Managing Editor, Julie Schwietert Collazo in Tijuana, Mexico; Photos courtesy of Collazo Projects.
Do you know the names behind Matador’s blogs? In this new series, we’ll introduce you to the people who keep the Matador machine humming.
Managing Editor, prolific writer, published author, and new mother Julie does it all. She runs the bi-lingual blog, Collazo Projects which is dedicated to telling previously untold stories from Latin America. She recently contributed a chapter to the book, The Voluntary Traveler, and is currently working on a couple features for Fodor’s Puerto Rico, 6th Edition.
Name:
Julie Schwietert Collazo
Role at Matador:
Managing editor of the Matador Network; lead editor on Change and Pulse blogs.
How You Found Matador:
Through a posting on Craigslist in 2007.
How You Got Brought On Board as An Editor:
Julie in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Like Carlo, I was really engaged in the Matador Travel community, writing blogs, responding to others’ blogs, and becoming a destination expert on Havana.
I was also a regular contributor across the Network, so I suppose my passion for travel and my appreciation of Matador was evident.
What Projects Are You Working on For Matador Right Now?:
In addition to screening all incoming articles and directing them to appropriate section editors and writing articles for Change and Pulse, I’m writing a couple of continuing education courses for our travel writing school, Matador U.
I’m training three new interns.
I’m doing lots of behind-the-scenes work that keeps any organization moving forward. I’m dreaming of translating the U curriculum into Spanish.
That last one may take a while.
Where You Live:
I currently live in NYC and really miss Mexico City, where I lived until recently.
Your Next Trip:
I’m leaving for South Carolina later this week to spend Thanksgiving with my family. My husband and I will be traveling with our two month old daughter– it will be her first plane ride. Wish us (and the other passengers) luck.
What You Do When You’re Not Working on Matador Stuff:
Enjoying being a new mom! Finishing up two Fodor’s guidebook assignments. Working as an academic editor, researcher, and English/Spanish-Spanish/English translator. Building my own blog about the writing process. Finishing my applications for a PhD in Spanish.
Community Connection
Want to read more from Julie? Here are two of my favorites:
About the Author
More By This Author
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25 Comments... join the discussion!
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Great to meat you (virtually) Julie! It’s been a blast working with you … I can’t wait to see where the future leads! Enjoy South Carolina!
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If you think Julie’s amazing online, just meet her offline! She’s one of the warmest, most intelligent, genuine person I know. She’s an extraordinary asset to the Matador team.
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I don’t know how you do it all, but I’m glad you do
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I can’t believe this woman juggles this job and a newborn (whom, by the way, is incredibly adorable and I LOVE reading about her). So happy to work with you, Julie!
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I think Julie was one of my first contacts on Matador (I still only have about six, just can’t stop spending most of my time on FB). I’m amazed by all your activities! Wow.
And now I’m going to add your blog to my Google Reader.↵ -
I don’t know how Julie does all that she does and with so much integrity and warmth. Thanks for the great intern training too. Great profile Lola. Have a great time in South Carolina-enjoy this area’s warmer weather!
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Julie gets it done! Where would we be without her? (scary thought)
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I also echo the others on how you manage to juggle all your work plus have time for your daughter, husband and taking advantage of all the cultural events New York City has to offer! I’m glad we had a chance to meet in person last year…and hope to see you next time we come through NYC!
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Julie, the amount of work you do is staggering. And you’re always so helpful. AND…you have a pug!!! That seals the deal – you rock.
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Thanks, everyone!
I love working with you and am really grateful to be part of the Matador tribe. I should give a lot more credit to my husband, who pretty much handles everything on the domestic front and pulls me away from the computer before my eyes pop out of my head.
And for the record: Mariel’s first plane ride was fantastic!
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Julie rocks!
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Good insight into your life, Julie.
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Julie! I echo the others. Don’t know how you get it all done. And how are you so patient, helpful and sweet in the midst of all that work!?
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Seriously, every day I’m astounded. It’s really quite amazing what you get done period, much less everything you’ve gotten done since Mariel’s birth (uh, really, do you ever sleep?).
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Julie, you’re truly an inspiration
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Certainly a busy lady! I don’t know how you fit it all in Julie, but it certainly is impressive
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So lovely to get a sense of your life. Amazing work — you must be so happy and proud to be such an essential part of matador.
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I can’t wait to meet Julie and her family. Working with her for the past couple of years has been an immense privilege and, like everyone else, I marvel at her ability to juggle immense amounts of work with a new family, staying friendly and considerate all the while. You rock, Julie!!!!
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Craigslist! Really…everyone’s already said it, and it’s all true! Thanks so much for everything Julie!
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Julie is wonderful to work with the few times i’ve contributed and I always enjoy reading her posts! please don’t let your eyeballs pop out of your head!
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Aw, thanks, Ryan. I really enjoy working with you, too.
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You’re
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Sorry let me continue…
You’re a new mum and still have time to do all this. You should sell your secret and you’ll make millions!
There’s not many editors who take the time to respond to each of their writers (all the other editors at Matador included of course), but I’m sure Matador has been such a success- both as a website and developing new talent- simply because everyone is, well, nice.
Thanks for all your hard work and I look forward to working more with you.
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Thanks, Matt! It may take me a while, but I try to get back to everyone who contacts us!
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