Chicago, IL – Hola America and Hola Iowa were recognized for their excellence in reporting, photography, and events by the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) during their annual convention, held October 23-25 in Chicago, Illinois. The prestigious José Martí Media Awards, which recognize excellence in Hispanic journalism, honored both publications with a combined total of 16 awards, showcasing their continued commitment to uplifting Latino voices and providing high-quality journalism.
2024 Jose Marti Awards:
- Gold Awards for category:
Outstanding Sports Article -Hola America: Long-time QC fighter Limberth Ponce scheduled to retire after February bout, by Stephen Elliott
Oustanding Community Photo -Hola America: Day of the Dead Celebration at Figge Art Museum, by Tar Macias
Outstanding Cultural Photo Essay -Hola Iowa: Escaramuzas harnessing their heritage, by Tar Macias
- Silver Awards for category:
Outstanding Cultural Photo Essay -Hola America: Day of the Dead Celebration at Figge Art Museum, by Tar Macias
Outstanding Sports Article -Hola Iowa: 55 years later, Peña’s Boxing
legacy lives on through the family, by Stephen Elliott
- Bronze Awards for category:
Outstanding Local Business Article -Hola America: Tony’s Tortillas owner retires and sells family business, by Anastassia Zvoryguina
Outstanding Cultural Article -Hola America: Tenoch Huerta’s Namor Honors Latin America’s Indigenous and African Roots in Wakanda Forever, by Amelia Orozco
Outstanding Sports Photo -Hola America: QC fighter Limberth Ponce, by Todd Welvaert
Outstanding Event -Hola America: Mexican Consulate Visits, Erika Macias
Outstanding Community Service Article -Hola Iowa: A Century of making a difference Aurora (Hernandez) Vasquez turns 100, by Stephen Elliott
Outstanding Entertainment Article -Hola Iowa: Latina news anchor’s beginnings
shaped her storytelling skills, by Christina Fernández-Morrow,
Oustanding Community Photo -Hola Iowa: Raíces del Sur reunites family apart for over 20 Years, by Tar Macias
Outstanding Immigration Article -Hola Iowa: 15 Years After the Postville Raid, by Christina Fernández-Morrow
Outstanding Immigration Article -Hola Iowa: Raíces del Sur reunites family apart for over 20 Years, by Christina Fernández-Morrow
Outstanding Less Than Weekly Newspaper -Hola Iowa
Founded in 1982, the NAHP is a leading professional organization representing over 770 digital and print media outlets focused on Latinos across the U.S., reaching a weekly audience of 15.4 million readers in English and/or Spanish. The 76 judges reviewed over 700 entries across editorial, design, and marketing categories including some of the oldest and largest Hispanic print and digital publications across the country.
Hola America and Hola Iowa’s multiple award wins reflect their diverse and impactful storytelling. Hola America Media was awarded as an industry leader for their contributions in hyper-local and focused coverage, solidifying its role amplifying Latino leaders and contributions in Iowa and Western Illinois. These awards underscore Hola America and Hola Iowa’s reputation as a trusted and engaging resource for Hispanic news in the Midwest.
Additionally, Erika Macias, publisher of Hola America, Hola Iowa, and the recently launched JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine was awarded Latina Publisher of the Year, a prestigious honor that highlights her leadership, vision, and commitment to the Hispanic community. The award, presented annually by NAHP, showcases the essential role that Latina publishers play in informing, inspiring, and uniting Latino communities through culturally relevant journalism.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team,” said Erika Macias. “We are committed to telling the stories that matter and providing a platform for the voices in our community.”
The success of Hola America and Hola Iowa at this year’s NAHP Convention reflects their ongoing contributions to Hispanic media and their leadership in elevating Latino stories across traditional and digital platforms.