Today we’d like to introduce you to PATRICIA DE LIMA.
Hi PATRICIA, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m from Valencia, Venezuela, and I moved to the United States in 2004. I’ve built so much of my life here, but the Venezuelan in me is always there—in the way I talk, the food I cook, and definitely my sense of humor.
I joined El Zol 107.9 in 2008. Eighteen years! Saying that out loud makes me realize how much of my life I’ve shared through a microphone. Today, I co-host El Meneo with Chepe, waking up with our listeners in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
If you listen to us, you’ll get to know me pretty quickly. I have opinions, I ask questions, and I love a good debate. One minute we’re laughing about something that happened in a relationship, and the next we’re talking about an issue that could affect an entire family. That’s a big part of why I love radio. There’s room for all of it.
Over time, I started doing more outside the studio: creating videos, hosting events, interviewing people, and working with businesses and community organizations. Each project has given me something new to learn. You can have years of experience and still find yourself figuring things out!
I’ve gotten here by working, staying curious, and continuing to put myself out there. And I still have so many things I want to do. Anyone who knows me knows there’s usually another idea coming. The challenge is finding enough hours in the day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I don’t think any road is! Being the first Hispanic woman to lead a morning radio show in the DMV comes with challenges. This is a field that has traditionally been led by men, and finding your place as a woman and a leader takes confidence. You have to stand behind your voice and what you bring to the table, even when it’s difficult.
But I’ve loved my path. I really have. Along the way, I’ve earned the love of my community, their respect, and their trust. That last one means everything to me. People share their lives with me and make me part of their mornings. That’s something you have to earn and continue taking care of every day.
So yes, there have been challenges. But when I think about the relationship I’ve built with my community, I’m proud of the road that brought me here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I host El Meneo, the morning show on El Zol 107.9, serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. I’m also a content creator, an event host, and I work with brands and community organizations on campaigns that reach our audience beyond the radio.
My specialty is making a conversation feel like you’re part of it. We might be talking about relationships, something happening in the neighborhood, or an issue that affects your family. I want you to understand what we’re discussing and feel comfortable picking up the phone and telling me what you think even if you completely disagree with me!
I bring a lot of personality to my work. I love humor, I have strong opinions, and I’m curious about people. When I’m interviewing someone, I want to ask the question a listener might be thinking about on their way to work. That same approach carries into my videos and campaigns: How would I explain this to someone sitting right in front of me?
What I’m most proud of is the relationship I’ve earned with my community over 18 years. Their love is beautiful, but their trust is a responsibility. It matters when someone feels comfortable sharing their story with me or turns to me for information.
I bring my Venezuelan roots, my experience building a life in this country, and everything I’ve learned behind the microphone. There’s a lot of me in what I do. People get to know Patri, and that connection is something I value enormously.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’d say consistency. After 18 years at El Zol, I know how much it matters to keep showing up and putting care into what you do. Some mornings you have all the energy in the world. Other mornings, you have your own worries, but you still have a community waking up with you.
For me, that also means being consistent in how I treat people, how I prepare, and how I follow through. Trust grows from those everyday things. I want people to know they can count on Patri.
I’m still learning and finding things I can do better. I think that’s helped me keep growing through all these years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.audacy.com/elzolradio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciadelima/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciadelima
