MJ Acosta-Ruiz is at the top of her game. Not only is she the host of professional football’s most important show on its official channel, she’s also a successful sports podcaster and self-described #CurlyHair Advocate. But getting there wasn’t easy, and is a story of perseverance, talent, and Black excellence for the Dominican-American, who identifies as Afro-Latina. Throughout it all, she’s put in plenty of hard work, but she is also quick to acknowledge the backup and guidance she’s received from family, friends, and mentors. To support the next generation while honoring those who helped her along the way, Acosta-Ruiz is an advocate for other Black women coming up in the sports broadcasting and journalism worlds, which is why she’s honored to be highlighted in the #CIROCStands program for Black History Month.
Ahead of Black History Month, Complex got the chance to chat with the proud Afro-Latina to talk about her journey to the top of sports broadcasting, what it means for her to be there, why her work continues, and her advice to other up-and-coming women who want to emulate her career path. Read on to learn more and to see why Acosta-Ruiz wants “to leave a legacy behind that reminds people that you can win.”
MJ on the Power of Her Platform
There’s a difference between living a dream and accomplishing a goal. For me, I’m doing both at the same time. For me to have this platform means everything to me. I never take it lightly, and I never take it for granted because these positions are so few and far between across the industry, let alone for people who look like us. It’s so important to be able to share your platform with others to share their stories and experiences to larger audiences. I appreciate initiatives like #CIROCStands that provide a platform for these voices to be heard.
MJ on Inspiring Others
I want to leave a legacy behind that reminds people that you can win, your bestie can win, the girl you’ve never met can win, the guy down the street can win, everybody can win, and it’s not going to detract from what you are doing. When one of us wins, we all win and I’m proud to have a spotlight through Mr. Diddy’s initiative to continue sharing stories of mentorship that empower others to do the same.
MJ on Mentorship
I believe a lot in peer mentorship. There have been so many other women and other women of color within this space that I really admired because they were in the fight with me, and still are. I get to work alongside them, and we get to not just lift each other up, but learn from one another.
MJ on Going All In on Sports Broadcasting
I chose to go the sports route and to just throw everything into it. There was no other option really. You have to build that credibility, you have to build the reps. It’s an easy choice to make, not an easy path to follow.