Regional Summit — Los Angeles

2026 Regional Summit
For students & professionals

October 24, 2026 | USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Join the National Association of Hispanic Journalists for the 2026 NAHJ LA Regional Summit, a one-day event bringing together journalists, students, newsroom leaders, educators, and media professionals from across Southern California and the West Coast.

The summit will feature inspiring keynote conversations, interactive workshops, career development sessions, and networking opportunities focused on today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Attendees will gain practical skills, connect with industry leaders, and explore the future of journalism.

The day will conclude with a Career Fair, where participants can meet recruiters from leading media organizations, learn about internships and job opportunities, and expand their professional network.

Whether you’re an established journalist, an emerging media professional, or a student preparing to enter the industry, the NAHJ LA Regional Summit offers valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Register now and secure your spot!

 

Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
Location: USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (ANN Building)
3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90007
See location directions

Rates
Student Member: $10
Student Non-member (Includes 1-year NAHJ membership): $25
Professional member: $30
Professional Non-Member (Includes 1-year NAHJ membership): $50

 

Agenda & Info

8:00AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast (Forum/Lobby)

 

8:30AM | Opening Remarks (ANN L105)

Gordon Stables: Vice Dean & Director of Schools

 

9:00 AM | Opening General Session (ANN L105)

Sponsored by the Los Angeles Times

In California, Every Beat Is a Latino Story: Power, Pop Culture, Food, and Fandom | Students & Professionals

Panel Description: In California, where nearly 40% of the population is Latino, there is no separate “Latino beat”—every story is a Latino story. Spanning sports, culture, food, and politics, this panel brings together newsroom leaders, editors, and columnists to examine why authentic coverage is essential and how nuanced, beat-spanning reporting directly impacts policy, voter engagement, and media power.

Moderator

• Fidel Martinez — Editorial Director, De Los / Los Angeles Times

Panelists

• Iliana Limón Romero — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times
• Gustavo Arellano — Pulitzer Prize-winning Columnist, Los Angeles Times
• Laurie Ochoa — General Manager, Food, Los Angeles Times

10:00AM- 10:50AM

Landing Your First Job | Student Session (ANN L101)

Session Focus: Career advice and practical strategies for students preparing to enter the journalism industry, including navigating the job search, preparing applications, interviewing, and getting that first opportunity.

Speakers

• Kalyna Astrinos — CBS Los Angeles
• Nic Garcia — Fox Los Angeles
• Juan Fernandez — CBS Los Angeles
• Monica De Anda — ABC7 Los Angeles
• Laura Nelson — The Wall Street Journal

 

Vertical Reporting | Professional Session (ANN 106)

Session Focus: Exploring specialized or “vertical” reporting and how journalists can build expertise and a career around a specific beat, audience, or area of coverage.

Speakers

• Brenda Elizondo — Los Angeles Times
• Rick Montanez — CBS Los Angeles
• Miguel Estrada — Bilingual Producer, NBCUniversal
• David Gonzalez — ABC7 / KABC-TV Los Angeles

 

11:00AM- 11:50AM 

Latinos in the Sports World | Students & Professionals (ANN 106)

Session Focus: Exploring careers, opportunities, and experiences for Latino journalists covering sports, from breaking news and major sporting events to storytelling and analysis.

Speakers

• Iliana Limón Romero — Assistant Managing Editor for Sports, Los Angeles Times; NAHJ Sports Task Force Co-Chair
• Andres Soto — Southern California Reporter, USA Today Sports
• Eduard Cauich — Reporter & Editor, Los Angeles Times en Español
• Jad El Reda — Reporter & Editor, Los Angeles Times en Español
• Mark Medina — NBA Reporter, Forbes

 

What If I Don’t Want to Do News? | Student Session (ANN L101)

Session Focus: Exploring alternative career paths in journalism and media, including entertainment, radio, freelancing, and other opportunities beyond traditional news reporting.

Speakers

• Victoria Valenzuela — Freelancer
• Gabby Diaz — 102.7 KIIS-FM
• Letty Setgo — Power 106
• Karen Mariana Ceballos — Freelance Journalist, Los Angeles Times

 

Beyond the Byline: Navigating Journalism’s Digital Frontier | Student Session (ANN L116)

Session Focus: Exploring digital media, social platforms, content creation, freelancing, and the evolving media landscape.

