NAHJ’s newest initiative aims to teach journalists about self-care
A group of over a dozen journalists ditched their suits, grabbed their running shoes, and prepared to head into downtown Chicago on Thursday for some much-needed exercise. The run and walk activity at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists 2025 Conference & Expo offered a change of pace from the long hours of professional networking that the attendees experience each day.
The group eagerly cheered as they finished their morning stretch and began a two-mile outdoor venture. One group ran towards the left, heading towards Chicago’s famous silver bean, while the other group took a stroll in the opposite direction.
These social workouts are part of NAHJ Cares, the organization’s newest initiative aimed at equipping journalists with tools to balance industry stressors and self-care.
“Being a part of the whole planning process has been exciting because, as journalists, we often neglect our mental health and we neglect our community, so we all feel so isolated,” said Kiara Alfonseca, NAHJ board Region 2 director.
The rollout of the health and wellness initiative began as part of the organization’s commitment to offer resources to journalists who work in the demanding industry, said NAHJ Executive Director Yaneth Guillen-Diaz, who spearheaded the project. Journalists often cover tragic and traumatic events that can leave them physically and mentally drained, she said.
“Burnout is real,” Guillen-Diaz said. “And sometimes journalists don’t realize that they are on the verge until it’s too late.”
The initiative launched with nine fit ambassadors who will promote health and wellness to members. Miami anchor Samantha Rivera said she became an ambassador to help others who have felt exhausted by the job. She wants to share strategies that help other journalists “come back to feeling like yourself again.”
The New York Times has partnered with the organization’s initiative to help promote wellness during the conference, including a program that encourages members to write postcards with positive messages to themselves, friends, and family. The handwritten notes should be delivered later this year.
NAHJ Cares will also offer webinars on topics, such as health and wellness, money management, mindfulness, meditation, and legal resources.
Viviana Garcia is a recent journalism graduate from California State University in Fullerton. She’s headed to New York University for a graduate degree in multimedia journalism and aspires to a career as a television news producer. Reach her at 06vivianagarcia [at] gmail [dot] com or on LinkedIn at @vivianagarcia.
