Candidate: Johnny Garcia, digital journalism junior

As a former public relations liaison and current vice president for NAHJ-ASU, I feel that I’m the most qualified to take the position of president for this organization.

The experience I have gained in the past two years as an officer and one of the first members of NAHJ has given me the knowledge to be able to run this student organization effectively.

As this organization has grown we have bumped into problems, but have overcome them with the leadership of the past president, Gitzel Puente, and now, Anthony Sandoval.

Both have done great things for the organization, and have shown the leadership to run a successful student organization, and I feel that my experience working with both has taught me the techniques to be a successful president.

Vice President

 Candidate: Perla Farias, broadcast journalism and justice studies junior

I would like to be next year’s NAHJ’s Vice President and I believe I am qualified for many reasons. As journalism and justice studies majors, I always get this thirst for knowledge and my curiosity takes over me.

Because of that I always strive to network with people and try to make the best out of my resources. I am the type of person that has a lot of passion in everything that I do. I have a couple of virtues that have helped me out in my life such as compassion, loyalty, honesty and patience.

I have always been a part of the community taking on many different roles such as a facilitator, leader, advisor, and co-director. I’ve had these roles in social justice oriented high school camps, community theater, youth groups, conferences and so forth.

One organization that has helped me a lot is M.E.Ch.A, an organization at the Tempe campus where I held a co-facilitator position for a year and a historian position a semester so far. Although this organization is known for its politics and philosophies, it is an organization that has taught me a lot.

I’ve learned how to work with different types of people in stressful times and have helped in organizing small events and large conferences annually. I believe I am qualified to be NAHJ’s vice-president because of my experience and because I care.

I always strive to do my best and I believe in opportunity. By genuinely getting to know people and seeing what people’s beautiful talents and strengths are, you learn a lot about others and yourself, and you are able to connect yourself to the community in ways that can be life changing. As journalists, it is important to stay connected with the people and know them on both a personal and professional level so we can tell people’s stories in the most ethical, and honest way.

I hope you consider me as next year’s vice-president. With my compassion, I promise I won’t let you down.

Activities Coordinator

Candidate: Annia Quiroz Villa, journalism sophomore

Coordinating events is something I really enjoy. I’ve had experience doing it before in high school as part of student government coordinating parties or inviting guest speakers so I feel comfortable talking to various people to get them to participate, as well as setting up meetings or forums. I think I’m a big people person too so it allows me to meet more people that are part of this organization.

Public Relations Liaison

Candidate: Caitlin Cruz, journalism freshman

Hello everyone! My name is Caitlin Cruz, and I will be a sophomore in the Cronkite School next year. I would like to be PR Liaison for NAHJ because I would like to increase my involvement amongst the students of NAHJ, however I do not believe my involvement thus far merits a higher position.

NAHJASU is important to me as a Hispanic journalist because we are often considered a minority. As the Liaison for NAHJ, I want to reach out to incoming freshmen, but also upperclassmen and transfer students who aren’t quite sure what they can be involved in at Cronkite. I hope to help us bring to light the capabilities and strong talents of Hispanic students at the Cronkite School. 

Treasurer 

Candidate: Alexis Ariana Hermosillo, interdisciplinary arts and performance senior

Hello, NAHJASU members! My name is Alexis Hermosillo and I am currently a senior at the ASU’s West campus getting ready to graduate in May.

Before, I move forward, I would like to apologize for not being present at this time, due to academic responsibilities. With that aside, I am interested in becoming the treasurer of this organization.

I am majoring in nterdisciplinary arts  and performance with a minor in Spanish. For the upcoming academic year, I will be attending the Downtown campus as a graduate student in the Master’s in mass communications program.

Since 2008, I have been the president of both the Hispanic Honor Society and the Body & Self-Esteem club at the West Campus, so I am very familiar with how student government works, the paperwork processes each club goes through for various club circumstances and how to request for funding in front of club council.

I am very dependable and I feel that I will fulfill all of the responsibilities of this position, if I were to be elected. Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you all.

