Meet the student who will represent Sagrado before the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
By Institutional Communications
Ianis Soto Valle, who is in her fourth year pursuing a double bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Interdisciplinary Communication at the Ferré Rangel School of Communication, has been selected by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) for its Student Project and as the recipient of the 2026 NAHJ White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship.
Soto Valle was chosen from among hundreds of applications reviewed by the NAHJ, an organization that awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships and internship support as part of the selection process. On one hand, the Student Project offers participants the opportunity to work with journalism mentors during the national conference, which will take place in July. This experience includes covering the event and the Latino community that makes up the conference. Students will work on real stories under deadline while receiving guidance from industry professionals. Beyond supporting the development of future journalists, the NAHJ uses this project to help cultivate reporters who truly understand the communities they cover.
In addition, as the recipient of the 2026 NAHJ White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship, Soto Valle was paired with a mentor experienced in White House coverage and joined a group of journalists who report on this important institution.
inSagrado had the opportunity to speak with the student about these recent milestones in her academic journey. Read about her experiences below.
inSagrado: What sparked your interest in this program?
Ianis Soto Valle: I joined the NAHJ hoping to learn from and connect with other professionals, some of whom I had followed for a long time. Through the program, I have had the opportunity to connect with journalists, producers, and other media professionals from across the country, which has been an important part of my professional development and growth.
I decided to apply for the White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship to help cover university expenses and because of the many opportunities it would provide. For example, recipients are assigned a mentor for one year, get to visit the White House press room, and receive an invitation to the WHCA annual dinner. The scholarship is geared toward journalists interested in focusing on politics, a field in which I would like to specialize in the future.
I also applied to the Student Project because I had heard about the positive experiences of other students. It was another step in continuing my development as a journalist. As part of the project, participants are assigned a mentor who helps them develop a story that is later published in Latino Reporter, in addition to attending the association’s annual convention.
inSagrado: Beyond supporting the development of Hispanic journalists, a major goal of this program is to deepen journalists’ understanding of the communities they cover. What is your vision for the kind of journalism you want to practice? Is there a particular area you would like to specialize in?
ISV: One of the most important things to me is never losing sensitivity and empathy toward the community. It has almost become a cliché, but it never stops being true. Journalists are there to bring visibility to problems and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
I would like to work on local issues focused on communities and, in the future, on politics. For me, it is very important to connect with people and their stories and contribute, even in a small way, to the well-being of the community.
inSagrado: What was your experience like receiving the 2026 NAHJ White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship? How has it contributed to your academic journey?
ISV: As part of the scholarship, each student is assigned a mentor for one year. In my case, I was paired with Lori Montenegro, Chief Bureau Correspondent for Telemundo DC. We also received invitations to the association’s annual gala, participated in a day of workshops and networking events, and even had the opportunity to visit the White House press room.
Honestly, receiving this scholarship has been one of the most meaningful moments in my development as both a journalist and a student. It allowed me to connect with professionals and gain exposure to a world that had previously felt distant. As I mentioned, politics is an area I would love to continue exploring and eventually focus on in my career.
inSagrado: What does it mean to you to be selected by the NAHJ to participate in these projects?
ISV: For me, it is a great honor that the NAHJ continues to invest in my professional development. Both of these experiences are excellent opportunities that continue to open doors and bring me closer to my goals. I will always be grateful that they gave me these opportunities and that they believe in me and my future.
The student will travel to New Orleans in July to attend the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Conference as part of her participation in the Student Project. Her story is an example of the “learning by doing” philosophy that guides the education of every student at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.