2024 National Elections

The 2024 elections process is now underway! NAHJ has created an Elections Hub landing page as part of our commitment to remain transparent about the election process. To learn more, click here.

The NAHJ National Board elections will take place between June 29, 2024 and July 13, 2024.

Meet the candidates

Dunia Elvir – President
Dunia Elvir is award-winning journalist and the News Anchor for Telemundo 52’s weekday primetime NoticieroTelemundo 52 at 5:00 p.m. 6:00 pm & 11:00 p.m. Her successful career spans three decades in radio, print and television. She began her journalistic career in 1990 at Telemundo 52 Los Angeles, she joined Telemundo Network in 2002 and returned to KVEA in 2008.

Dunia Elvir

Dunia Elvir is the News Anchor for Telemundo 52’s weekday primetime NoticieroTelemundo 52 at 5:00 p.m. 6:00 pm & 11:00 p.m.

Elvir is an Award-winning journalist with more than three decades of a successful career in journalism, including radio, print and television. 

She began her journalistic career in 1990 at Telemundo 52 Los Angeles, she joined Telemundo Network in 2002 and returned to KVEA in 2008.

In 2023, Elvir was one of seven Latina journalists featured in “¡De última hora! Latinas Report Breaking News,” a bilingual exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History showcasing the work of Latina journalists and how they wrote the first draft of history for major U.S. events for the Spanish-language communities they report on and for.

Elvir’s storytelling has earned her prestigious awards, including 13 Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, three Golden Mikes from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California, 13 Los Angeles Area and a GLAAD Media Award, among others. In 2004, she was named one of the 13 most outstanding Latinas in the United States by the National Association of Latina Leaders (NALL).

Elvir serves as a volunteer teacher for InsideOUT Writers, an organization whose mission is to reduce the juvenile recidivism rate of formerly incarcerated youth and young adults, she is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and serves as the station’s ambassador for March of Dimes’ “March for Babies Walk.”

Elvir earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Elvir also completed a journalism fellowship with the University of Southern California (USC).

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Candidate Statement

As a strong believer in the power of free and independent press, I am the right candidate for President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists NAHJ. Currently, I am serving as the Los Angeles Chapter President for NAHJ and National Spanish At Large officer. Understanding the crucial role journalism plays in a healthy democracy alongside having the opportunity to work hand in hand with the national board with various issues, has given me the strength and proper capabilities to take on this very important role. 

As NAHJ President I will continue to advocate for objective journalism keeping in mind the importance of portraying our community with the variety of skills and strengths we bring to the table; working on  diminishing the stereotypes.

I will focus on working for the vision of this organization, "more latinos in news", ensuring the promotion of diversity by enticing more Hispanics to more decision-making positions within journalism; to have source credibility as a priority to obtain balance, and to better serve our growing community.

In 2004 I participated in my first NAHJ conference, noticing the incredible commitment and work the board members fulfill for the association.  Having this experience first-hand on multiple occasions, it has given me the opportunity to serve my community by helping, supporting, and guiding our younger Hispanic journalists.

As a member of the L.A. chapter, we achieved strategies to present issues regarding more visibility and equality in our newsrooms, we created a series of panels that offer tools for bilingual journalists, attacking all fronts to better support them, including Spanish speakers. As a strong collective, we can achieve this by working together. 

 

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Jaime Cárdenas – VP of Online
Jaime Cárdenas is Director of Social Media and Engagement Strategy for Hearst Newspapers. He helps newsrooms connect with readers and new audiences on social media and prepares reports and analyzes data for leadership teams. He enjoys coaching journalists on the best ways to engage with readers on digital platforms to amplify the reach of their work.

Jaime Cáredenas

Jaime Cárdenas is Director of Social Media and Engagement Strategy for Hearst Newspapers. He helps newsrooms connect with readers and new audiences on social media and prepares reports and analyzes data for leadership teams. He enjoys coaching journalists on the best ways to engage with readers on digital platforms to amplify the reach of their work. Prior to joining Hearst Newspapers, he was a Content Strategist at Gannett and a Digital Editor at The Tennessean and for the Southern California News Group. Prior to focusing on digital journalism, he was a sports reporter for The Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times and also worked in sports PR for the LA Galaxy.