—

E-mail your vote to Anita Luera at anita.luera@asu.edu

By Anthony Sandoval

If you’re new to NAHJASU or if you missed out on last year’s event, here is a brief description of what the Media Mixer Match is all about:

The Media Mixer Match is a way for journalism students to meet with media professionals from around the Valley. Students meet with an array of potential mentors and are eventually paired to suit the students’ career goals. By having a mentor that is a working professional, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge that comes with experience in the field.

It works like a dating game and is a fun and different way to find a mentor that can help guide you as you navigate through the tricky web that is the journalism network.

For more details check out Vice President Johnny Garcia’s Press Release.

Club Member Rachel Jimenez at last nights member meeting. Photo by Hannah Nunez.

NAHJASU started the 2011 spring semester off with guest speakers from KPHO 5 to discuss investigative coverage of immigration in Arizona on Feb. 16.

David Paredes, investigative photographer, and Morgan Loew, investigative reporter, showed clips of immigration stories that have aired on KPHO 5. These clips included an interview with Governor Jan Brewer. The reporter discredited statements made by the Arizona legislature that crime rates in the state were high due to border issues when in reality crime rates were decreasing.

Loew said his previous bosses would not have allowed the investigative team to work on such a story as it could upset those who supported anti-immigration reforms. He said it’s important the way a reporter presents a story to their editor.

“It’s all about the pitch,” he said. Loew explained its necessary to describe to the editor why viewers need to hear the story and why it’s journalistic.

Sometimes part of the pitch discussion is whether or not a journalist needs to go undercover. Loew went undercover to get the true story about minutemen guarding the border. He said these men usually put up a façade on camera, so it was important they didn’t know they were videotaped. In situations as these Loew discussed the importance for the journalist to stay silent maintaining an ambiguous opinion of the subject at hand.

Loew instructs future investigative reporters to give themselves up as a journalist during potential dangerous situations. Let the subject know he or she is on camera, before they attempt to take a risky action.

With another clip Paredes explains the importance of maintaining great relationships with sources. He was able to use connections from high school in order to make an interview with a federal prison inmate occur within the federal facilities very smoothly.

The two warn the investigative reporter position is not easy. These reporters don’t get their stories from press releases, or newspaper articles, they get stories from sources, from knowing their communities. In-depth stories usually provide the most revenue to a production company, so there’s added pressure to produce the best work possible.

To those still aspiring to reach this position Loew advised, “Be the best general assignment reporter in the news room.”

After the first meeting of the semester, the members of NAHJASU decided to meet for a social gathering on Feb. 24 at ASU’s Women’s basketball game.

KPHO 5 Investigative Producer/Photographer David Paredes and Investigative Reporter Morgan Loew will be the guest speakers at February’s member meeting Wednesday, Feb. 16. The meeting will take place at the Walter Cronkite School in room 355 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Food and light refreshments will be provided.

This months meeting promises to be a great opportunity to meet with an award winning team that has extensively covered immigration issues along the border, as well as controversial political figure, Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

All NAHJ members are encouraged to attend with questions for our speakers, however the meeting is open to the general public as well. Make sure to RSVP on our Facebook page.

NAHJ members Griselda Nevarez, Vivian Padilla and Johnny Garcia.

NAHJ is proud to recognize three members for their outstanding achievements.

Griselda Nevarez and Johnny Garcia are this years recipients of the Arizona Latino Media Association Scholarship. According to the groups website, ALMA was founded by Phoenix area media professionals in order to, “create a stronger media industry through diversity initiatives that deepen the scope, coverage and understanding of U.S. Latino communities.”

Vivian Padilla took first place in the Fall 2010 Student Photo Contest at ASU. In the competition, students were asked to submit photos that chronicled ASU through their perspective. Vivian earned the top spot in the category: Excellence at ASU. You can view her photo here.

Congratulations to the three of you!

Best Regards,

Anthony Sandoval
NAHJASU President

This December marks the end of yet another wonderful semester for the NAHJASU Student Chapter. In just over a year, our young club has continued to steadily grow and become established as a reputable and important part of campus culture. Here is a review of the 2010 fall term.

