Loyola recently added a new mass communication organization to the program, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. This organization is the first student chapter in Louisiana and was recognized at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Press Conference 2025 in Chicago. The organization’s purpose is to ensure Hispanic mass communication students have a voice and advance in the news industry. 

Mabel Regalado-Hernandez and Dr. Michelle Rossi both opened the chapter together with Loyola. Regalado-Hernandez is the Founding Chapter President, and Dr. Rossi is the Student Advisor. They work to build their board and organization. The elections took place at their first meeting, August 29th, and resulted in Isabelle Keoho Lopez being the vice president, Zoe Cruz being the secretary, and Mia Canfill being the treasurer.

The national chapter was established in 1984 to create a unified vision and voice for all Hispanic journalists, and now Loyola has taken the chance to make it happen on campus for the Hispanic community. 

NAHJ’s goals are to build and discuss topics within the Hispanic community.  

“I feel so excited about this chapter because it creates an amazing community for Hispanic journalists here at Loyola. We have so many Hispanic students, and I think it’s so important to create visibility for our community, especially in today’s social and political climate,” Cruz, a Public Relations student, said. 

The second goal is to connect members with professionals who can act as mentors since the student chapter will be working with the professional NAHJ chapter in Louisiana. The third goal is to develop journalism skills in broadcast, print, and media, and provide support for the Hispanic community. 

The chapter’s mission on the campus is to increase chapter visibility, create a strong foundation for the chapter to last on campus, and make merchandise available for members and non-members. 

The chapter was made to benefit everybody who has Hispanic roots and help them come into their best selves in the field of journalism, public relations, and media. 

“I definitely think this NAHJ chapter will encourage more Hispanic and Latino students to consider Loyola. Not only do we have an excellent journalism program, but we also have a large and vibrant Hispanic/Latino community, which makes students feel seen, supported, and inspired,” Cruz said.  

With this being the first chapter in Louisiana, this is exciting news to people who are journalists and have Hispanic roots because it gives a sense of New Orleans being home to many Hispanic journalists. The hope is it will bring more aspiring Hispanic journalists here to the school.