The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ–Philadelphia) presented the 1st Edition of the Awards for Excellence in Journalism on October 13 at CYTO PHL.
Isabel Sánchez of Telemundo 62, the association’s vice president, served as master of ceremonies. During the event, journalists and organizations who “have broken barriers and championed diversity in the city of Philadelphia” were honored, according to the NAHJ Board of Directors, presided over by Martín Alfaro.
The first awardee of the night, receiving the “Excellence in Journalism” Award, was Perla Lara, multimedia journalist and editor-in-chief of Impacto.
With more than three decades of uninterrupted journalism experience, Perla Lara’s career spans print, digital, radio, and television in Mexico, Italy, and the United States, where she has worked for Hispanic Media, WHYY, USALA Radio in Philadelphia, and Radio Latina in Allentown, PA, as well as contributing to various international agencies and networks. Perla has also been recognized for her work in prestigious local outlets, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, and Healthy NewsWorks.
In her acceptance speech, she urged attendees to “highlight, support, and bring visibility to the stories of the most vulnerable,” encouraging everyone to continue “fighting, hoping that we all become better and stronger after these dark times.” She also took the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of civic engagement, reminding everyone that “the rest of the world is watching what we are doing.”
Other awards were given to Helen Ubiñas, Edgar Ramírez, Elvira Méndez, and Claudia Peregrina.
Helen Ubiñas
AWARD-WINNING COLUMNIST AND EDITORIAL LEADER
Helen Ubiñas is an award-winning columnist and editorial leader with more than three decades of experience delivering fearless, emotionally resonant journalism across print, digital, and social platforms. Named one of the most impactful metro columnists at The Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News, her reporting consistently set the city’s agenda, elevated marginalized voices, and helped drive policy change.
Helen Ubiñas es una columnista y líder editorial galardonada, con más de tres décadas de experiencia ofreciendo un periodismo valiente y emocionalmente resonante en medios impresos, digitales y sociales. Reconocida como una de las columnistas metropolitanas más influyentes en The Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News, su trabajo ha marcado la agenda de la ciudad, amplificado las voces marginadas y contribuido a impulsar cambios en las políticas públicas.
Edgar Ramírez
DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF PHILATINOS RADIO
A community leader, media entrepreneur, and co-founder of multiple organizations and initiatives in Philadelphia, with more than 15 years dedicated to strengthening the Latino community. With a special focus on promoting culture, education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, he has collaborated with numerous organizations to positively impact the lives of immigrants in South Philadelphia.
Líder comunitario, emprendedor de medios y cofundador de múltiples organizaciones e iniciativas en Filadelfia, cuenta con más de 15 años dedicados al fortalecimiento de la comunidad latina. Con un enfoque especial en promover la cultura, la educación, el emprendimiento y la participación cívica, ha colaborado con numerosas organizaciones para mejorar la vida de los inmigrantes en el sur de Filadelfia.
Elvira Méndez
SENIOR PRESS OFFICER AND MULTILINGUAL COMMUNICATIONS LEAD, SEPTA
Elvira Méndez is SEPTA’s Senior Press Officer and Multilingual Communications Lead, recognized for pioneering inclusive language access across the transit system. Originally from Spain, she became the agency’s first Spanish spokesperson and developed SEPTA’s Hispanic Outreach Strategic Plan, introducing bilingual signage, announcements, marketing, and emergency communications that serve thousands of riders.
Elvira Méndez es Oficial Superior de Prensa y Líder de Comunicaciones Multilingües en SEPTA, reconocida por impulsar el acceso inclusivo al lenguaje en todo el sistema de transporte. Originaria de España, se convirtió en la primera portavoz en español de la agencia y desarrolló el Plan Estratégico de Alcance Hispano de SEPTA, introduciendo señalización bilingüe, anuncios, campañas de mercadotecnia y comunicaciones de emergencia que sirven a miles de pasajeros.
Claudia Peregrina
DIRECTORA SENIOR, MIGHTY WRITERS EL FUTURO
Claudia Peregrina es una artista multidisciplinaria radicada en Filadelfia y originaria de Ciudad de México, cuyo trabajo empodera a mujeres inmigrantes y comunidades subrepresentadas a través del arte, la narración y la sanación. Desde la fotografía hasta el bordado tradicional, Claudia crea espacios de resiliencia y solidaridad, desempeñándose recientemente como directora Senior en @mightywriters El Futuro.
Claudia Peregrina is a Philadelphia-based multidisciplinary artist from Mexico City whose work empowers immigrant women and underrepresented communities through art, storytelling, and healing. From photography to folk embroidery, Claudia creates spaces of resilience and solidarity—most recently serving as Senior director at @mightywriters El Futuro.
Perla Lara
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, IMPACTO
Perla Lara has dedicated her life to journalism that uplifts communities and demands justice. As Editor-in-Chief of @tuimpactomedia, she leads coverage on issues that matter most to Philadelphia’s Latino communities, from mental health and education to civic engagement and human rights. Her story spans continents and decades, rooted in truth-telling and social equity.
Perla Lara ha dedicado su vida al periodismo que eleva a las comunidades y exige justicia. Como editora jefa de Impacto, lidera la cobertura de temas que más importan a las comunidades latinas de Filadelfia, desde la salud mental y la educación hasta la participación cívica y los derechos humanos. Su historia abarca continentes y décadas, y está profundamente arraigada en la verdad y la equidad social.
We sincerely thank photojournalists Jesús Rincón, José Somalo, and Christopher Cruz for their presence and for capturing the most significant moments of the event through their lenses. Their work in photographic coverage has allowed us to document and share the essence of this celebration with professionalism and sensitivity.