Jaime is a proud border kid who was born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana. He attended school in Mexico and only began to take classes in English when he enrolled at a college in the U.S.

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Candidate Statement

Helping journalists sharpen their digital skills and connect with their digital audience has never been more important than it is right now. I’m very passionate about this given the constant shifting happening with social media, search, newsletters, etc.

Prior to joining Hearst, I organized a four-part training series for journalists at Gannett on the importance of going beyond Twitter to reach readers. Each part helped journalists learn how to best tell stories and engage with audiences on other social media platforms. Prior to my role as a social strategist I would do similar training sessions that focused on search. I enjoy helping newsrooms and journalists make the changes they want to make so they can continue to inform the community and hold the powerful accountable.

I have more than 15 years of experience in journalism and public relations and during my career I have worked on SEO, social media, digital strategy, analytics, podcasts, newsletters, digital graphics, digital subscriptions, SMS and many other digital initiatives and projects.

If elected NAHJ Digital Vice President, I would welcome the opportunity to represent and advocate on the board for NAHJ members that work in digital roles and, at the same time, help curate training sessions aimed at improving digital expertise and leadership opportunities. 

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Julio-Cesar Chavez Andino – VP of Broadcast
Julio-César Chávez Andino is a video reporter with Reuters working out of Washington D.C. Prior to his current role, he spent five years as an on-camera reporter with KVIA in El Paso. He currently holds the position of NAHJ VP of Broadcast and has been an member of the organization since 2015.

Julio-César Chávez Andino

My name is Julio-César Chávez Andino and I am a video reporter with Reuters working out of Washington D.C. I moved here April 2020 after spending five years as an on-camera reporter with KVIA in El Paso.

I decided to run for NAHJ’s Broadcast VP job because I believed our organization could benefit from having stronger standardized and institutionalized processes, and the work has been paying off.

I’ve been an NAHJ member since 2015 when I was a college student at UTEP.

I started to get into journalism in high school where I took broadcasting classes and developed as a photographer when I worked four years at a wedding/quinceañera studio. When I was 20 years old, studying at El Paso Community College, the news director at KVIA offered me the initial weekend reporter job. I would stay at KVIA for five years, freelancing on the side, which eventually got me hired at Reuters.

I’ve now covered monumental protests, natural disasters, and breaking news across the country. It’s on these assignments I have met a wide range of NAHJ members: from local freelancers needing help with jobs to national reporters wanting to grow and move up.

The bulk of our members are the ones that need help the most, it’s them I want to serve.

I’m proud of the work I’ve done the past four years and want to earn your vote to keep working and helping our members for one more term.

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Candidate Statement

I’m running for re-election as Broadcast Vice President to serve all broadcasters and give NAHJ a solid foundation that serves everyone. 

In the past four years I have been able to work on my main goal: strengthening the NAHJ as an institution. 

I’m proud to have helped hire Yaneth as our new executive director, spoken up on behalf of our broadcast constituents as part of our Rapid Response Team, and organized Hostile Environment Training in preparation for election coverage.

The largest project so far: the 2024 Bylaw Updates, which we have been working on for years.

My goals for this next term are to strengthen the NAHJ as an institution that serves our member directly and engages them to provide solutions and initiatives.

It’s for this reason that I will push to fully develop the Broadcast Advisory Committee as a group that can carry on after my term ends in two years. And I need yout help.

We need volunteers who are willing to help develop one training per quarter. People will be sorted not just into audio or video, but into specific working groups that will develop detailed and niche initiatives to serve members directly.

Audio members, this is your chance to have NAHJ serve you and your colleagues!

If you would be interested in working with the Broadcast Advisory Committee please fill out this form and you will be contacted after the conference. 

