CCNMA Honors California’s Most Influential Latinas in Journalism for 2026

Los Angeles – CCNMA, Latino Journalists of California, is proud to unveil its 2026 Most Influential Latinas in Journalism list, recognizing six outstanding Latina journalists from across California, including the Latina Journalist of the Year.

“It is an incredible honor to celebrate these exceptional Latina journalists who are shaping the future of our industry,” said Mekahlo Medina, executive director of CCNMA. “Across every platform — from local newsrooms to major media organizations — Latina journalists are telling the stories that matter most to our communities. Women journalists are truly the backbone of our industry, and we are proud to recognize their leadership, impact, and commitment to excellence.”

The list was compiled by the Latino Journalists of California, CCNMA, board of directors and is based on three criteria: the quality of work, the size and importance of the journalist’s reach (broadcast, circulation, digital and social media), and the arc of the journalist’s career—résumé and future trajectory.

This year, the board selected six honorees — four from submitted nominations and board member submissions.

“CCNMA is excited to honor these outstanding Latina journalists,” said Robert J. Lopez, acting president of CCNMA and vice president of CCNMA Latino Journalists of California. “They represent a range of news organizations — big and small — from across California, and their dedication to uplifting Latino voices is inspiring.”

The board named Stephanie Chavez, deputy Metro editor at the Los Angeles Times, as the 2026 Latina Journalist of the Year.

Chavez oversees education coverage for the Los Angeles Times across digital and print platforms. A veteran journalist with a career spanning more than three decades, she began her journey with the support of a CCNMA scholarship. She has since built a distinguished career as a reporter, editor, and newsroom leader. Chavez was part of four Pulitzer Prize-winning teams for breaking news coverage, including the Los Angeles riots, the North Hollywood shooting, the Northridge earthquake, and the 2004 wildfires. Her reporting on the beating of Reginald Denny during the 1992 unrest earned the Sigma Delta Chi Award for breaking news.

The following journalists were also named among the 2026 Most Influential Latinas in Journalism (listed alphabetically):

Lydia Chavez, founder and editor of Mission Local in San Francisco, is a trailblazer who recognized early the importance of hyperlocal news. She founded Mission Local in 2008 while teaching at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. The publication has since become a national model for community-centered reporting, earning awards for holding power accountable and documenting life in San Francisco’s Mission District. Chavez is a former foreign correspondent and business reporter for The New York Times.

Denise Florez, editor of CALÓ News, leads local journalism coverage in the heart of Los Angeles’ Latino communities. From the Eastside to Southeast L.A., her newsroom delivers critical reporting that uplifts underrepresented voices. A veteran journalist, Florez has navigated and succeeded through industry-wide financial challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to community-focused journalism.

Lizbeth Lincon, assistant news director for KNBC 4 and Telemundo 52, made history as KNBC’s first Latina assistant news director. In this role, she helps guide editorial coverage in one of the nation’s largest media markets. She has led newsroom efforts through major California stories, including wildfires and immigration enforcement actions, ensuring coverage that is accurate, timely, and rooted in accountability.

Melissa Montalvo, accountability reporter for The Fresno Bee and McClatchy, has distinguished herself through reporting on poverty and inequity in the San Joaquin Valley, with a focus on Latino communities. Her work on immigration enforcement, including reporting on Border Patrol operations in Kern County, has gained statewide and national attention. She has received multiple honors, including a first-place award from the California News Publishers Association for investigative reporting exposing abuse in homeless shelters.

Vivianna Yvonne, video reporter for KSEE24 CBS47 in the San Joaquin Valley, has focused her reporting on the experiences of Latino and immigrant communities. Through compelling storytelling and strong on-air presence, she amplifies voices often underrepresented in regional media. Her work highlights both challenges and successes within these communities, demonstrating credibility, connection, and journalistic impact.

CCNMA will celebrate these honorees on April 10 at 9 a.m. at the Latinas Breakfast, hosted by the ASU California Center on Broadway at the historic Herald Examiner building in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets are available here: