The Hispanic Student Journalists Association is an organization that brings Northwestern State University’s many different backgrounds together. Since its creation in the fall of 2022, the organization has opened the doors for everyone to join in, allowing students to learn about various countries.
Lia Portillo is a senior communication major and is the organization’s president. “Our goal is to spread awareness about Hispanics and share it through the media. Whether it’s by recreating videos for social media and sharing recipes of our families or through our podcast, Latino Living, HSJA tries to capture Hispanic culture and share it with everyone in the community,” Portillo said.
She explained that to spread awareness and share their stories, they host events for everyone to join in.
“Often, the easiest way to share our culture and produce content is by hosting events throughout the semester that deal with Hispanic themes,” Portillo continued. “Our organization serves to appreciate Hispanics but is not only for Hispanics — anyone of any heritage, race or nationality is able to join.”
HSJA is a fun and inviting organization that allows students of different backgrounds to connect and find their place on campus. Alessandra Coneo, a senior communication major and content creator for HSJA, loves the organization because it allows her to find students like her on NSU’s campus. “I’m so far away from home,” Coneo said. “Finding people that are going through the same situation as me or from another country similar to mine is like finding a home here at NSU, and HSJA gives me that.”
HSJA has worked hard to promote its organization on campus. They have an award-winning podcast, a thriving Instagram account and they host tabling events throughout the year to get as many students involved as possible. Isabel Juarez Rubio is a senior communication major and is the external vice president of HSJA. “Joining ‘Latino Living’ has made me be more involved and social. I have met some amazing people and have had a lot of doors open for me due to my involvement on the podcast,” Juarez said.
HSJA is a great organization to get involved in for both Hispanic students looking to feel at home and students outside of a Hispanic background wanting to learn about different cultures and their traditions.
