed on-air in 1954. As the first local television station to launch on the island, Telemundo Puerto Rico has a rich heritage of producing and televising some of Puerto Rico’s most memorable shows and events, including El Show de las Doce, Llego Menudo, Noche de Gala, Sabado Sensacional, Telecomicas and Dame un Break. Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo Puerto Rico produces and broadcasts more than 20 hours of local news each week, including daily shows Hoy Día Puerto Rico, Alexandra a las 12, Día a Día, Puerto Rico Gana, Raymond y sus Amigos y Rayos X. The station is also the official home of Olímpic Comitee of Puerto Rico. For more information, visit TelemundoPR.com.
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