DECEMBER

End of Semester News

With finals consuming most of everyone’s lives in the month of December, the club opted not to have a member meeting, however NAHJ officers continued working tirelessly to design and order new T-shirts as well as set up a bank account in the club’s name. The shirts have been completely redesigned from our first ones and include custom artwork on our school colors, maroon and gold. As always, members can earn their free shirt by either participating in club events, or blogging for the website. The bank account will allow us to start conducting fundraisers. The funds will be used for incidental costs associated with events as well as go to funding trips to national conferences held by the national organization. The ASU Student Chapter bank account is just one more step in solidifying our presence on campus and will continue to help the students associated with the club.

AUGUST

Cronkite School Freshman Reception

The NAHJASU Student Chapter attended the Cronkite School freshman reception held at the end of August in the First Amendment Forum. Vice President Johnny Garcia and Treasurer Jacqueline Gutierrez greeted incoming freshmen with an assortment of candy and answered questions about the club.

SEPTEMBER

First Member Meeting of the semester

NAHJ’s first member meeting was held on Wednesday, Sept. 15, in Cronkite room 355. The room overlooks the school’s impressive First Amendment Forum and features the famous saying by the renowned journalists, “… and that’s the way it is,” sprawled across the conference room wall. The cozy room served as the home for every member meeting held this semester. This year’s new officers and advisor were introduced to members and the club’s first guest speakers were announced.

NAHJ/AMJ Journalist Panel

NAHJ teamed up with the Association of Multicultural Journalists at ASU to host a panel of professional journalists to discuss ethnicity and objectivity in journalism. After a busy summer that saw the passage of Arizona’s controversial law, Senate Bill 1070, the hot-button topic of immigration was once again pushed into the spotlight, prompting the student organizations to seek out Hispanic professionals to discuss newsroom conditions. Panelists included ABC 15 Managing Editor Andy Ramirez, Emmy award-winner Janet Rodriguez of Telemundo and Arizona Republic Reporter Richard Ruelas. The event was featured in the online publication Donwtown Devil. Check out the article here for more information.

OCTOBER

Member meeting with Yvonne Wingett and Jesse Sanchez

Yvonne Wingett of the Arizona Republic and her family, husband Jesse Sanchez and infant son Mateo, joined NAHJ on Oct. 14, to discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a family while working in the journalism field. Sanchez, a writer for MLB.com, discussed the benefits of having a spouse that is also a journalist. NAHJ members Juventino Rodarte and Marissa Gutierrez were also recognized for their volunteer efforts and were presented with T-shirts.

ASU Downtown Homecoming

NAHJ participated in this year’s homecoming festivities on Oct. 29, joining Sparky and other student organizations on Taylor Mall. As part of the activities, NAHJ met with students and provided Dia de los Muertos style face painting. NAHJ member Ashley Reyes was one of the few students daring enough to get painted.

NOVEMBER

Member meeting with Nuvia Enriquez

November’s meeting featured Donor Network of Arizona representative Nuvia Enriquez. She spoke of the importance of organ donation and spoke to members about a paid internship opportunity for bilingual Public Relations students.

NAHJ member,Ashley Reyes, got her face painted at the NAHJASU Homecoming Table

NAHJ joined Sparky and the rest of the Spirit Squad in the homecoming festivities Friday, Oct. 29, on Downtown campus’ Taylor mall for some good old-fashioned pep rallying.

NAHJ President Anthony Sandoval and Vice President Johnny Garcia, handed out free NAHJ T-Shirts and provided face painting for eager students walking up and down Taylor Mall. Our table welcomed new faces as well as familiar ones. NAHJ member Ashley Reyes came down from her dorm to be painted in Dia de los Muertos fashion.

NAHJ President, Anthony Sandoval, painted faces at the ASU Downtown Homecoming event.

The Sun Devil’s ended up victorious in a 42-0 romp over the Washington State Cougars, and NAHJ made some new friends in the process making the Homecoming week a rousing success.

The NAHJASU Student Chapter attended the Cronkite School Freshmen Reception held Tuesday night. At the event different clubs set up informational booths to encourage freshman to get involved with campus organizations.

