Boston-New England Chapter
Board Elections 2022

The Boston-New England Chapter elections committee is pleased to open the ballot to vote on this year's board election. Polls will close on July 7, 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 Boston-New England Chapter members are able to see this form, if you're unable to see the form please contact us at [email protected] to make sure you're able to submit your nomination.

Candidates Statements

President (uncontested):
Cindy E. Rodríguez
Vice President (uncontested):
Cristela Guerra
Financial Officer (uncontested):

Vanessa de la Torre
Secretary (uncontested):

Natalie Benoit
Director of Engagement (At-Large position) (uncontested):
Sabrina Herrera 

2022 Election Timeline for Chapter Board Elections:

June 3: Call for Nominations

June 15: Deadline to submit 5 signatures. Date of the record: deadline to become a member in good standing and be eligible to vote.

June 15-23: Vetting process. The Elections Committee will screen candidates 

June 23: Online voting begin (Polls open two weeks before the polls close)

July 7: Polls close at 5 p.m. ET and results are announced

Candidates Statements:

Cindy E. Rodriguez

It’s been an honor serving as president of NAHJ New England this past year, alongside such dynamic and talented board members.
Despite the pandemic, we produced several educational and networking experiences, created the chapter’s first newsletter, and have seen a 28% growth in membership. Our “En hora buena” series, which has brought in high-profile speakers such as Maria García, the host of the “Anything for Selena” podcast, and María Hinojosa, the CEO of Futuro Studios and host of “Latino USA,” has raised more than $5,000 from corporate sponsors and we are raising additional money to create our first chapter scholarship for Latino/a/x journalism students.
We have big plans for the next year, including hosting our first journalism awards to celebrate the important work by Latinx journalists in New England. It’s all volunteer work, but it’s a labor of love.
I joined NAHJ as a college student in 1988 and have given back to the organization over the decades in many ways, including as a national board member. During my 20+ years as a journalist, my reporting focused on illuminating issues affecting marginalized communities. For the past ten years, I have taught at Emerson College, infusing social justice in my journalism classes. You can learn more about me at cindyerodriguez.com. Your vote matters and I humbly ask that you vote for me and the rest of our board: Cristela Guerra, Vanessa de la Torre, Natalie Benoit and Sabrina Herrera. ¡Gracias!

Vanessa de la Torre

Hi friends. My name is Vanessa de la Torre and I’m seeking re-election as NAHJ New England’s financial officer to carry our momentum of energizing the chapter into the 2022-23 year.
Over the past few months, the NAHJ New England board has raised at least $5,500 from sponsors through our new “En hora buena” virtual series featuring dynamic speakers in lunch-hour chats. That’s just one example of the initiatives we’ve created this year – and we want to keep it going.
Please vote for me and the slate of current board candidates (Cindy, Cristela, Natalie and Sabrina) so we can take further steps to grow our chapter, serve our talented members, and support the next generation of Latina/o/x journalists.
If re-elected, our chapter will benefit from:

• More professional development to inspire and empower up-and-coming talent and seasoned journalists.
• Expanded networking opportunities to connect with NAHJ gente throughout the region.
• Deeper partnerships with other affinity groups in our area, because we believe the power of collaboration makes us stronger and amplifies our mission.

A little more about me: I’m an award-winning journalist who leads the New England News Collaborative, a regional hub of nine public media stations. I’m based at Connecticut Public Broadcasting in Hartford, and believe diversity is central to our sustainability in media. Thanks for your support.

Natalie Benoit

Below is my official statement for the 2022/23 NAHJ New England chapter election as well as a photo, thank you!
I have had the privilege of serving as secretary and vice president of membership for the New England chapter of NAHJ. I hope with your help, I can take up the role again for the 2022-23 year.
Over the past few months, the board has reconnected members across New England with virtual events and online conversations, all while reactivating our social media presence and launching a digital newsletter. We’ve raised funds for scholarship opportunities and organized events including a “Cafecito” zoom call and our new ‘En hora buena’ series.
Speaking and meeting with some of the Latine and Hispanic journalists through our events has reminded me of why I first decided to take up the responsibility of joining the executive board. My goal for this next term is to continue connecting journalists as well as sharing workshops, job openings and other opportunities for growth in New England. I hope to continue the development of our digital newsletter, especially finding new elements to incorporate. I would also like to focus more on enlisting new chapter members so we can grow in numbers, representation and ideas!
I know our presence might feel small in a region that is predominantly white, but it’s crucial we create safe spaces where we can exchange ideas and experiences to ensure we are seen and accurately reflected on digital and broadcast platforms. I would love nothing more to help those efforts with my election. Thank you!

Sabrina Herrera

Hey all, my name is Sabrina Herrera, and I am seeking re-election for the NAHJ New England’s Director of Engagement board position. My goal this year is to continue seeking opportunities for communication, conversation, and feedback from our chapter members, so that we can continue to strengthen our sense of community, camaraderie, and skills. It has been an incredible honor to serve my first year on the board, and I would love to continue supporting you for a second term.
This past year, I helped start a chapter newsletter to inform members of local and national efforts, communicate around chapter events, and elevate career opportunities throughout New England. In an effort to connect throughout the pandemic, the New England board also put on a few events, including a winter “Cafecito,” where we listened to holiday music en español and let you lead the conversation. We also started a summer conversation series called “En Hora Buena,” which celebrates Latinx/e journalists, creating a space to hear experiences and ask questions of high-profile working journalists. I would love to continue this series in my next term with the powerful leaders that are also running for positions on the board – Cindy E. Rodriguez, Vanessa de la Torre, Natalie Benoit, and Cristela Guerra – so that we can continue to learn from each other and push each other forward.
If re-elected, our chapter board hopes to provide more professional development opportunities and networking efforts. As Director of Engagement, I also have an eye on expanding the ways we communicate with each other, whether it is on social media or through another online community forum.
As a Latina in journalism who has navigated print, broadcast, and nonprofit newsrooms, I believe I have a responsibility to help, not just the next generation of journalists, but those that are in the mix right now – to get the necessary training, to find a support system, to get that next job or have that salary conversation. We need to keep going. I would love to be a part of este esfuerzo here in New England. Thank you!

If you have any questions regarding this chapter's election contact Steph Solís, Boston-New England Chapter Elections Chair. You can also email us at [email protected] with any additional questions.

Good luck!


NAHJ Member Services
#NAHJTraining | #MoreLatinosinNews