Thank you 

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Nancy Preyor-Johnson – VP of Print
Nancy Martinez Preyor-Johnson is the deputy editorial page editor and an opinion columnist for the San Antonio Express-News. She serves as the Region 5 Director for NAHJ, where she helps lead the strategic planning implementation committee. She also serves as President of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, which raises scholarship funds for local Hispanic students.

Nancy Martinez Preyor-Johnson

Nancy Martinez Preyor-Johnson is the deputy editorial page editor and an opinion columnist for the San Antonio Express-News. 

She serves as the Region 5 Director for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, where she helps lead the strategic planning implementation committee. Preyor-Johnson also serves as President of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, which raises scholarship funds for local Hispanic students.

In April, she was named the Star Opinion Writer of the Year by the Texas Managing Editors and the Headliners Foundation of Texas. Her team has won numerous first place state and national awards. 

 Her journalism career began in South Texas at college newspapers, first at Del Mar College and then at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she was Editor-in- Chief at the South Texan. 

 She worked at the Alice Echo-News and at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, where she was an investigative journalist. In 2006, she moved to San Antonio to work at the San Antonio Express-News, where she focused on child abuse, homelessness, and education.

 Preyor-Johnson left journalism to work as a junior high and high school teacher for 8 years, one of which she was named Teacher-of-the-Year.

 A native of the South Texas town of Mathis, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

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Candidate Statement

My name is Nancy Martinez Preyor-Johnson. I am a columnist and the deputy editor of the San Antonio Express-News editorial board. For the past year, it has been an honor to also serve as the NAHJ Region 5 Director.

In my first year, I missed only one board meeting; I advocated for professional and college chapters and affiliates; I helped lead the strategic planning implementation committee; and I helped with the process of hiring a new executive director.

As a working journalist, I have a pulse on our industry, and I’m committed to strengthening our community through NAHJ and in my professional role.

Hispanic journalists must do more than show up. We must thrive. We must show America why the journalism that we produce is crucial to our communities.

Telling stories that matter to our diverse communities is critical.  No one can tell our Hispanic communities’ stories the way we can tell them, but there aren’t enough Hispanics in journalism, especially in management. That’s why it’s critical that each one of us is heard and supported.

I know many NAHJ members and chapters aren’t as active as they could be. We can improve in not only retaining and engaging our members but attracting new ones. We are stronger together.

Importantly, NAHJ must fortify the pipeline of future Hispanic journalists. We must continue to establish a meaningful dialogue with collegiate journalism program leaders and prioritize mentorship and support of young Hispanic journalists. Thanks for your support. I’ll see you in Hollywood!  

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Andres H. Martinez – Financial Officer
Andrés H. Martínez, a journalist at heart, writer and content creator, currently serves as the treasurer for the NAHJ Los Angeles chapter. Prior to landing his job in Los Angeles as an assignment editor at Telemundo Los Angeles, Andrés worked as a news producer in Oklahoma City where he helped rebuild Telemundo Oklahoma.

Andrés H. Martínez

Andrés H. Martínez, a journalist at heart, writer and content creator, currently serves as the treasurer for the National Association of Hispanic Journalist, Los Angeles chapter.

Prior to landing his job in Los Angeles as an assignment editor at Telemundo Los Angeles, Andrés worked as a news producer in Oklahoma City where he helped rebuild Telemundo Oklahoma, and to regain the trust of the Hispanic community.

From Telemundo Oklahoma, Andrés moved to Telemundo Dallas/Fort Worth where he also worked as a news producer, and where he was nominated for three Emmys. Andrés received a bachelor's degree in print journalism and a second one in Spanish, from California State University, Fullerton.

You might find Andrés Martínez in a newsroom, or maybe you will come across one of his projects online; or maybe you will see him dropping off donations at a migrant shelter in Tijuana, México, or you might even find him serving drinks at a nightclub; or you might see him trying all sorts of tacos in your local taquerias and writing all about them.

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Candidate Statement

As the NAHJ Los Angeles Treasurer for the past three consecutive years, I believe I am a
great candidate to be the organization's next Financial Officer.

