Region 1 Director Candidate -- The Caribbean and Mexico

Harvey Cabassa

Region 2 Director Candidate -- The Northeast

Open Position, write-in candidates will be allowed to campaign to professional-eligible voters.

Region 3 Director Candidate -- The Mid-Atlantic

Open Position, write-in candidates will be allowed to campaign to professional-eligible voters.

Region 4 Director Candidate -- The South

Samantha Rivera

Region 5 Director Candidates -- South Central U.S.

Jess Elizarraras

Region 6 Director Candidate -- The Midwest

Open Position, write-in candidates will be allowed to campaign to professional-eligible voters.

Region 7 Director Candidate -- The Southwest

Open Position, write-in candidates will be allowed to campaign to professional-eligible voters.

Region 8 Director Candidate -- The Pacific

Cristy Fajardo

Region 1 Director Candidate:

Harvey Cabassa

BIO

Harvey Cabassa is an on-air news producer at TeleOnce’s morning show “En la Mañana”, where he leads the program’s political and government coverage with a focus on public accountability and civic engagement. Proudly raised in the coastal town of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, he carries with him the values of community, perseverance, and purpose that continue to guide his work in journalism.

Before joining TeleOnce, Harvey began his career as a news reporter for NotiUno 630 AM, covering major political developments and current affairs across the island. His experience in radio allowed him to refine his reporting voice, develop an investigative mindset, and build a strong understanding of Puerto Rico’s complex political landscape.

A proud graduate of the University of Puerto Rico in Arecibo, he earned a Magna Cum Laude degree in Tele-Radio Communication with a concentration in News. During his academic years, Harvey held multiple leadership positions within the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)–UPRA Chapter, serving as Secretary, Vice President, and President. His leadership was marked by unity, growth, and opportunity—strengthening the chapter, increasing membership, and leading projects that helped students gain professional experience. During his presidency, the chapter earned national recognition as Student Chapter of the Year.

He also participated in the NAHJ Student Project, where he reported and wrote for the Latino Reporter newsroom, contributing to in-depth and collaborative storytelling.

A firm believer in journalism as both a historical record and a democratic voice, Harvey remains committed to storytelling that informs, promotes transparency, and inspires accountability.

STATEMENT

As a journalist, producer, and dedicated member of this organization — having previously served as student chapter secretary, vice president, and president — I understand firsthand the impact that NAHJ can have on our professional growth and collective voice. I believe that unity, collaboration, and purpose are essential to protecting and advancing our profession, and I’m committed to strengthening that mission across Region 1.

My priorities focus on three key goals.

First, to expand member recruitment and retention, ensuring that every journalist in our region feels supported, connected, and represented.

Second, to work closely with student chapters, empowering emerging journalists with mentorship, networking, and real opportunities for professional growth.

And third, to reactivate the professional NAHJ chapter in Puerto Rico, because our island’s journalists deserve strong, organized representation and a network that advocates for their development and fair treatment in the media.

Beyond these goals, I want to reignite the spirit of collective action within our community. Fewer members today are stepping into leadership roles, but this is precisely the time to remind ourselves why our unity matters — because when we stand together, we amplify the truth and protect our role in democracy.

We are living in challenging times when truth is often under threat. That’s why I’m running: to strengthen our community, defend integrity in journalism, and open doors for those who will follow. I will serve with transparency, empathy, and steadfast dedication to advancing NAHJ’s mission — ensuring our voices continue to shape a more fair, inclusive, and truthful media landscape.

Region 4 Director Candidate:

Samantha Rivera

BIO

Samantha Rivera is a bilingual sports journalist (English/Spanish) who currently works as a sports anchor/reporter for CBS Miami. From covering both the Florida Panthers and Miami Heat in their historic run to the finals, to seeing the Cats finally bring Lord Stanley to South Florida not once, but twice, and of course the GOAT, Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami, she’s experienced quite a bit. 

Before the 305, Samantha worked in her hometown as a sports reporter/anchor for NBC5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago. Whether it was the Chicago Bears, Bulls or White Sox, there was always a team to talk about - not always positively, but they were talked about. Other career stops include San Diego, Rockford, IL and Marquette, MI. 

The Chicagoland native is a proud alum of DePaul University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations and advertising.  

Samantha is also the current Region 4 Director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, on their Sports Task Force board, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and part of their Sports Committee.  

In her free time, she enjoys working out (a good hot Pilates class does it every time!), finding vegan restaurants, going to the movie theatre and staying active in the Latino community with speaking engagements. 

Samantha is the oldest of 3 girls (her dad does have hair left, despite what most people would think), with a mother from San Luis Potosí and a father whose family is from Durango. 

