posted on April 23, 2013 by
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2013 Hispanic Communicators’ Scholarship Awards Banquet is a Huge Success

It’s been a few days since the Hispanic Communicators scholarship awards banquet in Dallas, and I’m still on a “happy high.” It was a huge success. Dozens of sponsors donated generously. More than 140 people showed up to celebrate with the six students who received $10,000 in scholarships.

Here are a few of the highlights thanks to many people who took several great photos.

A big thanks to WFAA’s Gloria Campos who made the night a delight as our Mistress of Ceremonies. PBS NewsHours’ Ray Suarez gave us something to think about as our keynote speaker.  He talked about the state of journalism in 2013.

We’re still adding up how much we raised for the night, but I do know that we raised $510 when we auctioned a lunch date with a TV celebrity. Thank you to Gloria Campos, NBC5′s Deborah Ferguson, Telemundo’s Norma Garcia, Fox 4′s Heather Hays and Saul Garza and Channel 8′s Cynthia Izaguire who agreed to be part of our special auction.

Scholarship winners with NAHJ President Hugo Balta

Members of HCDFW are like family. It was great being surrounded by Hispanic journalists and friends in news who really care about journalism,and care about those who want to follow the same journey.

Thanks to all of you who know that in– journalism it’s not about “me” it’s about “us.”

Rebecca Aguilar is part of the HCDFW social media and planning committees. She’s also the NAHJ VP of Online and a freelance reporter.
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posted on April 14, 2013 by
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Get ready to bid! Silent auction items at April 20th HCDFW Scholarship Banquet

We continue to raise money for our scholarship fund. Here are some of the items that have been donated by some very giving people for our silent auction.

If you don’t have tickets yet to our scholarship banquet on Saturday, April 20– you can still buy them today. Just follow this link: Tickets

Now check out all the items you can take home for the right bid! Good luck!

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Sharp 40” Class LED TV, with Full HD 1080p/60Hz anti-glare LCD panel and High brightness and contrast.
Airrosti Rehab Center treatment plan. A highly effective treatments for your  back, neck, knees and hips. Good for up to 4 visits.

Merchandise package from Frisco Roughriders, which includes an Ian Kinsler bobblehead, RoughRiders cap, T-shirt, water bottle and baseball.

DJ services by Rikki Rincon of Creative Juice Online. Winner responsible for the sound rental ($250 separate from the auction bid).

Salsa Party – Professional instructions will host a party up to 40 people for two hours.  Instruction in salsa, cha-cha, merengue and Bachata.

Carmen’s Delicious Catering- catering service for 4 to 6 people. The winning bidder can have a small dinner party catered at their home.

Margaret Chambers Interiors will donate a gift certificate for two hours of consultation along with photos of her work.

Beautiful rustic photo “Through These Eyes Visual Art’  by photographer Sonia Hernandez Doneghue 

Personal tour of Fox 4 by news anchor, Heather Hays

Three public speaking training sessions with Irene Zucker of Verbacom.

Dinner for four at Dallas’ newest steakhouse ‘SER Steak and Spirits’ atop the Hilton Anatole Hotel

Sunday Brunch for four at Cafe on the Green at Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas

 

One-year subscription to Netflix and an Apple TV.

Two tickets to TI Classical Series concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Two tickets to Dallas Summer Musicals’ opening night of Sister Act on June 4

 

Four tickets to FC Dallas regular-season home game at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco

Autographed photo of Dallas Mavericks guard Mike James.

Family four pack (2 adult, 2 kids) to Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie

Two tickets to a Texas Rangers home game

Gift basket from Fox 4

Gift basket from Channel 8

Gift basket from NBC 5

Basket of merchandise from the show “Cheaters”

Print painting and frame & hand-painted wine glasses by McKinney artist Toni Andrukaitis

 

Gloria Campos jewelry collection

Mexican art hand-painted glass plates

Rover Bow Wow edition – Photographer Andrew Grant coffee table book of more than 500 photos of beautiful dogs.