Many years ago, when I became a student member of the organization, I felt a warm
welcome from the organization. Not only has this organization provided me with a
familia, but this opportunity has also opened doors for me and has allowed me to expand
my network. I feel this is the perfect time to pay it forward and serve my familia in a new
role.

With a deep passion for journalism and a commitment to upholding the highest
standards of integrity and excellence, I am eager to help lead NAHJ into a new era of
innovation and growth, along with my fellow members.

As the treasurer for my local chapter, transparency has been one of my main goals, and if elected Financial Officer, I will continue striving for it.

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Dr. Pedro Cabrera – Academic At-Large Officer
Dr. Pedro Cabrera is a nationally recognized educator with nearly 13 years of experience in journalism education and education-specific communication. Over nearly nine years, he managed a state and nationally-recognized journalism program at Judson High School in Converse, TX, which included the creation, editing, and production process of multiple community-wide publications.

Dr. Pedro Cabrera

I am Dr. Pedro Cabrera and I’m running for the Academic At-Large Officer seat on NAHJ’s board. I hope I can count on your support.

I am a nationally recognized educator with nearly 13 years of experience in journalism education and education-specific communication. Over nearly nine years, I managed a state and nationally-recognized journalism program at Judson High School in Converse, TX, which included the creation, editing, and production process of multiple community-wide publications and online social media accounts, creating sales and marketing plans, and growing multiple journalists.

I've also collaborated with administrators, principals, directors, and superintendents to enhance various campus and district messaging through photography, videography, newsletters, social media, and web design. I’ve been involved with various campus and district committees, and state and national nonprofit boards, including mentoring new educators and coordinating a national campaign that focuses on journalism education through the Journalism Education Association.

Recently, I became a Doctor of Education, defending a study that focused on the administrative use of prior review in high school journalism programs. As a Lecturer of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I'm chairing an exploratory committee to lead the efforts to establish the first BA in Journalism, part of the exploratory committee to refresh the BA in Communication, and part of the community engagement committee to heighten the visibility of the communication degree. I’m also creating the first Digital Audiences course, which provides an overview of digital media consumers and common methods of audience analysis such as secondary analysis of data, survey research, focus groups, and interviewing.

I believe in championing equity, diversity, access, inclusion, and belonging in academic and service activities by developing opportunities for collaboration and community. As an educator to my core, my mission is always to promote learning environments that are welcoming, affirming, equitable, inclusive, and diverse to foster a sense of belonging in my classroom and beyond, with the goal of advancing student potential and growth.

I hope I can bring the same sense of forward motion, and importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion, by joining the NHAJ Board as the next Academic At-Large.

 

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Candidate Statement

I am Dr. Pedro Cabrera and I’m running for the Academic At-Large Officer seat on NAHJ’s board. I hope I can count on your support.

I am a nationally recognized educator with nearly 13 years of experience in journalism education and education-specific communication. Over nearly nine years, I managed a state and nationally-recognized journalism program at Judson High School in Converse, TX, which included the creation, editing, and production process of multiple community-wide publications and online social media accounts, creating sales and marketing plans, and growing multiple journalists.

I've also collaborated with administrators, principals, directors, and superintendents to enhance various campus and district messaging through photography, videography, newsletters, social media, and web design. I’ve been involved with various campus and district committees, and state and national nonprofit boards, including mentoring new educators and coordinating a national campaign that focuses on journalism education through the Journalism Education Association.

Recently, I became a Doctor of Education, defending a study that focused on the administrative use of prior review in high school journalism programs.

As a Lecturer of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I'm chairing an exploratory committee to lead the efforts to establish the first BA in Journalism, part of the exploratory committee to refresh the BA in Communication, and part of the community engagement committee to heighten the visibility of the communication degree. I’m also creating the first Digital Audiences course, which provides an overview of digital media consumers and common methods of audience analysis such as secondary analysis of data, survey research, focus groups, and interviewing.

I believe in championing equity, diversity, access, inclusion, and belonging in academic and service activities by developing opportunities for collaboration and community. As an educator to my core, my mission is always to promote learning environments that are welcoming, affirming, equitable, inclusive, and diverse to foster a sense of belonging in my classroom and beyond, with the goal of advancing student potential and growth.