Speakers

• Monica Grimaldo — Freelancer
• Lupe Llerenas — Freelancer
• Yamily Habib — Mitú
• Maria Gracia Santillana Linares — Forbes

 

Beyond Translation: Reporting L.A.’s Spanish-Speaking Communities | Professional Session (ANN L115)

Session Focus: Examining how journalists can effectively report on Los Angeles’ Spanish-speaking communities while going beyond direct translation to provide culturally relevant, accurate, and impactful journalism.

Speakers

• Joshua Letona — LAist
• Guad Venegas — Univision
• Julia Barajas — LAist
• Laurie Perez — CBS News
• Lesley Marin — CBS Los Angeles
• Christian Cázares — KNBC

 

 

12:00-12:30 PM | Lunch (Forum/Lobby)

 

12:30 PM | General Session (ANN L105)

The Future of News: A Conversation with News Leaders

Session Focus: A conversation with newsroom leaders about the future of journalism, evolving audience needs, newsroom leadership, and opportunities for the next generation of journalists.

Speakers

• Luis Godinez — News Director, Univision
• Angie Quiroga — Executive Producer, Impacted Communities, CBS
• Yolanda Nava — First Mexican American woman to report in Los Angeles
• Jodi Mena — Technical News Operations Manager, KNBC/KVEA

 

 

1:30 PM | General Session

Presented by Bloomberg

How to Get Hired in Journalism: Resumes, Clips, Interviews & Networking (ANN L105)

Session Focus: Practical advice on navigating the journalism job market, building a strong portfolio, preparing effective applications, succeeding in interviews, and developing professional connections.

Speakers

• Robert Boehm — Bloomberg
• Alexis Polanco — Bloomberg
• Emma Sanchez — Bloomberg

 

2:30PM – 4:00 PM | Career Fair

Located in ANN 106 – 1st Floor

 

 

 

LOCATION DIRECTIONS
Attendees arriving by car may park directly on the campus of USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, located at:

3502 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089

Upon arrival, attendees may park in the designated guest parking lot. From there, follow the posted signs directing you to the Student Summit and the event check-in area.

 

 Start Time: 8:30 AM
Please arrive early to check in and get settled. We’ll kick off the day with an exciting lineup of sessions featuring experienced journalists, editors, and media professionals.

 

 Breakfast and Lunch Are on Us!
We’ll provide breakfast and lunch for attendees, so come hungry and ready for a full day of learning, networking, and career development!

 

 Dress to Impress:
You’ll be meeting journalists, recruiters, and industry professionals, so dress professionally and confidently. You never know which connection could lead to your next opportunity!

 

 Bring Your Resumes!
Bring multiple copies of your resume to share with recruiters and media professionals. Be prepared to discuss your experience, interests, and career goals.

 

 Career Fair: Connect With Employers!
We’ll have a career fair featuring multiple media organizations and news outlets that have already confirmed their participation and are looking to hire. This is your chance to introduce yourself to recruiters, explore potential job and internship opportunities, and make connections that could help launch or advance your career. Don’t forget to bring your resume!

 

 FREE Professional Headshots!
All attendees will have access to free professional headshots! Update your LinkedIn profile, strengthen your professional portfolio, and put your best face forward as you pursue new opportunities.

 

 Network, Learn, and Get Inspired!

Take advantage of the opportunity to meet experienced journalists, hear from industry leaders, ask questions, and build meaningful professional connections. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, there’s something for everyone!

 

 Stay Connected:
Follow @OfficialNAHJ on Instagram for event updates and additional information.

 

 Parking
Please follow directions once you arrive on campus on where to park.

Please note that USC Annenberg is not responsible for parking citations resulting from unauthorized parking or invalid parking codes. 

 

We’re looking forward to an incredible day with all of you! Come ready to connect, learn, get inspired, enjoy complimentary meals, update your professional headshot, and explore exciting career opportunities.

 

Your next opportunity could start with one conversation. Don’t miss it!