NAHJASU officers created a promotional board containing club information and photos.

The board was displayed on a promotional table. Club officers answered questions, provided information and gave away candy to inquiring freshman.

NAHJASU’s attendance at the event promoted and generated interest for the club among freshmen.

Anthony Sandoval-
My name is Anthony Sandoval. I am a junior at the Cronkite School and current Vice President of NAHJASU. I am now running for President of the club. After our first full semester of being a recognized organization on campus, I have the motivation and drive needed to expand our club moving forward. While our first semester was a success, I would like to see our chapter grow both in active membership and club involvement on campus.

As VP I have had the opportunity to work with current President Gitzel Puente and advisor Anita Luera and feel I can help build on the solid foundation they have established. This semester I participated in the ALMA workshop, Media Mixer Match and met with the student senate to request funds for our club. My past involvement, experience and motivation make me a prime candidate to become President. Thank you for your consideration.

Vice-President

Johnny Garcia-
I’m Johnny Garcia. I’m running for Vice-President this time around. As current PR Liaison for NAHJ I was able to gain experience to promote the club, and its events, to students at Cronkite. I was able to run the social media networks such as our website, Facebook account and our blogging site as well.

Some other contributions I’ve been part of include a Media Mixer Match, were we helped students pair up with a mentor, also I’ve been able to secure funds from the student senate. The funds helped get our t-shirts and funding for our events. I feel like my past contribution to the club has made me suitable to become vice-president of NAHJ. Thank you for your consideration!

Treasurer

Activities Coordinator

Hannah Jane Nunez-
My name is Hannah Jane Nunez and I’m currently a freshman at the Walter Cronkite School. I’m running for re-election as the Activities Coordinator. Throughout high school I was actively involved with the governor’s youth commission, student government and national honor society. I have also worked at Alma Vision Phoenix KTVP as a producer and the Vice President of relations. With the experience I’ve gained working at the station and with my participation in other clubs, I believe I can effectively coordinate and manage events for NAHJ. I have a lot of fresh ideas for NAHJ. I’d like to do a few more mixers/socials and get our club more involved with the Cronkite School. I would also like to work hard and promote NAHJ during orientation week. As the Activities Coordinator I will act on these ideas and contribute others as the year goes on. Thank you for your consideration!

PR Liaison
Laura Palmisano-
Hello,
My name is Laura Palmisano and I am running for PR Liaison. I have both public relations and multimedia experience. I have worked on promotional campaigns for CBS College Sports and Target. I also work with videography, photography and web content. I know how to use social media to promote and communicate with viewers. I feel my skills and talents would be well suited for this office.
Thank you,
Laura Palmisano

Email your vote to Anita Luera, NAHJASU Advisor, at Anita.Luera@asu.edu

In order to keep Cesar E. Chavez’s name alive the community gathered at the Santa Rita Center for music, pastries, and a low-rider show among other activities.

The objective of the event is to honor Chavez’s birthday and to “continue promoting his legacy,” said Jose Cortez, the event’s coordinator.

Photo Taken By: Michel Duarte

The Santa Rita Center is the site where Chavez held his 24-day fast in May 1972. While Chavez was in his hunger strike the words “Si Se Puede,” or “Yes We Can,” served as encouragement for him, said Cortez. It also served as a slogan for President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

“It was born right here in Phoenix, in this poor little barrio,” Cortez announced to a few hundred people at the event.

The Center is located in the Campito neighborhood near the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Many of old Chavez’s friends and former field laborers attended the event as well.

Photo Taken By: Michel Duarte

Lucia Abeytia, a former field laborer, explained how in her time in the fields simple things like clean water and bathrooms were not accessible. But thanks to Chavez’s leadership those rights have been implemented and have been privileged with better wages and health benefits, said Abeytia.

The event also hosted a Danza Azteca (Aztec Dance) that dates back thousands of years. It is used as a prayer to pay tribute and welcome back our ancestors, said one of the dancers.

“Cesar Chavez is here with me right now,” said Pedro Ruiz, a former migrant worker.