## Overview The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is a Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit organization dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanic and Latino journalists in the United States, Puerto Rico, and 21 other countries[2][3]. Founded in 1984, NAHJ provides a unified national voice for Latino journalists, advocating for their fair treatment in the media, expanding employment and career development opportunities, and fostering greater understanding of the unique cultural identity and concerns of Hispanic journalists[1][2]. ## Mission and Activities NAHJ’s mission is to support Hispanic students, professionals, and educators in journalism by organizing a robust national network, offering professional development, training, and mentorship, and advocating for accurate representation of Latino communities in news media[1][3]. The organization runs more than two dozen professional and student chapters across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, with a membership exceeding 4,000 journalists, students, and media professionals[1][3]. NAHJ offers scholarships, internships, workshops, and networking events, and has recently launched palabra, an online platform for freelance members to publish stories on critical topics such as climate change, politics, and culture[3]. ## History and Leadership NAHJ was established in 1984 by a group of journalists seeking to address the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of Latinos in U.S. media[2]. Gerald Garcia, Jr. served as its first president, with subsequent leaders including notable figures like Juan Gonzalez and Evelyn Hernandez, who was the first woman and youngest president at age 28[2]. The organization has grown from 120 founding members to over 4,000 today, reflecting its expanding influence and reach[1][2]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status NAHJ has been instrumental in increasing Latino representation in newsrooms, providing critical resources for career advancement, and advocating for equitable treatment of Hispanic journalists[1][8]. Its advocacy extend