By Cris Greer
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org

WKTV Host Yeli Romero did a livestream interview last Thursday with the Spanish language network Entravision regarding early voting in Grand Rapids from the Wyoming-Kentwood NEWS TODAY newsroom.

“I met Jorge Ramos (international journalist) and his team in Holland, Michigan (Oct. 25), where Jorge and his daughter, Paola Ramos, were interviewing Abdul El-Sayed,” said Romero, host of the Spanish language program Nuestra Gente on WKTV. “I introduced myself to his team … and they later invited me to report on early voting in Grand Rapids.”

Romero also plays a large role in the WKTV program called Hispanic Voices, where U.S. Citizens of Hispanic descent recount their stories of being American and building their communities.

“It was an unexpected and exciting opportunity, especially being able to represent Grand Rapids on a larger platform,” Romero said. “I felt truly blessed to have such an amazing support team behind me, especially my husband, Jesús Gómez, my business coach Mauricio, and Tom (Norton) at WKTV. Their encouragement, guidance and preparation helped me feel comfortable and confident throughout the experience.”

During the live interview, Romero said she was asked about many topics, including what voters thought about Abdul El-Sayed, how the economy is affecting local families and businesses, and whether the Latino community is participating in the election. She said earlier in the week she went into the community and spoke directly with voters about what motivated them to vote.

“Many expressed concerns about high taxes, rising living costs, expensive college tuition, healthcare, and wanting better representation,” Romero said. “One young man shared that his girlfriend had stopped attending college because it was too expensive.

“Others mentioned concerns about immigration enforcement, the impact of AI, and the need for meaningful changes in education and the economy. I also shared early voting observations, including low Latino participation and a noticeable number of women voting. I referenced election information reported by local news outlets, including the Detroit Free Press.”

“This was my first time reporting for a national livestream of this kind. It was an incredible learning experience.”

Romero was asked to report live again on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

“My plan is to be at César E. Chávez Elementary School in Grand Rapids, interviewing voters about what motivated them to participate, their biggest concerns, the economy, education, immigration, and whether they feel their voices are being heard,” Romero explained. “I also want to highlight Latino voter participation and what our community hopes to see from elected officials.”

Television a lifelong dream

When Yeli Romero was 10 years old, she wore her mom’s high heels and pretended to be a boss.

“I wanted to be glamorous, walk red carpets, and inspire others,” said Romero, who dreamt of being on TV or radio as a youngster. “I used to call radio stations just to hear my name on air; it made me feel seen.

“Today, I’m proud to be that voice for others. My dream is to one day be a host on Univision.”

That young boss in her mom’s high heels grew up to accomplish many of her dreams…and much more. 

Her business, ACCESO VIP GR, began as a radio segment she and her husband hosted on La Mejor GR, where they conducted interviews and shared community events and business promotions, thanks, she said, to the opportunity given to them by Chuy Morales. Her team consists of her husband Jesus Gomez, along with a collaboration of talented designers, photographers and creatives. 

“Our passion for promoting businesses quickly became evident, and we realized we loved the promotional work even more than hosting,” Romero explained. “What started as a hobby became our full-time business.

“Today, ACCESO VIP is a full-service bilingual marketing company offering everything in one place: social media management, digital marketing, graphic design, photography, video production, radio, TV, newspaper advertising, and printing. The name means “VIP Access” because we believe every client and follower deserves that VIP experience.”

She created the business after seeing the need for culturally relevant marketing where Latino business owners could find all services in one trusted space, and thanks to her strong network, she was able to integrate services into customized marketing packages.

ACCESO VIP has more than 500 clients

“We help them grow their presence, amplify their mission, and connect with both Spanish- and English-speaking communities,” said Romero, who has promoted more than 3,000 events through culturally relevant marketing. 

Last year, Romero won the Hispanic Businessperson of the Year award from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser. The Gala celebrates the award winners and the rich Hispanic culture in West Michigan, according to the Chamber’s Website.

“It’s a milestone that proves hard work, consistency and passion truly pay off,” said Romero, who graduated from Adelante High School in Grand Rapids in 2002, which has since closed. “This award recognizes commitment to community, leadership and entrepreneurial impact. I believe my years of service in both business and media, my advocacy work, and my efforts to support underrepresented communities through bilingual media contributed to this recognition.

Born in Mexico, Romero moved to Grand Rapids when she was 16 years old.

“I come from a hardworking family and was raised alongside my siblings, Juan Manuel and Elivira Romero, by parents who always encouraged us to be strong and dream big,” she said. “I’m now happily married to Jesús Gómez, and we have two wonderful sons, Isaid and Jael, who are my pride and joy.”

Before launching ACCESO VIP, she worked at many different places, including as a general manager/sales person/event coordinator/radio host at 93.3 FM La Poderosa, as a sales manager/radio host/event coordinator/voice-over artist at La Mejor GR and as a radio host at Alegría Latina 92.7 FM.

A certified Zumba instructor since 2017, Romero teaches wellness and fitness classes as well. 

“I previously taught at the YMCA and for the City of Grand Rapids,” she said. “Now, I focus on private sessions for organizations and companies, including Steelcase, Rockford Construction, The Other Way Ministries and the West Michigan Hispanic Center.”

Finding time for more passions

Romero also has held many community leadership roles, including the manager of both the Southwest Business Association and Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market, and the Wellness Advocate and Social Media Manager of Puertas Abiertas.


When did I realize my strength?

“In 2009, during a St. Jude Children’s Hospital training. Watching those children fight for their lives reminded me that if they could be strong, so could I. That year, we raised $50,000 in a radio-a-thon. It changed my life.”

“God is a very important factor in my life,” said Romero, who also has served as a radio host at WYCE 88.1. “I feel like at moments in my life I lost faith, but that has made my faith even stronger because of all the opportunities he has presented to me. My family has also been an important part of my life in supporting me and encouraging me in a hard time.”