LEADERS SPOTLIGHT – Myra Aruz, known as DJ Mamizonga
Champion of Community and Salsa Culture in the Wiregrass Region
For over 30 years, Myra Aruz has been a driving force in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, serving as CEO of Wiregrass Hispanic Latino Outreach (WHLO). Her unwavering commitment has empowered Hispanic and Latino residents in communities such as Enterprise, Ozark, Daleville, and Dothan, providing essential resources, advocacy, and cultural support.
WHLO addresses critical needs such as housing, safety, transportation, and integration, while celebrating the valuable contributions of Hispanic workers in agriculture and poultry processing.
Myra’s early media work included producing radio content, broadcasting news, talk shows, and music in Spanish to keep the community informed and connected.
As DJ Mamizonga, she channels her passion into vibrant entertainment, blending bilingual energy with cultural pride. Her dynamic personality shines through collaborations that unite service and celebration.
Currently, Myra partners with Luxe Mastermind in Daleville, a network focused on leadership, unity, excellence, and empowerment. She participates in networking and business coaching sessions while producing interviews that highlight local businesses, non-profits, and community leaders. This content is shared on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok in both English and Spanish for broad reach.
Her most recent project is a collaboration with Spanglish Entertainment Magazine, a bilingual publication now circulating in the Wiregrass region. This magazine highlights the Hispanic-American cultural fusion, emphasizing salsa, freestyle, and Latin rhythms. DJ Mamizonga contributes a dedicated Wiregrass segment on community engagement, showcasing local stories and events. The magazine is complemented by her podcast, which interviews music industry celebrities—including freestyle DJs from across the country—in both English and Spanish.
Building on this momentum, DJ Mamizonga is producing an exciting event on May 2nd titled “1 Tributo 2 Gigantes” (A Tribute to Two Giants). This special gathering will honor salsa legends with performances and tributes from renowned artists: Herman Olivera (the Grammy-nominated sonero known as “The Sonero of the 21st Century,” famous for his work with Eddie Palmieri), David Atanacio (an emerging salsa vocalist with hits like “De La Vieja Escuela” alongside Olivera), Luis Gonzales (the explosive “Salsa Tsunami,” a trumpeter and bandleader who pays tribute to Ray Barretto), Tommy Olivencia Jr. (timbalero and bandleader who continues the legendary legacy of his father Tommy Olivencia with La Primerísima), JCEE Colón (dynamic salsa singer and leader of Zalsa en Control), and Eddie Vázquez (a prominent figure in the salsa scene). Expect high-energy salsa, dancing, and cultural celebration!
Myra Aruz, aka DJ.Mamizonga, exemplifies dedication to community betterment and musical heritage. Her work inspires connection, pride, and joy throughout the Wiregrass—one interview, one beat, and one event at a time.
