Her Story
About Niurka
Niurka Castaneda, MSLSCM, is a U.S. Army Veteran, media producer, author, and founder of Amor Umbrella®, a purpose-driven media and storytelling platform dedicated to empowerment, healing, and social impact. Following her military service, she worked in government roles before returning to academia to further develop her expertise in business, logistics, and strategic communication. Her academic journey in logistics and business administration ultimately helped shape her entrepreneurial mindset and long-term vision for mission-driven media.
Amor Umbrella® began as a class project that evolved into a retail concept before Niurka pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic into media and storytelling. What started as a podcast interviewing veterans quickly expanded into a television platform, highlighting real stories of service, resilience, and transition. Through this evolution, she discovered the powerful impact of storytelling as a tool for connection and advocacy, particularly within the veteran community.
Today, Niurka focuses on producing documentaries centered on veteran suicide prevention and mental health awareness, as these themes consistently emerged in the stories she encountered. Her work is rooted in a commitment to give hope, amplify voices that are often unheard, and drive meaningful change through media. Across all her platforms including Umbrella Splash Magazine and Umbrellas of Hope TV she remains dedicated to transforming lived experiences into narratives that inspire healing, resilience, and purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Niurka
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to simply start with what you have. You do not need expensive equipment or a highly polished setup to begin creating content your phone is enough to record podcasts, videos, or short-form media. I began my own podcast during COVID in my garden, having raw and unedited conversations, and made plenty of mistakes along the way. However, that experience built my curiosity, confidence, and momentum, eventually evolving into a TV show and documentary. Focus on using the tools available to you today and allow your consistency and willingness to learn to guide your growth.
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