ABC NEWS HEADQUARTERS
7 HUDSON SQUARE, NEW YORK
Meet our 2026 Honorees!
Honorees
National Journalist of the Year
Manny Fernandez
California Editor of The New York Times
National Student of the Year
Gian Marco Velásquez
University of Southern California
Corporate Impact Award
Knight Foundation
Spirit of NAHJ Award
Carolina Cruz
Reporter, Telemundo 44, Washington D.C.
National Academic of the Year
Graciela Mochkofsky
Dean of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mónica Rhor
Story Editor at Chalkbeat
Ñ Legacy Award
José Alberto Suárez (In Memoriam)
President & General Manager: Telemundo WTMO, WRMD & WWDT
President's Awards
Visionary Award
Denisse Oller
President & CEO, NewsWorks Productions
Fearless Award
Soledad O’Brien
Journalist, and CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions
MVP Award (Most Valuable Press Award)
Andrés Cantor
Sportscaster & Journalist
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your story doesn't end with today's awards. Discover what's next with NAHJ.
Investing in the Future
The Excelencia Awards are more than a celebration of excellence, they are an investment in the future of journalism. Every dollar raised directly supports NAHJ’s NextGen programs and initiatives, providing scholarships, mentorship opportunities, paid internships, hands-on training workshops, and critical career resources.
Join us in shaping the future of media. Your generosity makes it possible.
Elevating Member Voices
HJ Voices is NAHJ’s speaker and expert network connecting members with opportunities for media interviews, panels, trainings and speaking engagements.
Raise your hand, grow your visibility and open doors to new professional opportunities. Click here to sign up today!
Why Membership Matters
- Discounted Conference Registration
- Reduced Entry Fees for Awards
- Professional Development & Training
- Fellowships & Leadership Programs
- National Network of Journalists
- Mentorship & Career Connections
Join the Community
The stories celebrated today demonstrate the power of journalism. NAHJ is proud to support the journalists behind those stories through opportunities that inform, connect and inspire.
