Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Columbia Journalism School

From groundbreaking documentaries to influential writing and more, their work shapes our cultural understanding. While honoring the past, the J-School looks forward to supporting a more inclusive media landscape.

Adelante Academy Graduates Honored at NAHJ 40th Anniversary Conference

The inaugural National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Adelante Academy Latina Leadership Program empowers participants through dynamic training and mentorship. The first phase, led by J-School faculty, features a six-day intensive "Leadership Hard Skills" session in Pulitzer Hall, aimed at shaping the next generation of news executives. 

Earlier this year, the first Academy class celebrated their achievements at the 40th annual NAHJ Conference in Hollywood, CA. Learn more about the professional program.

PBS Premieres VOCES “Almost American,” Produced and Directed by Professor Nina Alvarez

Nina Alvarez, CBS Assistant Professor of International Journalism, and Caterina Barbera-Kipreos, '18 M.S. Documentary, co-produced a film exposing the illegal actions by political appointees at the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump administration to ensure the deportation of 400,000 people. It also follows a Salvadoran American family five years after they joined a legal fight against DHS to keep their families together. Learn more about the documentary.

Marysol Castro, '00 M.S.: Major League Baseball’s First Latina Announcer

Marysol Castro '00 M.S. began her journey at Columbia Journalism School, where she cultivated a passion for broadcasting that led to a two-decade career in television. Now, as the New York Mets' first female and first Latina public-address announcer in Major League Baseball, she hopes “being in a visible position like this will help little girls think outside the box.” Read more about Castro’s career in Columbia Magazine. 

John Quiñones and Tomas Navia Win Emmy Award for “It Happened Here: A Year in Uvalde.”

John Quiñones, '79 M.S., won an Outstanding Soft Feature Story: Long Form Emmy Award as an anchor for “It Happened Here: A Year in Uvalde.”  Fellow alum Tomas Navia, '18 M.S., was also part of the award-winning team. The documentary examines the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, focusing on the victims and their families.

Juan Manuel Benítez Joins Hollywood Climate Summit’s “The Mad Men of Big Oil”

Juan Manuel Benítez, Philip S. Balboni Professor of Professional Practice of Local Journalism, shared his experience combating climate and fossil fuel disinformation during “The Mad Men of Big Oil: Hollywood's role in the story of climate change.” The panel was part of the Hollywood Climate Summit in New York City on September 23. On October 15, he will be honored by the Office of Manhattan Borough for his contributions to journalism, followed by a panel on the future of local reporting.

Daniel Alarcón Launches “El Péndulo” and Looks Forward to “The Good Whale"

Recent American Academy of Arts & Sciences inductee Daniel Alarcón, continues to produce leading audio stories with two new podcasts. “El Péndulo,” a series that focuses on the issues motivating Latino voters in key swing states, is one of the latest releases from Radio Ambulante Studios, where Alarcón is executive producer. 

“Our aim is to understand the issues that are top of mind for Latinos, a diverse and often misunderstood community,” said Alarcón. The second podcast, “The Good Whale,” is set to release its first episode on November 4.

Columbia Journalism School NAHJ Chapter Hosting Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda

At the end of October, the Columbia Journalism School NAHJ Chapter will host a Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda in Pulitzer Hall. The chapter is led by co-Presidents Mariana Hernandez and Ana Gonzalez, candidates for the M.S. degree, and is advised by Elena Cabral, '99 M.S., Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and International Programs. 

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month at Columbia University, click here.

To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Journalism School, click here.