Four tickets to a Texas Revolution Indoor Football League game at the Allen Event Center

Dinner for two at Cadot French restaurant in Dallas

Photo print of Dallas skyline on canvas by Saul Garza of KDFW Fox 4

Get your business noticed by the media. Seminar being offered by Jeff Crilley, Real News Public Relations

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posted on April 2, 2013 by
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GET ON BOARD! SIGN UP AS A SPONSOR

Help the Hispanic Communicators raise money for the future generation of Latino journalists.The Hispanic Communicators DFW will hold its annual Scholarship Awards Banquet on April 20 at 3015 at Trinity Groves in Dallas. Become a sponsor and have the name of your company seen by thousands of members and supporters. We also invite you to join us for our special event.  We have a big night planned. This year’s banquet features:

  • A conversation with keynote speaker, Ray Suarez, award-winning broadcast journalist and senior correspondent for PBS NewsHour
  • Gloria Campos, WFAA Channel 8 news anchor and mistress of ceremonies
  • Bid on many excellent items in our silent auction such as Southwest Airlines tickets,  Texas Rangers tickets, a 40-inch TV or a one-year subscription with Netflix, just to name a few.
  • Get a chance to lunch with one of the following on-air personalities:
    • Gloria Campos, WFAA
    • Norma Garcia, Telemundo
    • Saul Garza, FOX 4
    • Deborah Ferguson, NBC 5
    • Heather Hays, FOX 4
    • Cynthia Izaguirre, WFAA
  • Dinner prepared by chef Sharon Van Meter and live mariachi music.Hispanic Communicators DFW is a non-profit organization with members in the local news media and communication companies.  We’ve been around since 1981.  In that time, 260 students have received more than $310,000 in scholarships.  We didn’t do it alone. We have had help from dozens of local sponsors, individuals and businesses.Be part of this great event and worthy cause.  Be part of the future of journalism.
     
    SHINING A LIGHT ON OUR SPONSORS
    When you or your company become a banquet sponsor, we will post your logo on our website. Your logo will also be displayed on our video slide show at the banquet and placed on our Hispanic Communicators’ YouTube channel. And that’s not all. Your logo and company name also will be listed in the banquet’s program.
     
    Take a look at last year’s sponsors video here

    We believe in recognizing our sponsors and letting everyone know who has been there to support us, and to support the students in need. If you’re interested in this opportunity to become a sponsor, please contact Gary Piña at 469-323-0083 or garyp329@gmail.com.

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posted on March 4, 2013 by
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Conexiones: Closing the Spanish/English Media Gap

Follow this link to REGISTER TODAY

Hispanic Communicators DFW

Join us for a plenary session and workshops on Saturday, March 23 at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Location: Fine Arts Building, Room 258, UTA

Registration on-site:  9-9:30 a.m.

Opening Remarks
9:30-9:40 a.m.—Saul Garza, Fox 4 and President of Hispanic Communicators DFW

Covering the Community: Contrast in Coverage
Plenary session | 9:40 – 10:40 a.m.

The Latino population is a fast-growing, and vital segment of our audience, but English and Spanish-language media cover Hispanics in different ways. Why and who decides what gets covered? Is there a way English and Spanish media can work together for the benefit of our community.

Moderator: Norma Garcia, Telemundo 39

Courtesy: NY Daily News

The 10 Commandments of the PIO
10:50 – 11:50 a.m.

You’ve seen public information officers at major news stories surrounded by reporters. They’re the ones we count on when we need information right away. Some will call you back only during office hours, others are available 24/7. How can we in the media and the PIOs work together to get our jobs done on deadline? This is your chance to ask them directly. Also, find out what they expect from us.

Moderator: Saul Garza, Fox 4

Open Discussion/ Box Lunch
Noon -12:50 p.m.

Grab your box lunch and join a informal roundtable where different topics will be discussed. No topic is off limits: salaries, hiring practices, media trends, what we say and do on television and radio.

Moderator:  Jay Torres, La Estrella

  • Gonzalo Aguilera, Servicios Hispanos Unidos
  • Baltazar Ortega, Liberman Broadcasting Inc.
  • Claudia Torrescano, Instituto de la Mujer and former host of La Voz del Pueblo
  • Paul Watler, media attorney with the Jackson Walker LLP

Graphic Courtesy: Technorati

Getting the Spanish language Audience Through Social Media
1- 2 p.m.

