NAHJ names Guillen-Diaz as Executive Director

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Board of Directors announced that Yaneth Guillen-Diaz will serve as the new executive director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, taking the helm of the 3,600-member journalism nonprofit as it embarks on its milestone 40th anniversary year in 2024.

Guillen-Diaz, NAHJ’s chief operations officer and longest-serving staffer, has taken on roles of increasing responsibility during more than 20 years with NAHJ. As the board searched for a new executive director, Guillen-Diaz ensured the successful execution of the 2023 NAHJ annual conference, drove the implementation of NAHJ’s strategic plan, and launched a fundraising campaign for NAHJ’s 40th anniversary.

“Yaneth’s commitment to ensuring the organization’s success, coupled with her deep institutional knowledge and vision for executing NAHJ’s mission, make her a natural fit to lead the organization,” said NAHJ President Yvette Cabrera. “As we head into a milestone year, I can’t imagine a more thoughtful, passionate, capable leader to lead NAHJ.”

Prior to serving as COO, Guillen-Diaz was NAHJ’s Senior Director of Training & Membership, designing, planning, and implementing training programs for professional members, many through industry partnerships. In that role, she oversaw more than 20 professional chapters across the country, as well as developing programs to expand the organization’s membership

In 2023, NAHJ trained more than 700 professional and student journalists, focusing on issues such as combating disinformation and misinformation, investigative reporting, and AI. Expanding professional development is a priority of NAHJ’s strategic plan, as equipping members to thrive in all market conditions advances the goal of #MoreLatinosInNews.

Guillen-Diaz also oversaw the launch this fall of the NAHJ Adelante Academy and its inaugural Latina Leadership Program, which aims to shape the next generation of Latina executive leaders in U.S. newsrooms. Ensuring Latinos of all backgrounds are represented in the highest levels of American newsrooms is another strategic priority.

“The role of NAHJ is more important than ever, as we work to build a news industry that truly reflects the country it serves,” said Guillen-Diaz. “Becoming executive director during our 40th anniversary year is a privilege, as we have the opportunity to unite the community around our mission and lift up the voices of journalists who are strengthening multicultural democracy through their everyday work.”