It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Diana R. Fuentes, executive director of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), a lifetime member of our sister organization the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).
Diana dedicated more than three decades to journalism and brought passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the profession. Since becoming executive director of IRE in 2021, she led the organization through important moments, strengthening investigative journalism training, advocating for press freedom, and working to ensure that journalists from all backgrounds had access to the tools and support needed to do impactful work.
She was not only a respected leader, but a connector, a mentor and a steady presence in spaces that shape our industry. Many in the NABJ community had the opportunity to work alongside Diana through conferences, trainings, and collaborative efforts where her thoughtfulness and generosity left a lasting impression.
“Diana believed deeply in the power of a diverse and independent press and the responsibility we carry as journalists,” said NABJ President Errin Haines. “She showed up for this profession with both conviction and care. Without hesitation, she helped shape the next generation of journalists and championed the role of free press in a healthy democracy. She was a mighty advocate for journalists and the absence of her light will continue to be felt for years to come.”
“If you had the opportunity to know Diana or sit in on one of her trainings, you were in for a treat,” said NABJ Investigative Task Force Chair Jatara McGee and Vice Chair Cierra Putman. “She was as genuine as they come and made you feel like she was never too busy for you. Diana’s stature was petite, but she was a giant in the spaces she occupied. She was fiercely passionate about press freedom, diversity and elevating the voices of journalists of color.”
NABJ honors Diana’s life and her unwavering commitment to the work we all share, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, her colleagues at IRE and our partners at NAHJ as they mourn this tremendous loss.
We also join the journalism community as a whole in honoring a life that was dedicated to truth, service, the continued advancement of our field, and the protection of values that define our profession.
May her legacy live on in the many journalists she supported, the standards she upheld and the doors she helped open for others.
National Association of Black Journalists