Studies show Latinos are the biggest users of social media. Whether you work in Spanish or English language media, we all want more viewers on our website. We want more followers on Twitter, and fans on Facebook. Learn from the experts on how to reach the Spanish-speaking and bilingual audience even if you don’t speak Spanish.

Moderator: Rebecca Aguilar, NAHJ VP of  Online

  • Teevee Aguirre, Dallas Marketing Rockstar
  • Michael Vega, Public Information Officer, City of Fort Worth
  • Frankie De Soto, SEO Analyst & Blogger on Online Hispanic Marketing
  • Amoya Edwards – Public Relations Account Executive

Closing Remarks

2-2:10pm–Closing remarks by Saul Garza, Fox 4President of Hispanic Communicators DFW

Follow this link to REGISTER TODAY

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posted on September 13, 2012 by
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Hispanic Communicators DFW’s Donation Challenge for NAHJ’s “1,000 Voces”

During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), Hispanic Communicators DFW is putting out a donation challenge for “1,000 Voces.” That’s the fundraising campaign launched in August by NAHJ President, Hugo Balta.

As the NAHJ Dallas chapter, we want to do our part to raise money for the national organization.  So here is our challenge—our chapter will match every donation to Voces during Hispanic Heritage Month, up to a total of $1,000 in donations.

We challenge other NAHJ chapters and individual members to take us on.  We also encourage our local members of Hispanic Communicators DFW to donate to Voces.

Adelante! Let the challenge begin!  >>>Donate Here

Saul Garza
HCDFW, President

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posted on September 10, 2012 by
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HCDFW Board plans events for members

Photo by Rebecca Aguilar

The HCDFW board met on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Half Price Bookstore. At the board meeting several issues were discussed. Here is a summary of the meeting:

Amanda Salinas stepped down as President for personal and professional reasons. Saul Garza was voted in as President. He will hold the position until elections in about a year.

Laura Martinez was voted in as Secretary. She replaces Giselle Cestarte who stepped down for personal reasons earlier this year.

Committee chairs were named:

  • Website committee: Teevee Aguirre
  • Social Media committee–Michael Vega
  • Scholarship committee: Anna Macias
  • Fundraising committee: Gary Pina
  • Spanish-language committee: Jay Torres
  • Banquet committee: Magda Salazar
  • Events/Planning committee: All of the above and several members
  • Membership committee: Karina Ramirez

There was also a discussion how to bring in more members from the Spanish-language media,and possibly having a day exclusively for workshops for Spanish-language journalists in DFW market.

Upcoming events planned:

  • Sept.15–Launch “Hispanic Heritage Month” fundraiser for NAHJ’s “1,000 Voces.”
  • Oct.4–Cokie Roberts at UTArlington/members go together
  • Oct.11–Mixer for members
  • Nov.19–Seth Myers at UTArlington/ members go together
  • Dec.–possible Christmas gathering
  • Jan.–possible Spanish-language workshop day
  • April–2013 Scholarship Banquet

Our next board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at Half-Price Bookstore at 10a.m. It is open to all our members. Feel free to come.

Rebecca Aguilar is part of the HCDFW planning committee. She’s also the NAHJ Vice President of Online.

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posted on August 19, 2012 by
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Dallas news anchor, Gloria Campos makes a change in her life

Courtesy: WFAA-TV

After 28 years at WFAA-TV, Gloria Campos will now have a little more time for herself.  Gloria has decided to reduce her hours and only anchor the 10pm show at Channel 8.  As she told Unclebarky.com,

“Life is full of transition, and I’m ready for that transition in my life.”

The last time I saw Gloria was at the Hispanic Communicators DFW Media Mixer at the House of Blues. There’s one thing about Gloria, she may be one of busiest journalists in town, but she always makes time for our functions.   She’s also one to offer her home to us for events and help out where ever she’s needed.

Gloria is also a Lifetime member of NAHJ.  She is such a valued member that in 2010, NAHJ inducted her into NAHJ Hall of Fame.  She’s giving with her time and financial support.

