This Thursday, July 24, Francisca, the beloved host of Despierta America, welcomed her third daughter: Raffaella Eleonor Zampogna.
The news was confirmed on the morning show by Jessica Rodríguez, who said: “Raffaella was born!…. We wish you a speedy recovery… Raffaella is a very blessed baby girl”.
The culmination of Francisca’s pregnancy
Jomari Goyso added that Francisca had been admitted to the hospital around 6:00 a.m., and affirmed that both mother and baby were perfectly fine.
The presenter had revealed her pregnancy on January 31, 2025 on Despierta America, moving to tears as she shared the news with her colleagues.
Subsequently, at the end of February, she announced that she was expecting a girl and that her name would be Raffaella Eleonor, in continuity with the Italian family tradition.
Francisca also expressed that this would be her last pregnancy, filling her followers with illusion as she fulfills her dream of being the mother of a baby girl.
Origin and tradition of the name
Raffaella becomes the younger sister of Gennaro, 4 years old, and Franco, 1 year old (the latter born on February 11, 2024).
The closeness between the brothers was reflected in emotional moments during the gender reveal, where Gennaro expressed that he always sensed he would have a sister and Franco reacted with tears to the family’s emotion.
Francisca explained that the choice of the name Raffaella Eleonor, like the names of her other children, has Italian roots: “Because they match her last name,” referring to her husband Francesco Zampogna, born in the U.S. but of Italian descent (and a former American soccer player with the Miami Hurricanes).
Latinos love the Hispanic driver
For Hispanic readers in the U.S., especially in cities with a large Dominican presence such as Miami, New York and Houston, this story represents:
The importance of family and traditions, even among generations born in the United States.
The experience of pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. health care system, which offers bilingual and culturally sensitive hospital services.
An example of successful immigrant women balancing career and motherhood in a multicultural context.
Francisca dijo que quería tener dos niñas, para que hicieran parejita con sus dos niños, pero después de Raffaella, no se sabe si la conductora seguiría con esa idea
What’s next for Francisca
Buzzy
Following the birth of Raffaella, Francisca will be absent for a few weeks from the morning show Despierta America, according to the Univision team.
In the meantime, the family will begin a new stage with the combination of their Italian names, their home in Miami and Francisca’s expressed desire not to have any more children.
In short, the morning of July 24 marked the end of a sweet wait for Francisca: she welcomed her daughter Raffaella Eleonor surrounded by her family’s affection.
For the Hispanic community in the United States, this birth symbolizes the celebration of cultural roots, the union of generations and the strengthening of a significant and visible family in the media.
Here is the video where Raffaella’s birth was confirmed.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
