A life marked by sacrifice, without losing faith in herself or in what has become her great calling.

María del Pilar Morales is the voice of the Latino community—especially Puerto Ricans—in Philadelphia. Not just because she lives to help her people, but because she is recognized for her effort, dedication, and genuine desire to serve.

In a nice and heartfelt conversation, the legendary radio host María del Pilar opened up about her beginnings and the journey that has shaped her into the professional she is today.

BEGINNINGS
Since her early days in her hometown of Naranjito, Puerto Rico María has shown strength and a natural ability to express herself with authenticity.

María arrived in the region 42 years ago. “That change was awful. Leaving Puerto Rico, married with two kids, was very hard. I had just graduated in Drama from the University of Puerto Rico, mentored by the famous Puerto Rican director Dean Zayas. Here in the U.S., I started listening to the radio. I cleaned houses, and the most important thing was to work and contribute at home.”

Although she had no formal media training, her desire to grow was always present: “I didn’t study broadcasting, but studying drama helped me a lot in my current work. Everything began with a friend from church who told me he was leaving the radio and that they were looking for a woman. From New Jersey, I went straight to Philadelphia, well dressed. I didn’t know how to use the radio console because you had to play music, talk, do everything! They gave me the job without a test, just an interview.”

However, her story didn’t have an easy start, as her husband didn’t want her to take the job due to the late hours involved, and as a mother, she ultimately declined. But shortly after, her husband had an accident, and she returned to apply. By a strange coincidence, the station’s current female host also had an accident around the same time, and they called María back and this time, she didn’t miss the opportunity. “My husband would drive me to work with the little ones, and then he’d take them to school. That’s how my morning show was born.”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
This past September 2024, María del Pilar celebrated 35 years on the air, making her one of the most recognized voices on the radio in the region. Every morning on La Mega, María del Pilar brings joy, comfort, and a listening ear to her people.

She began her career in radio, then moved into television, hosting events and parties in and around Philadelphia. “I gained experience in politics and current events by joining organizations and getting to know our community more deeply. Radio allowed me to connect with the audience, and mornings changed not just for me, but for them too.”

Television came later, a natural evolution of her direct contact with the public. When Telemundo arrived in Philadelphia, even without a local program, the station manager wanted to meet her. “We started with El Minuto Rojo on Al Rojo Vivo, with María Celeste Arrarás, and then came a magazine-style show with current news, and people really connected with me. I remember the case of a missing girl that got national coverage. So many important stories, but in the end, nothing compares to the neighborhood that’s where spokespeople are truly needed.”

“From the time I started my career until now, I can hardly believe it. And I don’t want to believe it, because once you believe it, you stop growing. I always want to keep searching for more. From the beginning, I instinctively knew this was my path. You wake up each day knowing what you want. I never missed out on opportunities. I was offered jobs in other places, but I never wanted to leave. Something ties me here. The people are the ones who make you, build you, and can also break you. If you don’t connect with people, you have nothing.”

As a key figure in the Hispanic community in Philadelphia, María had the opportunity to interview then-Vice President Kamala Harris during the pandemic—something few broadcasters had the chance to do. Still, she remains a shining example of humility.

“Being a radio host isn’t about who speaks best. When you truly connect, the audience gives you their trust and their lives. To earn that, you must be humble. You can’t think you’re better than anyone else.”

BEYOND THE MICROPHONES
Responsibility, commitment, credibility, and generosity are values that define this matriarch of the people. Regarding younger generations, she believes more people are needed who want to tell real stories and offer real solutions. “I’m not a fan of pessimism or toxic people. Not everyone can do radio, even if many want to. It’s not just about talking—it’s about having purpose.”

Her emotional sensitivity when speaking about certain topics has made her even more relatable to the community. “People like to talk about the economy, but some are struggling terribly. The immigration issue breaks my heart. Seeing people hiding without having done anything wrong… they’re just seeking a better future. I’ve received calls like: ‘María, I can’t go to the supermarket; my kids are afraid to go to school.’ That hits me personally. There are also many elderly people living alone, needing love, wanting to talk, just hoping to be heard. We need to pause and listen.”

Although she loves radio, María wants to do more: “I want to help others to take the leap, because there’s always room for those who do it right. My key is that I’m simply myself. Just normal!”

PROUD OF HER PUERTO RICAN ROOTS
María says she arrived from the island with no malice, but now she has experience. “I don’t regret anything. My father gave me a piece of advice when I started: ‘Daughter, what will you do about envy?’ I didn’t understand it back then, but now I do. I no longer allow humiliation—especially toward my Puerto Rican people.”

“Because I’m Puerto Rican, doors have been closed to me. I’ve been told: ‘I like everything about you, but you’re too Puerto Rican.’ That hurts. I want to tell the world that my island is amazing.”

This proud Boricua is an ambassador of her homeland, and though she left Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico never left her.

As a true Latina, family is everything to her. She has an extended family to celebrate with. This May 10, she will celebrate Mother’s Day with the Trío Renacer and live music at Cantinflas, rejoicing with the very community that has watched her grow. For all this and more, María del Pilar is truly our “Life of Impact.”