Join us for a evening of networking and connecting.
Members of the SPJSA board are hosting a mixer for journalists on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Idle Brew Hall.
This is open to all SPJ Members, those interested in becoming a member, communicators, student journalists, freelancers and friends.
To RSVP, go to our Facebook Event.
SPJ San Antonio remembers and celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Diana “DeeDee” Fuentes, who was honored posthumously as the recipient of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas’ James Madison Award.
A longtime champion of transparency, open government and the First Amendment, DeeDee dedicated her career to strengthening journalism and supporting the journalists who serve their communities. Her leadership, mentorship and unwavering commitment to a free press left a lasting impact across Texas.
Diana R. Fuentes, a veteran Texas journalist and news industry leader who was an ardent advocate for a free press and open government, is the posthumous recipient of this year’s James Madison Award.
Bestowed by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, the honor recognizes those who demonstrate their commitment to government transparency and First Amendment rights. The award will be presented to Fuentes’ family at the organization’s state conference Sept. 18 in Austin.
Fuentes, known to many as “DeeDee,” was respected statewide and nationally. She was executive director of Investigative Reporters & Editors Inc. when she passed away unexpectedly in March. She was also a longtime member of the nonprofit FOI Foundation board, where she generously gave her time, energy and ideas. She served as FOIFT board president from 2014-16 and in other officer and executive committee roles.
In all her work, whether reporting a story, leading a newsroom team in San Antonio, Laredo or other cities in Texas, mentoring young journalists, supporting experienced investigative reporters or volunteering to educate the public, she was devoted to the free flow of information.
IRE board president Josh Hinkle, also an FOIFT board member, noted at Fuentes’ memorial service in Del Rio that she had reminded IRE colleagues across the country: “We have a constitutionally protected right – and deep responsibility – to keep the people informed, and we will not stop.”
“Nobody was a stronger champion of open government and transparency than DeeDee — she was always quick to lend a hand, offer great ideas and fight for what’s right,” said Ayan Mittra, current president of the FOI Foundation of Texas board. “Her legacy is one of service, dedication and support, and nobody is more deserving of this honor.”
FOI Foundation executive director Kelley Shannon praised Fuentes’ tenacity in tracking the truth as a reporter and editor and her willingness to speak out at the Texas Capitol and other venues to promote and protect the people’s right to know.
“DeeDee helped public officials and all sorts of citizens understand the importance of our information rights,” Shannon said. “She was incredibly passionate about freedom of information.”
The nonprofit FOI Foundation of Texas has presented the James Madison Award annually since 1987 to journalists, attorneys, public officials and vigilant citizens and organizations.
In addition to honoring Fuentes, the FOIFT state conference Sept. 18 will present Spirit of FOI Awards to outstanding news organizations during the John Henry Faulk Awards Luncheon. The luncheon’s keynote speaker will be Garrett Haake, chief White House correspondent for NBC News. Other sessions will explore timely transparency and free speech issues.
The conference and luncheon are open to members of the public who wish to register. The event will be at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., in Austin. A registration link and other conference information can be found at https://foift.org/activities-programs/events/.
Friends, colleagues, and community members are invited to join us in honoring Diana R. “DeeDee” Fuentes — a beloved journalist, mentor, and advocate for truth and equity.
Through stories, reflection, and music, we will gather to remember DeeDee’s generosity, her commitment to a free and diverse press, and the many lives she touched.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
You must attend a San Antonio/South Texas college/university OR have a permanent residence in the San Antonio/South Texas region, which includes San Antonio, Seguin, New Braunfels and San Marcos. If you’re not sure you qualify, please contact the scholarship coordinator.
Here is the application; it includes the complete list of rules.
DEADLINE
The deadline for applications is April 20, 2026.
We expect to announce winners no later than May 15, 2026.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Email applications and materials to editor@creativestorystudio.com. Indicate SPJSA Scholarship in the subject line. If you have materials that can’t be sent electronically, please contact the scholarship committee via e-mail for alternate instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications become the property of SPJ.
Questions? Contact Scholarship Committee Director Jeff Cowart at editor@creativestorystudio.com. Please indicate SPJSA Scholarship in the subject line.
Know a student that would benefit from investigative and data journalism training with IRE? Our upcoming HSI Investigative Journalism Workshop is taking place March 27-28 in San Antonio, Texas. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Feb. 24.
The workshop is open to students of all backgrounds attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions and to students of color at any institution. Students do not have to be journalism majors, and they do not need to be local to San Antonio. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we’re offering funding to help cover registration and some travel costs.
The funding is first come, first serve until money runs out and will be awarded on a rolling basis now through the end of February as we review applications immediately as we know Spring Break is upon us soon. The application takes 10 minutes to fill out.