Nov. 8, 2024 – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and CCNMA Latino Journalists of California have named 60 Minutes correspondent Cecilia Vega as National Latina Journalist of the Year.
For NAHJ, the announcement marked the inauguration of its annual Excelencia Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to the advancement of Hispanic journalists, educators, professionals and students.
NAHJ Excelencia Award winners Columbia Spectator editor Isabella Ramirez (National Student of the Year), NBCUniversal News Group (Corporate Diversity Award), Blanca Rios (Volunteer|Community Award) and groundbreaking broadcaster Sylvia Rosabal (Ă‘ Legacy Award),
“Cecilia’s success at the pinnacle of television news is matched only by her dedication to supporting the next generation of Latino journalists,” NAHJ National Board President Dunia Elvir said of the 60 Minutes correspondent. “Every one of the Excelencia Award winners combines professional excellence with a commitment to ensuring newsrooms reflect the communities they cover.”
“We’re delighted to come together with NAHJ to celebrate the achievements of Latina journalists,” said Rachel Uranga, the CCNMA Latino Journalists of California Board President, whose organization will honor five additional Latinas at the event. “These remarkable women have overcome huge obstacles to bring their voices to coverage of our community and country.”
The full list of NAHJ Excelencia Award winners:
National Latina Journalist of the Year: Cecilia Vega (Joint NAHJ-CCNMA Award)
Cecilia Vega, an Emmy-winning correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes and former chief White House correspondent for ABC News, was honored for a combination of her journalistic achievements and her dedication to mentoring young Hispanic journalists and supporting both NAHJ and CCNMA as a speaker. Vega has covered every presidential and midterm election since 2012 and has investigated injustice from Russia-Ukraine to the U.S.-Mexico border. While reporting major stories around the globe, she found ways to spotlight the Hispanic community, such as an Oaxacan family that has helped launch an internationally successful Mezcal business. At the same time, she never wavered in her support for more Latinos in news. NAHJ’s July conference was typical – she spoke on two panels and met with journalists from two major news organizations to discuss ways to help Hispanic students and early-career journalists to succeed.
Corporate Diversity Award: NBCUniversal News Group
NBCU News Group, under the leadership of Cesar Conde, has led the industry in earning the trust of audiences by reflecting all the communities it serves. In addition to a record number of diverse executives, NBCU has the most Latino anchors and correspondents of any news organization. Their commitment to diverse storytelling includes MSNBC Films’ Leguizamo Does America and NBCU Academy, their award-winning journalism training program. The network is setting the standard for diversity in news.
National Student of the Year: Isabella Ramirez
The first Latina editor-in-chief of the Columbia Spectator, Isabella Ramirez led the student publication through the most tumultuous year on campus since the 1970s. She led her staff tirelessly to produce timely breaking news, accurate spot coverage, and hard-hitting accountability of her university as the protests against the Israel-Hamas war reached a fever pitch. While managing daily copy, she juggled interviews with national and international news outlets on different mediums and protected her staff from threats and being shut out of the story. She penned clear editorials about the ways in which the NYPD suppressed free press and about the resignation of the university president. “Her journalistic leadership changed her campus and though I’m 16 years in, I’m inspired by her and her colleagues fulfilling that most sacrosanct duties of the Fourth Estate, accountability and impact,” a nominator wrote. A NAHJ student member, Ramirez has contributed to palabra, NAHJ’s freelance-powered publication.
Volunteer/Community Award: Blanca Rios
Whether leading the local NAHJ Chicago chapter or taking on tasks with the national organization, Blanca Rios personifies the volunteer spirit that makes NAHJ’s work possible. Most recently, she chaired the advisory committee that shaped the Adelante Academy’s inaugural Latina Leadership Program, devoting countless hours to ensuring the program delivered the tools, mentorship and networking opportunities the participants needed to come into their own as industry leaders. Despite the demands of her job as a producer at ABC 7 Chicago, “She finds a way to lead regional and local NAHJ causes with ease,” a nominator wrote. “She is driven and always eager to help others. Blanca is the definition of an inspirational role model.”
Ă‘ Legacy Award: Sylvia Rosabal
Sylvia Rosabal leads by example, and by doing so, she has transformed media culture. During her 30-year career – most of it spent at the largest Hispanic television networks in the U.S., Telemundo and Univision – she worked her way into leadership, broke barriers, and paved the way for other journalists of color. Most recently, as Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, she revolutionized hiring practices to ensure equity and diversity, empowering her team to participate in decision-making processes. An early member of NAHJ, Rosabal has consistently fostered collaboration and mentorship, connecting journalists across specialties and promoting minority advancement in media. Rosabal’s dedication to creating environments where everyone is seen and heard underscores her legacy as a trailblazer in journalism. As one of the judges wrote: “By changing hiring practices to include and promote Latinos, she has literally changed the system.”
NAHJ and CCNMA will celebrate the winners at the inaugural Excelencia Awards and NextGen Benefit on Dec. 7 in Hollywood. The gala event will bring together community leaders and top journalists to honor Hispanic excellence and community leadership. Proceeds will benefit NAHJ scholarships and programs to support the next generation of Hispanic journalists. Purchase tickets and join us!
–
About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists is an educational and charitable association dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanic students, professionals, and educators in the field of journalism. NAHJ focuses heavily on advocacy, addressing injustices and political issues that affect Latino journalists throughout the country, while also supporting a growing network of members and chapters. For more information please visit NAHJ.org or follow us on X @NAHJ.
About CCNMA Latino Journalists of California
Founded as the California Chicano News Media Association, CCNMA Latino Journalists of California is a non-profit, professional organization that aims to promote diversity in the news media by providing encouragement, scholarships and educational programs for Latinos pursuing careers in journalism. The organization’s mission is to foster an accurate and fair portrayal of Latinos in the news, and to promote the social, economic and professional advancement of Latino journalists.
Media contact: Andrew Sherry, asherry@nahj.org, (305) 954-7571