ABOUT THE AWARDS
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Excelencia Awards honor outstanding contributions made by individuals, corporations, and organizations to support the advancement of Hispanic students, professionals, and educators in journalism. The winners are celebrated during the Excelencia Awards ceremony, a reception-style gathering to strengthen community connections and raise money for the next generation of Hispanic journalists.
The exclusive event is NAHJ’s biggest night of the year supporting scholarships, mentorship and training for future Latino journalists.
Join us on November 17, 2026, as we celebrate the people and organizations making this vision a reality.
AWARD CATEGORIES
National Latina Journalist of the Year
The National Latina Journalist of the Year award honors a Latina journalist who has demonstrated exceptional excellence, leadership, and impact in the field of journalism. This award recognizes a journalist whose work embodies the highest standards of journalistic integrity, storytelling, and public service, particularly in representing and giving voice to Latino communities.
National Student of the Year
This award celebrates an outstanding journalism student who has demonstrated remarkable talent, dedication, and promise in the field of journalism. This award recognizes a student who has excelled academically while also making significant contributions to their campus media, internships, or other journalistic endeavors. The recipient is a student who has shown leadership potential, a strong commitment to the principles of journalism. Both high school and college students are eligible to participate.
Ñ Legacy Award
This award is presented to an individual with more than 10 years of experience who has made significant contributions to the local journalism profession and community. This individual has served as a trailblazer in helping light the way for the success of the Hispanic community through journalism-related contributions.
Spirit of NAHJ Award
This award recognizes an active NAHJ member who has provided continuous exceptional service on NAHJ committees or projects or made other significant contributions to the advancement and growth of the NAHJ as an organization.
Excellence in PR & Communications
This award recognizes an individual professional whose work has elevated coverage, understanding, or engagement around Latino communities or issues impacting Latinos.
National Academic of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding Academic member who has demonstrated excellence in journalism education through teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service. The honoree exemplifies a strong commitment to developing the next generation of journalists while advancing understanding of Latino communities and issues impacting Latinos. Through their leadership, innovation, and dedication to academic excellence, this individual has made a meaningful impact both in the classroom and within the broader journalism community.
Corporate Impact Award
This award recognizes a corporation or organization that has made a significant and lasting contribution to journalism by fostering innovation, supporting newsroom sustainability, and/or creating opportunities for the next generation of media professionals.Â