2023 NAHJ CHAPTER ELECTIONS: CHICAGO

The Chicago Chapter elections committee is pleased to open the ballot to vote on this year's board election. Polls will close on June 15, at 5 p.m. ET and results will be announced soon after. You can find the list of candidates who appear on the ballot below.

Only current eligible Chicago Chapter members voters are able to access the ballot. If you're having trouble with the ballot, please contact us at [email protected].

Candidates Statements

President (uncontested):
Ismael Perez		 Vice President (uncontested):
Laura Rodriguez
Financial Officer (uncontested):
Jose Baltierra
 Secretary (uncontested):
Jorge DeSantiago

NAHJ professional chapter officers’ general guidelines to keep in mind:

Officers of Professional Chapters 
(a)  Officers. Each professional chapter (i) is required to have a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer and a Secretary and (ii) at the discretion of the Chapter Board also may have a single at-large officer with such responsibilities as the Chapter Board shall determine.
(b)  Qualifications. The offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary may be held only by Regular Members in good standing. Any Regular Member, Academic Member or Associate Member, in good standing, may serve as the at-large officer. 
(c)  Holding Multiple Offices. Any elected officer may concurrently hold two or more offices, except that in no event shall the President serve simultaneously as the Treasurer or the Secretary.

(d)  Election. Chapter officers shall be elected annually. The President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected by the Regular Members and the Academics Members of the chapter. The at-large officer, if any, shall be elected by the Regular Members, the Academic Members and the Associate Members of the chapter.

2023 ELECTIONS TIMELINE

• May 12th:  Call for Nominations
• May 26th: Deadline to submit 5 unique signatures before 11:59 p.m. Deadline to become a member in good standing and be eligible to vote
• May 29th – 31st: Vetting process. The Elections Committee will screen candidates. 
• June 1st: Online voting begins (Polls open two weeks before the polls close)
• June 15th: Polls close at 5 p.m. ET and results are announced.

 

Candidates Statements

Ismael Perez

I have served on the board of NAHJ Chicago for two years. Since 2021, I have learned about the importance of Latino representation in newsrooms; how to lift each other up through education and outreach opportunities; and the power philanthropy has in supporting the next generation of journalists.

I am ready to lead the NAHJ Chicago chapter into a new year of opportunities, growth and success.

Laura Rodriguez

Laura has served on the Chicago chapter board for several years as a General Member at Large and Social Media Coordinator. Journalism is more than a career for her, “it is a vocation to ensure that Latinos are accurately and genuinely represented in the media.” Laura says she’s a writer at heart but that it’s been a pleasure to also be a part of this organization that allows her to advocate and to change the narrative of journalism in the country by supporting more Latinos to join the industry. She encourages more members to take on leadership roles. As Vice President, her goal is to push for better relationships with other journalists of color, to promote and ensure support for our budding journalists and also encourage seasoned journalists to pursue positions of leadership in their companies.

 Jose Baltierra

 

Why Running for Financial Officer: In 2017, I served as Social Media Director for the Chicago Chapter.  During that time,  I spearhead our social media campaigns to help increase visibility among college students, and it was there I saw the need for financial help from our future journalists.  For any student pursuing a degree, including journalism, financial assistance can at times be a lifeline.  This is why I believe in continuing the mission of NAHJ and supporting our local chapter in any way possible.  I appreciate your support.

 
 

Jorge DeSantiago

DeSantiago is the Weekend anchor at Telemundo Chicago and general assignment reporter 3 days a week.  

Why run for secretary: This is Jorge’s first time seeking to serve in a local chapter.  Jorge believes in the mission of NAHJ and hopes he can starting giving back.  “NAHJ is a beacon of hope and it gives an opportunity to many journalist of color to feel supported” says DeSantiago.  

  

If you have any questions regarding this chapter's election contact Carly Luque, Chicago Chapter Elections Chair. You can also email us at [email protected] with any additional questions.

NAHJ & tech support contacts:
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