Leyla Santiago, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, is a prominent figure in broadcast journalism, known for her impactful reporting at CNN and her recent role as a visiting professor. If you’re searching for details about Leyla Santiago’s age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, or dating history, this comprehensive biography dives into her life and career with fresh insights, updated information, and a unique perspective. From her fearless coverage of natural disasters to her personal journey as a Mexican-American journalist, we explore her achievements and what sets her apart.
Who Is Leyla Santiago? A Brief Overview
Leyla Michelle Mangual-Santiago, born on July 12, 1980, in Mexico, is a celebrated CNN correspondent and visiting professor at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. At 45 years old, she has built a remarkable career covering critical issues like immigration, natural disasters, and politics. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, reflecting her successful tenure in journalism. Married to videographer Zac Gooch, Leyla keeps her personal life private but occasionally shares glimpses of her family on social media. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing approximately 120 pounds, she embodies professionalism and resilience.
Early Life and Education: Roots and Ambition
Born in Mexico to a Hispanic family, Leyla Santiago’s age in 2025 places her at 45, with a rich cultural background that shapes her storytelling. Raised in the United States alongside her twin siblings—a brother and a sister—Leyla’s early life was marked by a blend of Mexican and American influences. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida, where her passion for storytelling took root. Her bilingual fluency in English and Spanish has been a cornerstone of her career, enabling her to connect deeply with diverse communities.
Reflecting on her education, Leyla once shared, “Growing up bilingual gave me a unique lens to tell stories that bridge cultures.” This perspective has fueled her ability to cover complex issues like immigration with empathy and authenticity.
Career Journey: From Local News to CNN Stardom
Starting Out: Building a Foundation
Leyla’s journalism career began at KBAK/KBFX in Bakersfield, California, where she hosted a morning show, captivating audiences with her charisma. She later worked as a reporter at KTUU in Anchorage, Alaska, and NBC29 in Charlottesville, Virginia, honing her skills in local news. Her time at WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, was pivotal, earning her the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont Award for the documentary The Journey Alone, which explored the surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
CNN Correspondent: Fearless Reporting
Since joining CNN in 2016, Leyla Santiago’s salary as a senior correspondent is estimated to range between $95,000 and $185,000 annually, aligning with industry standards for top-tier journalists. Based initially in Mexico City and later Miami, she has covered high-stakes stories, including Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, where her investigation into the government’s underreported death toll led to official updates and earned her a Peabody Award nomination and an Edward R. Murrow Award. Her work on the 2020 U.S. presidential campaigns, covering candidates like Beto O’Rourke and Elizabeth Warren, showcased her ability to humanize political narratives.
In a 2019 interview, Leyla noted, “Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts; it’s about giving a voice to those who are often unheard.” Her coverage of a 2018 migrant caravan in Mexico exemplified this, as she spent nearly a month traveling with families, shedding light on the complexities of U.S. immigration laws.
Current Role: Shaping Future Journalists
In 2023, Leyla transitioned to academia, joining the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media as the Daniels Executive-In-Residence. This role reflects her commitment to mentoring the next generation of journalists. Her firsthand experience covering crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and Florida’s sargassum seaweed invasion informs her teaching, emphasizing ethical reporting and cultural sensitivity. “Teaching allows me to share the lessons I’ve learned in the field, from navigating war zones to amplifying marginalized voices,” she said in a recent UNC lecture.
Personal Life: Married Life, Height, Weight, and Privacy
Marriage to Zac Gooch
Leyla Santiago’s married life with Zac Gooch, a freelance videographer, is a partnership rooted in shared professional passions. The couple met in 2003 at NBC29 in Charlottesville and has collaborated on projects like the award-winning documentary Inside Cuba, which explored U.S.-Cuba relations. While Leyla keeps her personal life private, she occasionally shares heartfelt moments, such as a 2018 Valentine’s Day post where she gifted Zac a coffee cup with the message, “Be My Valentine.” The couple has no children, focusing instead on their demanding careers.
Physical Attributes
Leyla Santiago’s height of 5 feet 5 inches and weight of approximately 120 pounds complement her polished on-screen presence. Her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, maintains her slim figure despite a hectic schedule. “I don’t have time for the gym, but I prioritize mindful eating to stay energized,” she once shared on social media.
Family and Cultural Ties
Leyla’s family ties to Mexico and Puerto Rico remain strong. During Hurricane Maria in 2017, she reunited with her parents in Puerto Rico, a moment she described as “heartbreaking yet grounding.” Her ability to connect with her heritage enhances her reporting, making her a trusted voice for Latino communities.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
Leyla Santiago’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2025, accumulated through her decades-long career in journalism. Her salary at CNN, ranging from $95,000 to $185,000, reflects her seniority and expertise. Additional income from awards, speaking engagements, and her professorial role at UNC contributes to her wealth. Unlike some high-profile anchors, Leyla’s financial success is tied to her impactful reporting rather than celebrity endorsements, a testament to her journalistic integrity.
Leyla Santiago Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leyla Michelle Mangual-Santiago |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Mexican-American |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.67 m) |
| Weight | 120 pounds (55 kg) |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism, University of Florida |
| Occupation | CNN Correspondent, Visiting Professor at UNC Hussman School |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Spouse | Zac Gooch (married) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $95,000–$185,000 annually (estimated) |
| Awards | Alfred I. DuPont Award, Edward R. Murrow Award, Emmy Awards |
| Social Media | Twitter, Facebook |
Unique Insights: Leyla’s Impact on Journalism
Leyla’s career offers a case study in resilience and ethical journalism. Her coverage of Hurricane Maria not only exposed government inaccuracies but also sparked policy changes, with Puerto Rican officials revising death tolls after her reports. This impact underscores the power of investigative journalism to drive accountability. Additionally, her bilingual reporting bridges cultural gaps, making her a vital voice for Latino audiences in the U.S. and beyond.
A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center highlighted that only 11% of U.S. journalists identify as Hispanic, making Leyla’s contributions to diversity in media significant. Her mentorship at UNC further amplifies this, as she trains students to approach journalism with empathy and rigor.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Leyla actively engages with her audience on social media, with over 10,500 followers on Facebook and a growing presence on Twitter. Her posts often highlight her reporting, such as a 2019 tweet about a GoFundMe-funded border wall in New Mexico, showcasing her commitment to on-the-ground journalism.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Leyla Santiago’s age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, and career paint a picture of a dedicated journalist who blends professionalism with cultural authenticity. From her early days in local news to her current roles at CNN and UNC, Leyla’s journey is one of impact and inspiration. Her story reminds us that journalism, at its best, is about truth, empathy, and amplifying the voiceless. For more details, visit her IMDb profile or explore her work on CNN.
