During the summer, we asked NAHJ student members who graduated this year what they were doing next. Of the nine who responded, four were heading to graduate school with future plans for journalism, three were headed to professional journalism jobs, and two were continuing with the communications jobs they began as undergrads, at least for now.
Madison Cadena, a San Diego State University graduate, started her new role as a producer of the 4 pm local news shows at WDTN in Dayton, Ohio shortly after graduation. Her career aspiration is to become an on-air political reporter. NAHJ provided her with invaluable advice, helping her craft her elevator pitch, tailor her resume, and network with industry professionals.
Kimberly Gonzalez, a Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico graduate, is currently applying for new jobs and will continue working on managing social media for Educate y Educaras and her internship at RH Media Con creating content, with the aspiration of becoming a social media manager for a sports team. NAHJ helped her to keep moving forward and be inspired by other women seeking opportunities.
Alexandra Mora Medina, a University of Arizona graduate, is continuing her full-time role as a Communications and Events Coordinator at the Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry at the University of Arizona. She aims to craft engaging experiences that spark creative inquiry through powerful storytelling. NAHJ provided her with the Ana Real Scholarship and has been a source of lifelong mentors and friends throughout her six years of membership.
Jeancarlos Perez, a Northeastern University graduate, has accepted an intern position at NPR on their Impact and Engagement Team, with the ultimate goal of becoming a sports journalist. He joined NAHJ after being accepted into NYU and served as a NAHJ communications intern during the annual conference in Chicago.
Chris Ponce, a University of California, Davis graduate, started a new job as an Assignment Editor at KUSI News in San Diego days after graduation. He aims to continue working in journalism. NAHJ provided him with essential resources and networking that aided him in his reporting journey.
Mariana S. Caro Quintana, an Emerson College graduate, is headed to Columbia University to pursue an M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. She plans to continue her involvement with the NAHJ NY Chapter and aspires to be a journalist, freelancing for various publications while also pursuing a career in law. NAHJ encouraged her to become a member and has been instrumental in her journey.
Emilio Reyes, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate, is attending Northwestern University for his masters in journalism with a specialization in Video & Broadcast. He aspires to be a broadcast journalist telling impactful stories and creating his own bilingual and inclusive platform. NAHJ provided him with a scholarship, the opportunity to attend the national conference, and made him feel like he belonged in the industry.
Fabianna Rincón, an American University graduate, started a two-year fellowship with Report for America as a Reporter for El Tiempo Latino in Washington, DC. Her long-term goal is to become a political analyst after a career in political reporting. NAHJ reminded her of her worth as a journalist and Latina. As a Ruben Salazar scholarship winner, she met close friends in the program. She is proud of the opportunities NAHJ has given her.
Julia Wise, a Texas A&M University graduate, is headed to medical school in Puerto Rico with aspirations for medical journalism and practicing as a physician. She noted that many interviewers were impressed by her work and dedication to the Hispanic community via journalism through NAHJ.
NAHJ is proud to have supported these talented students on their academic journeys and eagerly anticipates their future accomplishments as they embark on the next chapters of their careers.