Like a machine without brakes, Mildre Aquino, “La Makina”, is sweeping Latin radio and now her talent takes her straight to the nomination for Announcer of the Year at the 2026 Soberano Awards. With more than 24 years in front of the microphone, Mildre has built a solid career at Amor 93.1 in New York, where her “full machine” style spreads positive energy and connects every day with thousands of listeners in the Latin community, turning her program into a space that inspires and accompanies.
His name is not only a pseudonym, but a true brand that reflects his discipline, charisma and passion for radio. This nomination recognizes years of effort, creativity and dedication, and also demonstrates how the Dominican diaspora continues to leave its mark on international media.
Read the full interview and discover how Mildre experiences this recognition, how she keeps her energy at its maximum and what her message is for young communicators who dream of success inside and outside their country.
After 24 years in front of the microphone, what does this nomination for Announcer of the Year at the 2026 Soberano Awards have that makes it different from any other recognition in your career?
Like Mildre Aquino, “The Machine,” this nomination recognizes years of work and dedication in this part of the world. I work with conscience, joy and determination, and I have given myself a slogan: “full speed ahead”, so that, even if my listeners are going through difficult times, my voice is an injection of positive energy every day on Amor 93.1 in New York. Being nominated for broadcaster of the year pushes me to constantly focus and reinvent myself. It is an honor that my country values my work and it fills me with pride to know that we are doing work that respects, adds and connects with people.
Your voice accompanies thousands of Latinos every day in New York. At what moment did you feel that “The Machine” stopped being just a stage name and became a brand on the radio?
From the beginning I knew very well why they gave me the pseudonym “The Machine.” As I mentioned, it’s the adrenaline I inject into people on the radio. Thanks to two wonderful people who gave me the opportunity, I was able to realize what I have been able to achieve, to be and do things that I didn’t even know I had. Being with them and offering that beautiful energy has allowed me to maintain a name and a brand.
I really understand that “Mildre La Maquina” is a product that is exported, because I also work my voice as a commercial voice. I am a voice over and I work as a voice actor; I have even made interpretations of dolls and other similar productions.
Many Dominicans dream of succeeding in the United States media. What has been the biggest sacrifice you had to make to get here?
Well, I worked for 17 years without interruption in my country, always connected with an audience that still longs to hear me on the radio. Luckily, now I provide the techniques so that you can also listen to me through different platforms that allow this radio station to be heard in real time.
Yes it was a little difficult at first, only a few months, but I took it as an opportunity. Others will say, “Oh, were you on vacation?” But I hardly took vacations in my country; He always worked. And although many see it as a hobby, my work is fun, but I also make a living from it.
From the diaspora, how do you experience a nomination for such an important award in your country? Do you feel more excitement, more pressure or both?
The feeling is more of preparation: one has to get ready to look good and according to the ceremony. Thank God, I have many people who have worked with me for years and who have been waiting for this moment to give that touch to Mildre, “La Maquina”, as a nominee in these very important awards, not only for Dominicans, but also for Latinos who have been recognized before, like Bad Bunny, whose first prize was a Soberano.
I see the nomination as a motivation to continue being present at the awards in the coming years and to work with more quality. It also allows me to reinvent myself every day and keep up with the changes, without resorting to vulgarity or disrespecting anyone, but rather maintaining my happy line, which adds up and keeps people “at full speed.”
If you win this recognition, what message would you like to send to young Dominican communicators who dream of succeeding inside and outside their country?
Always work focused and do not set limits, because limits are mental. Work spiritually, know yourself, know who you are and what you want to achieve, and give to others. Knowing yourself allows you to focus on a character or create a personality that connects with people.
Success does not come by magic; Constant work and discipline open many doors, sometimes even more than talent. We are all born with talents, but if you are interested in entertainment and everything that it entails, remember to work with care, respect, dedication, love, commitment and seriousness, so that doors continue to open and you can achieve everything you set your mind to.