In these tough economic times, it takes a very confident woman to make the move Gloria has made at Channel 8.   She’ll start her new schedule after Labor Day.

Gloria with HCDFW at House of Blues

There is also something to be learned from a quote Gloria gave Unclebarky.com:

“”Believe it or not, I’ve always had that mindset that this job could disappear tomorrow. No one is irreplaceable.”

More than two decade ago, Gloria became the first Hispanic to hold a permanent anchor position on a weekday newscast in Dallas.  She’s made history and made Latinos proud.  She’s also proof that Latinos can help make a newscast number #1 year after year after year.

Gloria is not leaving TV.  In fact, she’ll continue being a role model for many Latinos getting into journalism, and continue giving North Texas viewers the news on her 10pm show.

Gloria, we’re proud of your accomplishments and wish you more success in the coming years!

Rebecca Aguilar is NAHJ Vice President of Online and a member of NAHJ Dallas Chapter, Hispanic Communicators DFW.  She’s also a board member with the SPJ Fort Worth Chapter, and a  freelance reporter based in Dallas.

 

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posted on July 6, 2012 by
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HCDFW 6th Annual Media Mixer A Huge Success!

Photo Courtesy: Michael Vega

Thank you to everyone who came out to our 6th annual Hispanic Communicators Media Mixer at a the House of Blues.  The food, the raffle prizes, the entertainment, the announcements; everything just worked.   Your support makes this organization one of the strongest chapters of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

It was great to see familiar faces and new ones too.  Even though WFAA’s anchor, Gloria Campos had a show to anchor at 10pm; she made a point of stopping by to show her support, as she always has in the past.

Abe Ruiz drove all the way from Odessa, Texas where he’s a freelance news photographer at a TV station. This was his first time at one of our mixers.  Abe says he enjoyed networking and meeting new people. Andres Gutierrez, one of the new one-man-band reporters at KXAS-TV, Channel 5 was pleasantly surprised with all the new friends he made that night.

The House of Blues was a beautiful place to once again have our event.  A big thank you to G’Nai Blakemore and Time Warner Cable.   TWC sponsored our event.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Vega

We also want to welcome our new members to Hispanic Communicators.  They joined the night of our media mixer:

  • Joe Arenas, Editor, Texas Low Rider Magazine
  • Olmar Vanegas,  Corporate Communications Intern, Mary Kay Inc.
  • Carmen Castro, Public Information Officer, Dallas Sheriff’s Department
  • Pio del Castillo, Manager of Corporate Communications, Mary Kay Inc,
  • Eddye Gallagher, Director Student Publications, Tarrant County College,
  • Daniel Gomez, Chief Detective for show “Cheaters”, Detective Gomez Agency
The media mixer is just one of many events Hispanic Communicators puts on each year.  For those who didn’t join our organization, we welcome you to join today.  There’s nothing like having the support of those who share our love for journalism and communications.



Rebecca Aguilar is freelance reporter and a member of Hispanic Communicators DFW. She’s a board member with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists-Fort Worth Chapter. 
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posted on June 5, 2012 by
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6th Annual HCDFW Media Mixer at the House of Blues

There’s nothing like the annual Hispanic Communicator’s Media Mixer at the House of Blues.  Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 28th! Come to network with current members, and meet new members.  Also meet our invited guests.

Kudos to Time Warner for sponsoring the event once again.  Come and enjoy some drinks and food. Maybe you’ll be lucky to win one of our big door prizes.

Also, we’re looking for leaders to get involved in the HCDFW committees.  There are three committees: membership, event planning and scholarships.  You can sign up at the media mixer.  We’re looking for members who want to grow their leadership skills.

We’ll keep you posted on the party.  See you June 28th.

 

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posted on June 2, 2012 by
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Get on the ballot: NAHJ elections

National Association of Hispanic Journalist members interested in becoming part of the national board can now collect signatures to get on the ballot.  Members need 25 signatures from NAHJ members in good standing to get on the ballot.  The deadline to submit signature is Saturday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m.

For further details the following pages: Deadline extension and Nomination information.

 

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