Biography (en Español)

Ana María Ariza Buitrago
Colombian
April 6, Barranquilla
5'4"
108 lbs.
Green Eyes
Brown Hair
Light Skin
Languages: English and Spanish


Ana María was born in Barranquilla Colombia, where “La Cumbia” and the “Vallenato” are national anthems. The big event for Colombia is the Barranquilla carnival featuring the beautiful Caribbean women of the coast. Held 40 days before each Easter climaxing with four days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday) of parades, parties, music and dancing. The Caribbean rhythm of carnival music will fill the air weeks in advance of the anticipated celebration. The first day draws the biggest crowd and the seats lining the parade route paralleling the Magdalena River will be full. Ticket prices of around $30 for the four day carnival will vary depending on location and extras provided. The bleachers will have a netting screen for sun protection with a small band playing prior to the parade and during the intervals. It does not rain this time of year and a seasonal Caribbean breeze makes the event comfortable to watch.The carnival’s slogan “Who lives it is who enjoys it” attracts more tourists from all over the world in this time of year and thanks to Shakira it is known that “In Barranquilla they dance like that.” According to Ana María, Barranquilla, Colombia is the best place to live.

Ana María grew up between Barranquilla and Cartagena Colombia. She spent the weekends in Cartagena with her grandparents on her fathers side. Her grandfather, Dr. Lucas Ariza, gave her an insight on how hard work and a strong work ethic can help her accomplish her goals. Dr. Ariza was good friends with Mr. Eligio García, father of the Colombian Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel García Márquez. Ana María would love to hear stories about this legend and he is one of the biggest personalities she wants to interview. Ever since she was a little girl, she shared her fasination for the languages with her grandparents. Her grandmother, Lola Barrios de Ariza was a Spanish teacher, in whom she believes she inherited her the passion to read, write and enjoy the arts.

Ana María attended two bilingual schools as she was growing up. After high school graduation, she went to Bogotá and studied Communications and Journalism at Javeriana University. Upon graduation, she moved back to Barranquilla to work as a journalist. She also worked as a correspondent for the Televista Newscast. As well as working as a host for the video musical production “La Guía.” Her typical day consisted of her hosting, directing, producing, editing, interviewing and selling commercial air time for the show. At the same time she host a radio show called “Talk With Us” based on the public’s opinion.

In 1999, she decided to move to the United States. She started out in Allentown, PA, but the winter, the cold weather and the snow scared her away. She proceeded to follow her dreams and decided to move to Miami Beach, FL. She attended and graduated from Miami Dade College in Television and Radio Production. She work with the production team on Jackass:The Movie. Her first internship at Crescent Moon Records gave her the opportunity to work with Emilio Estefan. She interned as a production assistant on the release of a new artist called Jean Marco. She continued her career by working at MTV Latino © where she started as a production assistant for the show “Conexión.” This experience allowed her to meet and work with one of Ana Maria’s most admired TV host, Ruth Infarinato from Argentina. She also worked at MTV in Miami where she was part of the first Video Music Award Latin America in 2002. After a short time, they offered her a position in New York City. She was in charge of the MTV Latino channel in the network operation center. Working in New York has given her the opportunity to work at the Hotel MTV in 2005, as well as, the red carpet in 2006 as a production management assistant.

She is currently living in the Big Apple where she has been blessed with many opportunities within her field. She has been in television commercials, educational videos and is currently hosting a television show in Queens, NY, called “Baracunátana.” This talk show consists of interviews and current events at a public television station. Her articles have been published in publications such as, El Heraldo, Barranquilla’s newspaper, in the Sunday magazine and in El Especial, a weekly magazine in New York. She has interviewed Mike Newell, Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Giovanna Mezziogiorno and Catalina Sandino among others.