Cutting the ribbon to signify the official launch of Temple University’s new student chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)

An effort aimed at broadening access and representation in local newsrooms

Just over three years after the creation of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Philadelphia chapter, the organization has helped establish NAHJ Temple, marking Temple University’s first-ever student chapter of NAHJ.

Klein College’s acting dean Deborah Cai welcomes the newest student organization at Temple University. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)

During the chapter’s official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 2, Klein College Acting Dean Deborah Cai emphasized that NAHJ Temple represents far more than a new student group.

“It is a vital space where Latino storytellers, creators, and future newsroom leaders can find the community support and professional development they deserve,” Cai said.

Through the organization, Temple students will gain access to mentorship from industry professionals, hands-on reporting and media opportunities, and a steady stream of internships and career pathways across the media landscape.

Desiree Genao, Alana Beltran, Chelsea Lubbe, three student journalists and founding board members of NAHJ Temple, and Gabriela Watson-Burkett, VP of NAHJ Philadelphia (left to right). (Credit:@melquiphotographer)

“More importantly, it helps ensure that our newsrooms and creative industries reflect the communities that they cover,” Cai added.

Aligning with Klein College’s mission to educate students who inform, engage, and uplift the communities they serve, NAHJ Temple and the college’s new Latino Media minor both represent significant steps toward strengthening Latine representation in journalism and media.

Temple adjunct professor Neil Ortiz has been a strong advocate for Latino students at the university. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)

For Temple adjunct professor Neil Ortiz—who began his work with the university more than 30 years ago—the launch holds personal meaning.

“I had always wished that there was something there for me as a Latino, but we didn’t have that many Latino students back then,” he said. “Now, things have changed.”

Change is exactly what the new student chapter hopes to accelerate.

During the launch event, NAHJ Temple founding president Alana Beltran reflected on the journey to establishing the organization and the possibilities ahead.

The new NAHJ Temple chapter strives to give Latino voices a platform to make their voices heard. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)

“From here, I can say that now more than ever, our future is bright. It’s full of endless possibilities,” Beltran said, adding that this momentum is driven by the work already done—and the work still necessary—to “make a difference, in speaking up, and speaking out now more than ever.”

NAHJ Temple has been in the works for over a year, in partnership with Klein College and NAHJ Philadelphia. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)

She closed with a call to action for the next generation of Latine media leaders: “We must challenge the oppressors to make our voices heard… Let us continue to be loud and stand united.”

Temple Professors, journalists, NAHJ members, and NAHJ Temple Chapter students. (Credit: @melquiphotographer)
 

*Published on December 5, 2025 for Inti Media

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