I hope I can bring the same sense of forward motion, and importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion, by joining the NHAJ Board as the next Academic At-Large.

Statement

Jackie Padilla – Secretary
Jackie Padilla is a journalist at POLITICO. As a Senior Producer, she spearheads local, national, and global stories within the political sphere through video. Padilla graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and started her career as a local broadcast reporter for WTAJ-CBS. In 2020, she moved to D.C. to cover the presidential election and has been covering politics ever since.

Jackie Padilla

My name is Jackie Padilla and I am a journalist at POLITICO. As a Senior Producer, I spearhead local, national, and global stories within the political sphere through video.

I graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and started my career as a local broadcast reporter for WTAJ-CBS in Pennsylvania. From there, I made the big move to New York City and delved into the world of digital journalism. In 2020, I moved to D.C. to cover the presidential election and I’ve been covering politics ever since.

I grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico where I had the privilege of being surrounded by a variety of cultures and traditions. I am very proud to be New Mexican, Spanish, and Mexican. I am humbled to be from a place where my cultures directly intersect with Indigenous land and communities, and was provided the proper education to understand the history that ties us all together and the systemic challenges we still face today.

There's a significant amount of trust, respect, and empathy that inevitably grows inside you when you're raised in a community like mine. That weight is especially heavy on local journalists in our state. In its purest form, I experienced the ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ moment when I was 6 years old and met Cynthia Izaguirre, who at the time was the lead anchor for Action 7 News in Albuquerque. Like her, I wanted to be someone, who in any community, people can trust and rely on to deliver factual, transparent news. To this day that remains my priority as a journalist.

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Candidate Statement

I am running for national secretary because I see an opportunity to grow our engagement with members nationwide, and uplift the many journalists who don’t fit the traditional news mold.

I started my career as a local broadcast reporter. Ultimately, I pivoted to digital journalism. I wasn’t going live at 5 on tv but I was still pitching stories, interviewing people, and editing content with significant value. I've launched an entire video department for a local startup, made viral videos on every social platform, founded a political Snapchat and YouTube show, and received 2 national awards for my digital reporting. 

I’m proud of the work I do but I see a clear divide in newsrooms and in the field when it comes to opportunities for ‘non-traditional’ journalists. Anyone shooting video vertical is still jarring, any award submission for non-print or non-broadcast typically requires an explanation for why their work is award-worthy, and many students seem stuck articulating their hopes for a career in news that is published on social feeds. 

Through NAHJ national, I want to bridge those gaps. I hope to help create programs focused on the future and inner workings of digital journalism. I also hope to connect with boards nationwide and help amplify their presence locally. 

It would be an honor to join the board and propel this organization in a direction that can better adapt to innovative reporting and welcome a new generation of journalists.  

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2024 Elections Timeline

May 7: Call for nominations.
May 14: The date of record. Members must be in good standing by this date to be eligible to vote. Click here to renew your dues.
May 31: Last day to submit nominations & Deadline to qualify for the ballot.
June 1-8: Vetting period conducted by the Elections Committee.
June 11: NAHJ announces candidates.
June 11-13: Campaign period.
June 14: Candidates first 250-word campaign message is due to the elections committee.
June 18-21: Candidates’ messages will be emailed to current members by NAHJ.
June 26: Virtual candidate forum at 7 p.m. ET (If candidates absolutely cannot attend the forum, they may submit a 2-min video at least 24 hours in advance.)
June 28: Candidates second campaign message is due to the elections committee.
June 29: Election begins. Polls are open for two weeks.
July 3-6: Candidates second message will be emailed to current members by NAHJ.
July 13: Elections close at 5:00 p.m. EST. NAHJ will announce winners during the annual convention’s Hall of Fame Gala.
July 14: Board Meeting at the 40th Anniversary Conference. All members of the new board must attend this board meeting from 9am-1pm PT.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the 2024 elections — we want to hear from you! Please email elections@nahj.org.

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