May 6, 2025 – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is proud to announce the launch of NAHJ Cares: A Health & Wellness Initiative, a program dedicated to prioritizing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of Latino journalists. This initiative, launched during Mental Health Awareness Month, underscores NAHJ’s commitment to empowering its members to thrive in their vital roles while fostering resilience, sustainability, and longevity in their careers.
In a time when journalism is under immense societal and professional pressures, and the contributions of Latino journalists are more critical than ever, NAHJ recognizes the urgent need to support its members in balancing their demanding work with self-care. By championing wellness, the organization aims to ensure that Hispanic journalists can continue to serve their communities while maintaining their health and vitality.
"NAHJ Cares" programming focus
NAHJ Cares will offer a variety of resources, events, and tools to address key areas of health and wellness for journalists. The initiative is guided by a dedicated leadership committee and supported by a network of Health & Fit Ambassadors across the U.S., who will promote wellness activities within their local chapters.
Key programming areas:
- Mental Health & Resilience: Tools and discussions to address burnout, foster self-care, and encourage long-term mental well-being.
- Digital Safety & Security: Resources to protect journalists in digital and high-risk environments.
- Legal Resources & Support: Access to expert legal advice for journalists facing professional challenges.
- Local Physical Activities: Fitness events and community-building activities led by Fit Ambassadors.
- Nutrition, Food & Culture: Sessions exploring healthy eating through the lens of Latino culinary traditions.
- Mindfulness, Meditation & Joy: Webinars and activities promoting mindfulness and joy in daily life.
- Money Management & Financial Freedom: Workshops on budgeting, financial planning, and retirement strategies.
Initiative launch and key programming
The initiative launches today, May 6, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, and is already rolling out actionable programming:
- Community Wellness Challenge: Local NAHJ chapters are encouraged to integrate health-focused activities into their events, fostering community and engagement.
- Discount Partnerships: NAHJ is partnering with national wellness brands to offer discounted services to members.
- Webinars on Mental Health: NAHJ will host virtual sessions to spark conversations on mental health challenges and resilience within the Latino journalism community.
- Palabra Platform Stories: NAHJ will feature stories on mental health challenges affecting Latino journalists, amplifying these important conversations.
Programming will continue to expand at the 2025 NAHJ Conference and Expo in Chicago (July 9-12), featuring:
- Morning Group Exercise: Daily riverside walks, yoga sessions, and fitness activities.
- Panel Discussions: Expert-led conversations on the importance of health and fitness for journalists.
- Cultural Presentations: Sessions on preserving Hispanic culinary traditions while promoting healthy eating.
Post-conference, NAHJ Cares will sustain momentum with additional webinars, resources, and local activities to keep members engaged in their wellness journey.
Leadership and support
NAHJ Cares’ leadership committee is co-chaired by Evelyn Hernandez, Chief of Public Affairs and Community Relations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and Bertha Coombs, senior healthcare reporter for CNBC Business News. It includes Ysabel Duron, president of the Latino Cancer Institute, Vanessa Flory of Volante Solutions, and Alyssa Mendez of Telemundo Chicago.
The initiative is fueled by a team of dedicated wellness advocates and Health & Fit Ambassadors in cities across the U.S., including New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Special support comes from volunteers like Flavio Gama, Fitness & Nutrition Coach, who will lead a webinar series, and other professionals committed to advancing health and wellness in the journalism community.
Why now
“The launch of NAHJ Cares reflects our commitment to the well-being of Latino journalists,” said Yaneth Guillén-DÃaz, NAHJ executive director. “As our members navigate the growing challenges of the journalism industry, this initiative will provide the critical tools, resources, and support they need to prioritize their health while continuing to make a profound impact on our communities.”
Through NAHJ Cares, the organization aims to inspire a cultural shift within the journalism industry, emphasizing the importance of personal wellness as a foundation for professional success and sustainability.
Get involved
NAHJ invites its members, prospective members, and sponsors to join this movement to promote health and wellness among Latino journalists. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community that thrives in every aspect of life and journalism.
- Sponsors: If you’d like to show your commitment to Latino journalists by sponsoring NAHJ Cares or selected programming tracks, please contact Diana Maltez, director of development, here.
- Members: If you’d like more information about NAHJ Cares or to get involved, please contact Isabella DiGiglio, membership engagement manager, membership@nahj.org.Â
- Press: If you would like to interview the leaders of NAHJ or NAHJ Cares for a story about the initiative, please contact Andrew Sherry, sr. director of communications, press@nahj.org or call (315) 954-7571.
We invite all members and NAHJ supporters to promote NAHJ Cares on social media using #NAHJCares and tagging @NAHJ/@officialNAHJ. Share this initiative with colleagues and friends who could benefit, and download our list of wellness resources for journalists.
NAHJ will also host two mental health webinars to kick off the initiative on May 14 (Healthy Mind & Healthy Body: Building Resilience for Journalists) and May 21 (Covering Mental Health Responsibly: Reducing the Risk of Suicide Contagion) that are free to attend. Register today!
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. Learn more at NAHJ.org or follow us on X @nahj.