NAHJ + FIU Certificate in Data & AI-Driven Investigative Journalism

Presented by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists & FIU

Sharpen your investigative reporting skills with NAHJ’s intensive, hands-on online workshops, designed for working journalists who want to advance their techniques in data visualization and AI-powered investigations. Workshops will be available in both English and Spanish and offered across September and October 2025. 

What’s Included

Each workshop includes:
• 6 hours of live instruction (via Zoom)
• 4–6 hours of independent assignments
• A Certificate of Completion (with minimum participation and deliverables) 

Workshop Topics

AI Tools for Investigative Reporting

Instructor: Mariana Alvarado del Real, MS (English & Spanish)
Learn to integrate AI into your investigative workflow. This workshop explores tools for data analysis, source verification, and document review—all designed to uncover hidden patterns and streamline your process. 

Data Visualization and Storytelling

Instructors:

• Spanish: Laura Moscoso
• English: Jessica Kizorek

Transform complex data into powerful visual narratives. This session covers design principles, ethical storytelling, and tools for creating engaging visuals like charts, graphs, and interactive elements. 

Workshop Format & Language

Each workshop will be taught twice, once in English and once in Spanish, by instructors fluent in the respective language.

• Participants may register for the language of their choice
• Capacity is limited to 25 participants per session

When & Language Schedule

September 29 – October 6, 2025

• AI Tools for Investigative Reporting (Spanish)
• Data Visualization and Storytelling (Spanish) 

October 27 – November 3, 2025

• AI Tools for Investigative Reporting (English)
• Data Visualization and Storytelling (English) 

Live sessions held:

• Monday – Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
• Final assignments due the following Monday. 

How It Works 

Workshops will be delivered via Zoom in small-group sessions. Each offering is interactive, project-based, and tailored for early- to mid-career journalists looking to grow their investigative toolkit. 

Both workshops — AI Tools and Data Visualization — must be completed in order to receive the FIU + NAHJ Certification. Registration is bundled to include both sessions, and partial participation will not qualify for certification. 

Ready to Register? 

Spots are full for this certification program.  

INSTRUCTORS

	Mariana Alvarado del Real, MS Mariana Alvarado is a bilingual journalist and editor with more than 29 years of experience in web and print. She is currently a trainer with Google News Initiative for Mexico, Central America and Colombia. She has collaborated with the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, teaching massive online courses on artificial intelligence, citizen security, data journalism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism. She is a Media Viability Ambassador for DW Akademie and co-founder of the Network for Diversity in Latin American Journalism. She was a Google News Lab Teaching Fellow for Mexico, Central America, Puerto Rico, Colombia and the Caribbean. She covered migration and the Hispanic community in the U.S. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and research from Florida International University. She was a contributor for Grupo Reforma and Expansión in Mexico; and for the Arizona Daily Star, Orlando Sentinel, La Opinión, and other media outlets in the United States.
	Laura Moscoso Laura Moscoso is a Puerto Rican journalist and training director for IRE & NICAR. Laura is an educator focusing on data, visualization tools, and media literacy. She has a bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Puerto Rico and a master's degree in Journalism from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos I in Madrid. She has worked in a variety of newsrooms, including Prensa Comunitaria, El Nuevo Día, El Mundo (Spain), the Center for Investigative Journalism, and Todas. In 2018 she contributed the non-fiction piece Monta mi guagua for the book Santurce y 8 crónicas de viaje, a publication of the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico.
	Jessica Kizorek Jessica Kizorek is a Visiting Professor in the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media at Florida International University, bringing over 20 years of experience as a digital marketer, video journalist, and entrepreneur. She teaches Digital Media and Data Visualization, integrating artificial intelligence tools and emerging technologies to equip students with real-world skills in media, marketing, and storytelling. Since founding her company Two Parrot Productions in 2001, Jessica has worked in over 60 countries to produce short documentaries with global nonprofits such as Girl Scouts, Make A Wish, International, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Foundation, Special Olympics, Lions Club, International Rescue Committee, and United Nations Women. She has authored 10 books and online courses about marketing and video strategy, appearing in outlets like CNN, Fox, NBC, ABC, E! Entertainment, the Miami Herald, and the Chicago Tribute. Passionate about bridging education and industry, she brings top media professionals into the classroom and leads experiential learning initiatives, preparing students for an AI-driven future.