Washington, D.C. (Jan. 22, 2018) — The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) celebrates the life of veteran journalist and media executive, Walterene “Walt” Swanston-NuevaEspana. She passed away last Friday in Fairfax, Virginia.

For more than 25 years, Swanston-NuevaEspana developed diversity strategies for newspapers, television and radio stations, and she was instrumental in helping them to recruit, promote, train and retain people of color and women.

Swanston-NuevaEspana, 74, was a distinguished contributor and leader in journalism and media having previously served as the executive director of NABJ; executive director of Unity: Journalists of Color; and director of diversity management for National Public Radio (NPR).

NABJ Founder Paul Delaney says the loss of Swanston-NuevaEspana will be felt throughout the news media. “Walt’s death is a tragic loss for journalism,” said Delaney. “She gave her all to diversity and it’s a personal loss for me. She will be missed.”

Temple University’s assistant dean of the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication, Arlene Notoro Morgan, cites Swanston-NuevaEspana as a source of encouragement. “I feel an incredible gratitude for having Walt Swanston in my life as a mentor, coach, inspiration and, most of all, trusted friend,” she said.

Walterene Swanston-NuevaEspana’s contributions to journalism and media are indelible. NABJ thanks her for her leadership and unwavering commitment to media diversity and the greater journalism community.