March 21, 2026 — Diana “Dee Dee” Fuentes (1958-2026), a beloved, devoted champion of newsroom diversity and freedom of the press, died March 20 while traveling in Washington, D.C.
Her sudden passing has shocked members of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and journalists nationwide. Her loss is both a deeply personal and significant loss to the journalism profession. She was 67.
Dee Dee was the executive director of the Investigative Editors & Reporters, a preeminent organization that trains journalists and advocates for the free flow of public information, where she served since 2021.
Dee Dee was a NAHJ lifetime member and former member of the NAHJ board of directors. She was inducted into the NAHJ Hall of Fame in 2022.
She was respected and admired throughout the journalism community. She mentored and inspired Latino and women journalists for decades, beginning in Texas newsrooms and continuing nationwide.
Dee Dee served in leadership roles including editor of the Laredo Morning Times, editor and publisher of the Del Rio News-Herald, managing editor of the Beaumont Enterprise and deputy metro editor at the San Antonio Express-News, where she retired in 2021 after a 35-year career in journalism.
Dee Dee also served in leadership roles with the Society of Professional Journalists, the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Texas Managing Editors, the Texas Press Association and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists.
She exemplified integrity, selflessness and compassion throughout her life and work. Many Latino journalists and journalists throughout the country are better because of Dee Dee.
NAHJ and the broader journalism community mourn the loss of Dee Dee, a trailblazer who leaves a great legacy.
Que en paz descanse, Dee Dee.