As a part of our continued Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, we’re proud to recognize an industry partner who continuously supports the many ways in which WBD engages, hires and develops top talent in journalism: the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).

NAHJ – a longtime partner of WBD’s News and Sports division – is an educational and charitable association dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanic students, professionals and educators in the field of journalism. The association held its first convention in San Diego in 1982 with 300 attendees. Today, there are more than 4,000 members nationwide. Their network includes 25 professional chapters and 25 student chapters in 17 states, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Of NAHJ’s 25 professional chapters, the Atlanta chapter is led by WBD’s very own Ana Johnson, a senior recruiter for CNN and WBD Sports. Ana became chapter president this August, and we had a chance to sit down with her to discuss her role at NAHJ, her career journey at WBD and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her.

Q: How and why did you become involved with NAHJ? What are you most proud of in leading the Atlanta chapter?

A: Before working as a talent acquisition professional, I worked as a journalist at CNN for six years. My love for journalism started while working in my high school newspaper and grew in college, where I held internships in local news. Eventually, I got my masters in new media journalism. My time at CNN was a very fulfilling part of my career journey, and I see NAHJ as a way to give back to the community. We recently hosted a career fair for local journalists, and that’s an event I’m super proud of. It’s so gratifying to be able to provide learning, development and networking opportunities.

Q: How do you collaborate with other media professionals to advocate for diversity and representation in the industry, especially during this month?

A: This work is necessary, and we can’t do it alone. We need allies and partners that will help open doors, and once those doors are open, we must do for others what someone was willing to do for us.

Q: What do you like the most about working at WBD?

A: It has always been about the people. If I may, I’d like to take a moment to brag about my department. We hire the best in the business!

Q: Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month?

A: We come from a rich history and a rich culture, no matter what country we’re from. This month is a great opportunity to celebrate what we have in common and what makes us different. Growing up in Miami, I learned about so many different Latin American cultures that were different from my own. I want everyone to have that experience.

Q: What does this month mean to you personally?

A: I think it’s an important reminder of where we come from and what we bring to the table. But it is also a joy. Sharing our food, our music and our culture brings us joy. And in many ways, these things have also become a part of American culture, and I think that’s beautiful.

Q: Has your cultural heritage influenced your career and/or your experience at WBD?

A: My Spanish language skills are so valuable to me both personally and professionally. For example, on a professional level, I can assess Spanish language fluency for candidates for CNN Español. And on a personal level, when I meet someone who also speaks Spanish, not only do we automatically have something in common, but language then opens the door to learn more about the culture of their country. There’s so much to learn from each other.