

¡Bienvenidos a 2025! Hola America Publications, Iowa’s only bilingual award-winning media company, is racing into the new year with invigorated energy and an expanded vision. While our leadership team steps into new roles, our mission remains strong as ever: to uplift and inspire our community by building pride in Latino culture, celebrating Latino contributions, and serving as a catalyst for positive change.
Erika Macias is the new President and Publisher of Hola America Publications. Under her leadership, our family of publications: Hola Iowa, Hola America News, Hola Nebraska, and JEFAS™ Latinas in Business, is poised for unprecedented growth as she guides operations and our newly appointed editor-in-chief. It makes sense she has big goals after being recognized as Latina Publisher of the Year in 2024 by the National Association of Hispanic Publications.
Christina Fernández-Morrow became the new editor-in-chief. Since taking over this new leadership position in December 2024, she has already begun assembling a dynamic team of writers across the Quad Cities, Iowa, and Nebraska. Her vision? To spotlight the heroic contributions of our Latino community while building bridges with our non-Latino neighbors through compelling storytelling across our digital and print platforms. She’s looking forward to helping her team’s voices shine through their writing and contributions.
Tar Macias, founder of Hola America Publications, is excited to take on the role of CEO & Head of Strategic Partnerships. After wearing countless hats throughout the years, he will now focus his entrepreneurial skills on nurturing client relationships and elevating our partnerships to new heights. He has no plans to slow down and can’t wait to see client collaborations grow and thrive.
As if awards, expansion, and a growing team aren’t enough, we have new office space in one of the most colorful buildings in Iowa! In November 2024, we found a fun new home in Des Moines’ vibrant Mainframe Studios, the nation’s largest nonprofit creative workspace. Our office, surrounded by diverse artists and innovators, sets the stage for exciting creative connections in 2025 that we’ll announce throughout the year.
JEFAS™ Latinas in Business Magazine has been making waves since its launch in May 2024. Our second Iowa issue will be out this February with launch parties across the state, and the inaugural Nebraska edition is planned for this fall. ¿Conoces a una empresaria Latina? Share her story with us through our social media – we’re always eager to spotlight successful Latina entrepreneurs!

Newly appointed Editor-in-Chief Christina Fernandez-Morrow stands with Erika Macias, President and Publisher of Hola America Publications, at the launch event for JEFAS Latinas in Business magazine last May. Photo by Tatiana Peña for Hola America
There are even more exciting celebrations ahead for Hola America Publications. Mark your calendars: This August, Hola America News turns 25! We’ll be sharing our quarter-century journey through special features and events that showcase the rich history of our news coverage across our communities. Pick up a paper, follow us on social media and visit our website for exclusive anniversary content.
Speaking of special events, our commitment to cultural celebration continues to grow. From our long-standing commitment to bringing the Mexican Consulate to the Quad Cities to our collaboration with other organizations, we’ve expanded our presence across the region. If you like culture, empowerment, and positive vibes mixed with music, art, and talent like only Latinos can do, make sure to keep an eye out for events like the Second Annual Latina Business Excellence Summit coming this summer and some new partnerships and surprises we’re excited to share!
As we work towards all that’s to come this milestone year; we invite our readers and followers to join us in making 2025 unforgettable. Pick up one of our free newspapers or magazines, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, bookmark our websites and sign up for our informative and exciting newsletters to stay connected. ¡No te lo pierdas! (Don’t miss out!)