by Lydia Gregory

For 17 years, the Cabo Mil radio station electrified the Cabo waves with the latest news, the hottest trends and a most eclectic combination of music. For more than half of those years, Mirna Xibillé was an important part of the Cabo Mil family. “I feel very fortunate, I love my job,” she said at the time of this interview. “I’m one of those people who can say that they get paid to do what they love.”  There is no doubt that radio runs in Xibillé’s veins. A native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, she began to work the airwaves at the tender age of 15.

“I had my start at XE-ACE, Radio Exitos, our family business. My parents were both broadcasters,” explains Xibillé. “I was privileged to learn their trade. It was an unforgettable experience. I have memories of the first time our radio signal aired; of the effort our entire family put into making it a public favorite, my parents hard work and their strong belief in the project. They poured their heart and soul into the station and taught us to love it as well.”

Xibillé worked as a radio operator for five years, then her life’s journey took her to México City, where she rapidly progressed up the ladder in well-known companies such as Radiodifusoras  Asociadas, Organización Impulsora de Radio, Grupo Acir and Televisa. It was there that she dedicated herself to the production of program content.

“It was very satisfying and gave me the feeling that I could somehow transmit to our public my interests and thoughts,” she is. At the time, she also studied music and voice under such masters as Pacod e Miguelez, Willy Gutiérreza nd Enrique Gimeno. During her stint in the entertainment industry, she also came in contact with such celebrities as the famous Lola Beltrán, José Angel Espinoza “Ferrusquilla,” Alberto Angel “El Cuervo,” Fato, Diego Verdaguer and Amanda Miguel.

“I’d always been drawn to the world of show business,” says Xibillé, “so I tried to make a career as a singer. Life, though, had another agenda. However, I’ve always worked to promote music and the artistic media.”

After ten years in México City, Xibillé transferred to the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, where she became part of the team at Promomedios Norte de Sinaloa, headed by Roque Chávez. During her  four-year tenure with the company, she was in charge of several programs, promotions and special events, including ecological counters, political conferences with Pedro Ferris de Con and futuristic topics headed by Jaime Maussan, among others. Upon her return to Mazatlán, she once again collaborated with the family radio business, producing and hosting programs, and developing her skills in public relations and event promotions.

“I finally arrived in Los Cabos in 1996, invited by Cabo Mil Radio, owned by the late Guillermo Salas Peyró, a man of great renown in the world of radio,” she reminisces. “At the time, the station was under the direction of Eduardo Atamoros, who believed in my work. Little by little, I began to diversify in my chosen profession, working on everything from programming, content, newscasts, interviews and political coverage, to organizing huge festivals studded with stars. Also, programs that brought together the commentators that were relevant to what was happening in our country and special promotions for our audiences.” Each year she worked to promote free shows for the community, starring special guests such as German Dehesa, Sergio Sarmiento, Eugenia León, Pablo Milanes, and Betsy Pecanins, among others.

“I think that my job in radio has allowed me to help improve our community. Many people have had their needs met thanks to the implementation of the citizens’ complaint segment, as well as the investigative reporting done by our team.” she says. “I also feel that I’ve fulfilled the duty of every broadcaster, which is to be as objective as possible, transmitting information and managing criticism with great respect.” Among her greatest influences is her father, whom she holds in the highest regard as a capable and talented human being.

“He was a man who knew how to use and share his talent.” she states. “My mother infused me with her serenity and strength. My children have given me all those shared moments, every achievement and every smile, their voices, their presence in my life, the certainty of their love and their faith in themselves.”

“One never stops learning,” concludes Xibillé.

“I hope to continue to grow as a professional and as a human being. My plans include several projects of a personal nature, plus my involvement in the business end of entertainment. I intend to make many of my dreams come true.”

So far, many of them have. And with her background, her drive and her spirited personality. there is little doubt she will reach all the goals she has set for herself.