In 2021, the Network of Hispanic Communicators–now known as the Hispanic Communicators DFW (HCDFW), celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its founding, committed to supporting journalists in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

The organization was launched by a small group of Hispanic journalists and other DFW communications professionals whose mission was to:

• advocate for positive representation of Hispanics in the media and news coverage,
• promote professional development within our ranks,
• support future generations of Latinos in our profession.

With the help of Network supporters, HCDFW has awarded nearly $450,000 in scholarships and other educational support to more than 300 students since 1981. Often, our scholarship winners continue to be the first in their families to attend and graduate from universities across the country.

Previous scholarship recipients have had successful careers in journalism, law, public relations, politics, and marketing, to name a few.

Impacted by COVID-19, the 2020-2021 executive board persevered in its efforts to support members and scholarship recipients through virtual programs. When social gatherings were permitted, they also organized an in-person event, providing a long-sought opportunity for industry colleagues and friends to reconnect face-to-face. Led by then President Stephanie Lucero, the organization: 

• Launched the 40-for-40 campaign to fundraise and commemorate the 40th Anniversary.
• Organized virtual panel conversations to discuss the history of HCDFW, connect with previous scholarship winners and discuss the impact of Spanish-language journalism.
• Awarded $16,000 in scholarships to five North Texas students virtually (see video).
• Celebrated the 40th Anniversary at the home of Jorge Baldor during Hispanic Heritage Month.
• Partnered with the University of Texas at Arlington Special Collections Library to archive the organization's photos, programs, and documents.

Additional Historical Notes:

• HCDFW is one of the oldest Hispanic journalist organizations in the country. The organization was founded three years before the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. 
• After serving in leadership roles in DFW, five HCDFW presidents have also served as president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
• In 1988, only seven years after its founding, HCDFW co-sponsored the National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention in Fort Worth, drawing over 1,000 Latino journalists in one of the most successful and talked-about gatherings.