Later this month, a new voice will be added to NPR’s Code Switch — that of Lori Lizarraga.

The award-winning Latina journalist has joined Gene Demby, B.A. Parker, and Senior Correspondent Karen Grisby Bates, as the show’s newest co-host. 

Code Switch is NPR’s award-winning weekly podcast, hosted by journalists of color and tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor while exploring how race affects every part of society. 

In the announcement, Lizarraga shared that it was “an honor and privilege” to be joining the Code Switch team, “as a first-generation daughter of immigrants.”

“For years, I have introduced myself as a 'race and culture reporter' when the truth is where there are people there is race and culture. This beat is in everything and the folks at Code Switch have pioneered an entire award-winning show proving, year after year, diverse stories told by diverse people are essential for everyone,” she added. 

As a listener herself, Lizarraga is eager and excited to bring her Latinidad, and passion for storytelling to the podcast's other loyal listeners. 

Prior to this new role, Lizarraga previously worked at television stations, including KUSA 9News in Denver and KGET/Telemundo in Bakersfield, California. 

In March 2021, Lizarraga’s story became widely known after she published an editorial piece on westword.com entitled, “LatinXed: 9News Got Rid of Three Latina Reporters This Past Year, Including Me,” highlighting the discrimination she faced during her two years with the station. 

Her passion and energy for covering stories about under-reported communities, civil rights and issues involving immigration and Latinx culture made her a notable award-winning journalist. 

“Lori will add a fresh and exciting perspective to Code Switch,” said Vice President of Programming and New Content Development Yolanda Sangweni. 

To this end, Steve Drummond, Executive Producer of Code Switch and NPR Education, added: “Lori brings an energy and passion to her reporting, and a broad interest in all kinds of stories that will really add to the range and depth in our coverage. We're thrilled to have her on the team.”

Lizarraga is the daughter of Ecuadorian and Mexican immigrants and a graduate of Southern Methodist University. She grew up in Texas, but has also spent time living in her mother's native Ecuador, where she won an Emmy award for a documentary on the long-term impacts of the 2016 earthquake.

She is now based in Philadelphia, and is set to debut on the award-winning podcast later this year.