NAHJ Familia,
As I begin a second term as NAHJ president, I’m excited to once again have the opportunity to serve our organization that represents my steadfast dedication in giving my family, my community, its deserved place and recognition in media.
After spending the past weeks reviewing records of the previous years and meeting with staff members and the executive director, I am proud to report the association is in great standing and appreciate inheriting the momentum created by the previous board. It is apparent to me that our immediate past leaders worked tirelessly in putting necessary procedures and processes in place to ensure the organization and its members are protected.
NAHJ has risen to be a leader among the other top national professional journalism associations. I’d like to applaud and acknowledge the outstanding work of Executive Director, Alberto B. Mendoza. Through his integrity, leadership and consistency, NAHJ has captured the attention of partners and funders that put us at an all-time high in many years. The groundwork and vision Alberto has set for our association also puts NAHJ in a place to think bigger, grow faster and provide new opportunities never before achieved by any other minority focused journalism organization. Overall, this association has a lot to be proud of and I am grateful to be continuing the work of the leaders before me.
Additionally, I met with NABJ President Sarah Glover in New York to discuss our shared missions of diverse voices in newsrooms and fair and accurate coverage of underserved communities. We have a willingness to explore opportunities to collaborate with each other and other like-minded organizations. I look forward to these collaborations and my work with the board, staff and you in realizing NAHJ’s mission of more Latinos in news.
Hugo Balta
NAHJ President