The National Association of Hispanic Journalists launched the NAHJ Adelante Academy to support the next generation of Latino/a/e/x journalism leaders. The Academy, created as part of NAHJ’s five-year strategic plan, ensures NAHJ members will have access to professional development training throughout their careers; the 2026 Leadership Program is the third year of the executive training initiative.

The program is designed specifically for mid-career Latino/a/e/x journalists looking to move into leadership roles. It’s a tailored journey that focuses on the unique opportunities and challenges facing Latino/a/e/x in the news industry, as well as building general newsroom leadership skills. Through instruction and mentorship, participants will work closely with senior leaders in the field.

• Cultural Competence
• Technology Proficiency
• Personal Growth and Networking
• Real-World Application
• Mentorship and Peer Feedback
• Visibility and Recognition
• Advocacy and Change
• Financial Literacy

We are looking for Latino/a/e/x journalists with eight or more years of experience. Our ideal candidate is a mid-career individual contributor who leads projects and/or newsroom colleagues and is ready for the next step. This program is offered exclusively to NAHJ members and are invited to apply. This fellowship will aim to have a diverse mix of Latino/a/e/x community members, especially those who are underrepresented  – including Afro-Latinos, DACA recipients, Indigenous Latinos, Latinos with Disabilities, Non-binary, Queer and Trans Latine individuals, among others. Every voice enriches the tapestry of our industry. 

You must be an active NAHJ member; if you are not, you can join here.

If you have less experience but you think you should be part of this program, let us know why in the application.

The program starts with a weeklong, in-person session Mar. 16-20, 2026 at Columbia University’s Journalism School in New York, and is capped by activities alongside the NAHJ Conference, July 21-25, 2026 in New Orleans. In between, there will be two intensive virtual sessions. Additionally, you will meet monthly with your designated mentor, who will help your career development. You will also have additional support from News Product Alliance to help develop a custom project that you will launch and present findings at the NAHJ conference. While in-person participation in March and July is required, the program is designed to allow participants to continue their full-time jobs.

You can check out our phases and curriculum outline on the call for applications.

The program has four phases:

• Leadership Hard Skills
• Being a Latino/a/e/x Leader in the Industry
• Technology and AI in Leadership
• Future Planning

The skills and assets you’ll be developing include technology proficiency, cultural competence, personal growth and networking, mentorship and peer feedback, visibility and recognition, and advocacy and change.

The first phase will be led by Columbia faculty members and other industry leaders, and will teach participants hard skills from leadership style to design thinking. Each of the other phases will focus on the specified topics taught by a roster of speakers and trainers, all leading experts in their field. Also, each participant will have a hand-picked mentor plus support from the News Product Alliance.

Yes. Instructors may require readings and, in some cases, assignments. Additionally, during the course of the program, participants must develop their leadership projects and launch them. The projects do not have to be completed by the end of the fellowship, but findings will be presented at the national conference in New Orleans.

The program is tuition-free. In addition, you will receive full registration to the NAHJ Annual Conference in New Orleans.

There are two, required in-person sessions planned in NYC and New Orleans. Participants must cover their own travel expenses: flights, lodging, and meals.

Yes, but the project does not have to be completed by the time the fellowship ends. You will get support from the New Product Alliance to help you refine and develop your project idea based on your identified opportunity or challenge. A wide range of topics are possible; you’ll be able to focus on one that is relevant to you, such as an opportunity you’ve identified either inside or outside of your organization. 

At the conclusion of the fellowship, you’ll present your project findings and recommendations at the NAHJ Conference. The project is more than a requirement; it’s a testament to your capacity to innovate and guide others, and an opportunity to showcase your leadership potential and vision.

Each application is evaluated for alignment with our program’s ethos and the potential for mutual growth determined by the program’s advisory board and the NAHJ Program Manager. Applications are reviewed by the Advisory Board and rated. Applicants will be reviewed based on a rubric that includes the following categories:

• Leadership Experience: What managerial and/or leadership experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?
• Clarity of expression: The essay should be well-organized and articulate the applicant’s thoughts and experiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Personal journey: How well the applicant shares their personal story, background, and challenges faced as a Latino/a/e/x journalist.
• Aspirations, passion, and commitment: The essay should outline the applicant’s aspirations and goals as a Latino/a/e/x leader in newsrooms.
• Quality of work: The leadership samples should be relevant to the program’s focus and objectives. They must reflect the applicant’s skills, potential, or areas of interest, and the ability to produce high-quality journalist work. 
• Impact: Evaluate the applicant’s leadership work impact. Did it lead to any changes, spark discussions, or address underrepresented issues?
• Identified Opportunity/Challenge: As a leader we expect you to have a vision on how your leadership would positively impact the industry, in or out of your newsroom. This prompt is designed to let the application reviewer see your potential as a leader and how you bring possible solutions to a challenge. This will lead to a project that should have originality and relevance, clear objectives, tangible outcomes and a clear understanding of obstacles.

Upon completion of this program, the participants will receive a Graduate Certificate at our national conference in New Orleans.

The NAHJ is proud of the 2024 Adelante Academy’s inaugural Latina Leadership Program as well as the 2025 ¡PRESENTE! Program.

The programs were successes with amazing graduates who will be part of an alumni network that will remain active and connected with future program cohorts.

Past pages: 2024 | 2025