FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2020
COVID-19 claims life of diversity & inclusion champion and NAHJ Member, Maria Mercader
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is devastated by the loss of NAHJ member Maria Mercader, 54, who passed away from COVID-19 this morning. This is the first known coronavirus related death to be reported within the national association.
Mercader had many roles in a stellar career; most recently was the Director of Talent Strategy at CBS News where she helped shape strategy for the network’s correspondents and reporters. She worked in news for more than 30 years, with a career that began at CBS in 1987, in the CBS Page Program. Maria’s team would describe her as fearless, extraordinary, and a loving person. In addition to being a member of NAHJ and AAJA, she leaves a legacy as a diversity and inclusion champion among many like-kind organizations.
Her fighter spirit was demonstrated beyond her path in the newsroom; for 20 years, Mercader inspired many as she battled cancer for over 20 years. She endured harsh treatment and long hospitalizations. Since late February, Maria had taken medical leave for an unrelated matter to the novel coronavirus.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of Maria; she brought so much happiness to everyone in her life,” said Hugo Balta, NAHJ President. “We are just beginning to understand the devastation that comes along with losing a loved one in this circumstance.”
Maria was a native New Yorker, born on November 28, 1965. She attended an all-girls Dominican Academy in Manhattan and went to The College of New Rochelle where she graduated in 1987.
She knew and loved so many within CBS News. Several colleagues and friends expressed their pain and sadness when they found out about her passing away.
To read the full statement from CBS News, please visit: “Remembering Maria Mercader, CBS News journalist for three decades”
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About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States and dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. The mission of NAHJ is to increase the number of Latinos in the newsrooms and to work toward fair and accurate representation of Latinos in the news media. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. NAHJ has approximately 2,500 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals, and journalism educators. For more information please visit NAHJ.org or follow on Twitter @NAHJ.
Media Contact:
BA Snyder
Veritas Group for NAHJ
512.630.6337
BA@VeritasAustin.com