Los Angeles - Latino Journalists of California, CCNMA, is excited to unveil it’s 2022 Most Influential Latina Journalists in California list and the recipients of the Latina Journalist of the year and the emerging Latina journalist of the year.

“Our list includes a Pulitzer prize winner, Emmy winners and some of the most season Latina journalists in the country,” said Mekahlo Medina, Latino Journalist of California, CCNMA, Executive Director. ”The range of their hard work spans all news media. Their influence reaches millions and their example will inspire many more young Latina women–and men–to pursue careers in journalism.”

The list was compiled by the Latino Journalists of California, CCNMA, board of directors and is based on three-criteria: the quality of work, the size and importance of the journalist’s reach (broadcast, circulation, social media), and the arc of the journalist’s career—résumé and future.

The board named veteran news anchor and reporter Lynette Romero, of KNBC, as the 2022 Latina Journalist of the Year.

“Lynette is not only a strong journalist with a deep connection to Southern California, but is a strong Latina who stood for her worth,” said Rachel Uranga, CCNMA Latinas Chair. "We celebrate you, your ganas and your impressive body of work stretching over more than 20 years in the industry. You are an inspiration."

  The board also named Kimberly Cruz, of KSBY Santa Barbara, as the Emerging Latina Journalist of the Year.

“We honor strong Latina journalists with great potential for Emerging Latina Journalist of the Year. You encompass not only potential, but determination and talent we know will take you far in journalism and we are proud to name you with this award,” said Rachel Uranga, CCNMA Latinas Chair. 

The remaining 8 complete our list of the 10 Most Influential Journalists in California. (They are below in alphabetical order)

  List of submissions

1. Yvette Cabrera, Center for Public Integrity, Senior Reporter and NAHJ President

2. Karen Carranza; Telemundo Network, Director Western Region

3. Laura Diaz, KTTV, News Anchor/Reporter, First Latina evening anchor in Los Angeles market

4. Dunia Elvir, Telemundo 52, News Anchor/Reporter

5. Nancy Rivera Brooks, Los Angeles Times, Deputy Editor LA Times, 1984 Pulitzer Prize Recipient

6. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, First female sports editor of LA Times, only Latina sports editor of a major daily newspaper

7. Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED, Labor Correspondent 2022 Edward M. Murrow recipient

8. Marla Tellez, KTTV, News Anchor/Reporter

Latino Journalists of California CCNMA will honor these Latina journalists on November 4th at our 50th anniversary celebration dinner. It will take place at 7pm  at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens at 570 West Avenue 26 #100, Los Angeles, CA 90065

The dinner will honor the Ruben Salazar Award winners and the 2022 scholarship recipients as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first journalist of color organization created in the United States.

We invite you to attend. Tickets are available here