Madison Reporter

Alejandro Nilson Riano, known for his roles as a journalist, teacher, and community organizer, is committed to fostering connections within the Latino community and supporting students at Madison College Goodman South Campus. Riano was awarded the Believe and Succeed award at last year's La Movida Hispanic Heritage Luncheon. He emphasizes, "It doesn’t matter what kind of person is in front of you; they are all our neighbors." His work is driven by a desire for community improvement through understanding and assistance.

At Madison College Goodman South, Riano creates a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. He stresses the importance of communication, stating, "Madison College Goodman South campus is a special place for students because we talk to them in their language, and they feel loved."

Riano’s experiences as an immigrant from Colombia shape his empathetic approach. He explains that many immigrants arriving at Madison College are unfamiliar with local resources and culture, and he prioritizes alleviating their fears by highlighting opportunities for a better life.

Colombian culture, marked by resilience and joy, influences Riano's perspective. "The Colombian people are happy," Riano says. He shares his affinity for Colombian cuisine, particularly bandeja paisa, which he describes as "a plate that combines all different flavors."

Riano values connection and positivity. He explains, "I also see the positive, no matter what happens," emphasizing the lessons learned from sadness to foster happiness.

Reflecting on his career, Riano recalls aspiring to be a lawyer before deciding to pursue journalism. Upon arriving in Madison in 2002, he addressed a gap in Spanish-language media by starting a radio show at WORT and founding MIWISCONSIN.ORG to ensure access to information and advocacy.

Looking ahead, Riano plans to develop a newsletter at Madison College to disseminate information about resources like food pantries and mental health services, which are often under-communicated to immigrants.

Riano is featured in "Profiles from the Pack," a series highlighting the vibrant contributions of Madison College's community members. The series is published twice monthly.