She labored within the business for greater than 35 years.
Diana ‘DeeDee’ Fuentes has died aged 67 (Picture: Courtesy of Investigative Reporters & Editors)
Diana ‘DeeDee’ Fuentes, a revered journalist and advocate, has died “unexpectedly” aged 67. Fuentes, the chief director of Investigative Reporters & Editors, was a frontrunner in Texas newsrooms and a champion for investigative reporting. She died unexpectedly whereas attending a convention in Washington D.C on 20 March. “With over 35 years in journalism, … Diana introduced a wealth of expertise to our group when she got here on as government director in April 2021,” IRE mentioned in a heartfelt tribute. “Her heat created an inviting environment at IRE, particularly throughout essential durations, like navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and getting ready for our fiftieth anniversary final 12 months.”
Fuentes spent a lot of her profession inside newsrooms in San Antonio and South Texas, whereas additionally having management roles in organisations such because the Freedom of Info Basis of Texas and the San Antonio chapter of the Society of Skilled Journalists. Devoted to instructing and mentoring, Diana was additionally a professor on the College of Missouri-Columbia and Texas State College.
The tribute continued: “Her knack for connecting with employees, Board members and our neighborhood was really particular. And she or he was a fierce advocate for range and inclusion, at all times striving to make sure that everybody felt heard and valued.
Whether or not she was representing IRE at occasions throughout the nation or participating with our worldwide and pupil members, her dedication to our mission was clear. She labored tirelessly to make investigative coaching accessible and was additionally a passionate defender of press freedom and journalist security.
IRE famous that Fuentes was a “proud second-generation Texan” and lifelong member of the Nationwide Affiliation of Hispanic Journalists, which inducted her into its Corridor of Fame in 2022.
The assertion highlighted Fuentes’ love for her “household, her cats and a superb vodka gimlet,” and the way she discovered pleasure in serving to journalists.
On Sunday, The IRE Board nominated Fuentes for its prestigious Ring of Honor, celebrating her enduring affect on investigative journalism and the organisation she guided with dedication.
This honour is reserved for journalists who’ve made excellent contributions to each IRE and the broader discipline. Individuals have been invited to contribute to a fundraising marketing campaign in her identify, with donations serving to to fund assets for the following technology of investigative journalists.
Tributes have flooded in for Fuentes, with Joey Palacios, longtime Texas Public Radio journalist and former president of the San Antonio Affiliation of Hispanic Journalists, who joined many in commemorating her exceptional life.
“Dee Dee was an absolute pillar of sunshine. If there was an issue, she knew easy methods to repair it. She was sort, supportive, and at all times encouraging,” he wrote. “I’ve identified her for almost my whole journalism profession. For those who wanted recommendation, she would information you in the proper course.”
Nora Lopez, the president of the Society of Skilled Journalists San Antonio chapter, added: “DeeDee was an incredible girl, journalist and buddy. She had a coronary heart of gold and was in all probability the nicest individual I’ve ever identified.
“She would assist anybody who wanted assist, mates, colleagues and full strangers, too, just like the homeless who walked across the Categorical-Information workplaces downtown. DeeDee knew them by identify.
“And don’t even get me began on what number of animals she rescued and fed. She was the form of one that carried meals and water for any strays she may encounter.”
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A Norwegian journalist recalled assembly Fuentes simply two weeks in the past on the NICAR 2026 convention in Indianapolis, explaining how useful she was in organising their journey.
“She was extremely useful in organizing our journey. She additionally gave us insightful tips about what sort of periods to decide on in the course of the days. And which certified information journalists the group ought to meet and community with on the large gathering. Could she relaxation in peace. Diana will probably be missed,” they penned on Fb.
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