Karen Silva

Karen Silva is a journalist with a radio, film, and documentary production background. In 2019, she interacted with the Border Center when her husband, Alan Alvina, participated in an Investigation in Tijuana, Baja California. While Karen had produced documentary scripts and worked in radio for many years, she had never conducted an in-depth investigative report. Unfortunately, after publishing an impactful investigation unveiling corruption in the case of the horrendous fire at the ABC Nursery, her husband passed away due to Covid-19. Last year, a mutual friend and fellow reporter approached Karen about conducting a follow-up investigation to honor the legacy of her partner. Karen agreed and joined several Border Center training opportunities to learn about how to develop a story hypothesis, search for public information, and publish well-documented investigative reports. While she was learning, Karen also began to send requests for public information tied to the prior story that had been published. 

When she was asked about her experience working with the Border Center and its mentors, Karen responded by saying “what the Border Center offers is fundamental, because they accompany you throughout the investigative process. You have a mentor that guides you asking questions such as ‘Yes, but what if we search for this piece of information this way… lets resend a request for information asking for this other data.’” Karen also mentioned that she “learned to work as a team” because publishing an investigative report requires the focus and efforts of more than one reporter. While the process was challenging because it brought back emotional memories of her partner, Karen was able to publish the investigative story. In addition, she reports that, as the Chief of Information Officer for a radio program, she has begun to change her reporting methodology, asking for follow up information and fact-checking her reporters. 

Investigation: CAICE: la obra cara e innecesaria para víctimas de la guardería