STATEMENT

I wasn’t sure what to expect in my first term as NAHJ’s Region 4 Director, but I can tell you it was more than I could’ve ever dreamt. I took the position to continue the work of helping unite Latino journalists and give back to an organization that truly changed my life. From helping elevate the annual convention with more diverse speakers and sponsors, to helping bring the Excelencia Awards to life, and not to mention shining a bigger light on the ever growing sports task force - I can confidently say I’ve reached those goals. I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve been able to do in this position, but the work is far from over.

If given the opportunity to run it back, I promise to continue to fight the good fight and represent our people con puro orgullo. Now, it’s more important than ever to stand together como Latinos - to stand up, defend each other in the hardest of times and show the world we’re not going anywhere.  

I hope to make our next convention bigger, louder, and with more sponsors that will carry out our message. With that, my sports journalist heart would be elated to see more sports-related activities in New Orleans - whether it’s working with local teams, bringing in athletes to speak on panels, etc. We’ve done such a great job of working with NFL/MLS teams throughout my region, it would be incredible to see it on the national level as well.

Region 5 Director Candidate:

Jess Elizarraras

BIO

Jess Elizarraras is a journalist with more than 17 years of experience writing about all food and culture in San Antonio and beyond. The Rio Grande Valley native, Jess has been featured in Eater Austin, Texas Monthly, Bon Appetit.

Jess is the Region 5 Director for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists; a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International San Antonio and a member of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists.

STATEMENT

My name is Jess Elizarraras. I’m a journalist and the Executive Producer for MySanAntonio.com in San Antonio, Texas. Since February 2025, I’ve served as NAHJ’s Region 5 Director after being appointed by the board.

Within my first five months as Region 5 Director, I connected with several blossoming chapters within the region including the new student chapters at Loyola and Texas A&M, a continuation of the efforts by my predecessor and San Antonio Express-News colleague, Nancy Preyor-Johnson.

In July, I attended the NAHJ Conference in Chicago and joined board members in fostering connection and growth within our community under Dunia Elvir’s leadership.

While in Chicago I connected with the student chapter at the University of Texas which holds several up-and-coming journalists, as does the New Orleans chapter which will help the organization host 2026’s national conference. The energy these journalists bring to the table is palpable and should be encouraged, especially as we continue covering unprecedented
moments in our history.

During my relatively short tenure, I’ve helped connect groups with the national staff for marketing materials, and helped guide chapters through our new election process. I hope to continue fostering more relationships across student and professional chapters in the region going forward, such as helping onboard a professional Houston chapter.

I believe Latino journalists are necessary in covering our communities, and the work NAHJ does to train and help journalists in our field is invaluable. Being part of this new era of change that includes a holistic look at our career paths from self-care to inclusive reporting is an exciting challenge I’m ready to take on.

Region 8 Director Candidate:

Cristy Fajardo

BIO

Cristy Fajardo is an Emmy Award-winning journalist at KTTV/FOX11 in Los Angeles. You can find her all over Southern California covering breaking news and investigative stories. She is grateful to have grown up bilingual and bicultural. 

One of her investigations led to the resignation of some top law enforcement officials at LAX, and another prompted the  state attorney general to intervene when a chemical plant was operating near a school without proper permits. She has also covered the U.S.-Mexico border, financial markets in Madrid Spain, political unrest in Lima, Peru and child soldiers in Northern Uganda 

STATEMENT

 Student Rep Candidate:

Nicole Roesler

STATEMENT/BIO

Nicole Roesler has seen firsthand how NAHJ provides the community every journalist needs. NAHJ doesn’t just shape better journalists — it builds better people. As National Student Representative, Nicole has experienced those opportunities personally and worked to expand them for others.

She co-founded the national newscast, NAHJ Spotlight Series: Stories That Matter, turning a student dream into a nationwide platform. Since its launch in April 2025, the bilingual series has produced monthly shows in Spanish and English, giving students across the country space to showcase the power of Hispanic representation. Nicole now leads plans to collaborate with NABJ and AAJA to strengthen newsroom diversity.

She has spent two summers with NBC 4 Los Angeles and worked with CNN Audio’s The Axe Files with David Axelrod — experiences that deepened her commitment to ethical storytelling and public service. On campus, she’s led workshops on newsroom ethics, mentorship, and representation, helping peers find their voice and purpose. 

One of the students she mentored earned an internship with Telemundo Chicago after just one year in NAHJ — proof that when community and ambition meet, opportunity follows.

Nicole Roesler, the current NAHJ National Student Representative, is running for re-election to keep leading with purpose, expanding opportunity, and building a future where every aspiring journalist has the tools — and the courage — to succeed.