These are the candidates running for positions on the HCDFW board. Election Day is Wednesday, Oct 9th. All current HCDFW/NAHJ members are eligible to vote.
You can do so in person or electronically. On Wednesday morning at 8am we will be emailing all eligible voters a link to the electronic ballot. You will have until 6:30pm to cast your vote.
If you prefer, you can also vote in person. We will hold a board meeting that night (Oct 9) at 6:30 pm at the Half Price Books at 5803 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas. We’ll meet in one of the back meeting rooms. The candidates will be there if you would like to meet and ask them questions.
PRESIDENT
Saul Garza is a general assignment reporter for Fox 4 in Dallas. He’s been with the station since 1999. He has been involved with the group since moving to the DFW area. He helped revive the organization after it went dormant several years ago serving on the planning committee. He was elected as VP of Broadcast in 2011 , then stepped up as President a year later when the previous President stepped down. As president Saul helped organize a successful media workshop and banquet which raised $10,000 in scholarships. Saul is currently helping to lead the organization in bringing the NAHJ Region 5 Conference to Dallas.
VICE PRESIDENT-JOURNALISM
Cynthia Lyons Garcia is a multiple Emmy-award winner, veteran journalist, mentor and mother. She has 19 years in journalism. Cynthia is currently the assignment editor at NBC5. She has also worked at assignment editor and weekend producer at Univision 23 and then Channel 11.
VICE PRESIDENT-GENERAL
Karina Ramirez is a staff writer and social media manager for El Hispano News. Prior to her present position, she spent six years the Denton Record-Chronicle as a business columnist, staff writer and social media coordinator. In her free time, she likes to ballroom dance and loves to collect postcards.
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Irene Zucker has over 15 years experience as a consultant, personal coach, course developer/facilitator, and President of VerbaCom® Executive Development. The national award-winning company specializing in customized communication skills development, in negotiations, public speaking, event planning, and public relations. Irene has been recognized for her leadership and contributions, both locally and nationally. As a Texas Credentialed Advanced Mediator, she was nominated Dallas Mediator of the Year in Dallas County, and received U. S. Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Community.
SPANISH LANGUAGE AT LARGE
Norma García is a multiple Emmy-winning journalist with 20 years of experience in television news. She is the main news anchor for KXTX Telemundo 39’s evening and nightly newscasts.
Pio Del Castillo is the Manager of Corporate Communications at Mary Kay Inc. He got his Bachelor of Business Administrations degree and his MBA from Houston Baptist University. He worked in his native Ecuador with the National Institute for the Family and the Children. Pio also worked at the La Garza Public Relations in Houston as bilingual-bicultural account specialist. He’s held several other professional positions in marketing and public relations.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Teevee Aguirre is a social media expert. He’s been in the business for almost 5 years. He has sat on the Hispanic Communicators planning committee for more than 1 year. Teevee runs his own business, Dallas Marketing Rockstar and also provides workshops on social media to business and nonprofits.