The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) offers a wealth of opportunities to Hispanic and Latino media professionals, and Temple University’s NAHJ, though only recently established, has already begun opening doors for its members.  

Most recently, two Klein College of Media and Communication journalism seniors, Alana Beltran and Chelsea Lubbe, received scholarships from NAHJ Philadelphia at its Inaugural Excellence in Journalism Awards. 

Neil Ortiz, adjunct professor and director of multimedia content, wanted to start a chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) at Temple University to support career advancement opportunities for Latino and Hispanic students. He began encouraging his own student workers and students from La Charla, TUTV’s first Spanish-language talk show, to join. 

When Ortiz shared with connections at NAHJ Philadelphia that membership cost could be a barrier to students, the organization offered its support to the Temple chapter, sponsoring 10 student NAHJ memberships. Beltran and Lubbe played an instrumental role in starting the organization in the fall of 2024, which would later evolve into a fully established chapter this semester at an official launch in the Annenberg Hall, Atrium on December 2. 

Throughout its early days and for many days to come, NAHJ at Temple offers Hispanic and Latino students a community of like-minded individuals who come together to share their perspectives in a safe space, while also helping students leverage their strengths for career advancement. Students receive access to workshops, networking events, conferences and other unique opportunities; for example, they recently toured NBC10 Philadelphia/Telemundo. 

“I’m really dedicated to providing our Latino students with these resources,” Ortiz shared.  

This fall, NAHJ Philadelphia hosted its Inaugural Excellence in Journalism Awards, the first-ever event recognizing the Latino journalists and allies shaping a more inclusive and representative media landscape in Philadelphia. 

The honoree list included influential Latino and Hispanic media figures in Philadelphia, such as Perla Lara, editor-in-chief at Impacto Media; Elvira Méndez, senior press officer and multicultural communications lead at SEPTA; Claudia Peregrina, senior director at Mighty Writers El Futuro; Edgar Ramírez, founder and director of Philatinos Radio; and Helen Ubiñas, award-winning columnist and editorial leader at Visit Philadelphia. 

Beltran and Lubbe attended the ceremony not just as guests but also as the first-ever recipients of Lenfest–NAHJ Scholarships. 

“It was honestly so great to meet and talk with so many like-minded people and people who are Latino in this industry because it can be very hard for Latinos to get a running start,” Beltran shared. 

Ortiz underscored the importance not only of the recognition that the NAHJ Temple members received but also the unique opportunity for networking that NAHJ Philadelphia offers them. 

“Networking can help you grow, help you get feedback from professionals working in the industry,” Ortiz said. “There are immense benefits to it.” 

Beltran and Lubbe, in addition to their involvement with NAHJ, have both been heavily involved on and off campus.  

Beltran produces and edits for La Charla, freelances for The Temple News, works as a production assistant for WRTI and recently finished an internship with NBC10 Philadelphia/Telemundo’s digital team.  

Lubbe currently serves WHIP Radio as news director and Temple’s student government as the chief of equity, accessibility and wellness. She also highlights local Latino communities for Philadelphia Neighborhoods. 

As Beltran and Lubbe prepare for graduation this spring, Ortiz hopes to continue to bolster the club’s membership and share the wealth of benefits that NAHJ can offer to students, even those who are not journalists. Any students interested in the media, regardless of their academic background, are encouraged to join, and they may find the right community for them in NAHJ. 

“There’s a huge sense of community and camaraderie being with like-minded people and people who may have some of the same experiences, too,” Lubbe said. “As long as there’s that sense of community, we’re there to support each other.”  

Any students interested in the media business, even outside of the journalism major, are welcome to join by contacting [click-for-email]