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Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and Trailblazer Maria Hinojosa Speaks to the Hopkins Community
On Friday, October 9, Maria Hinojosa, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, professor, and the founder of Futuro Media Group, visited Hopkins as part of the 2026–2027 Speaker Series and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Witnessing firsthand the underrepresentation of the Latino minority around her, she dedicated her career to giving a voice to those who couldn't represent themselves,” Co-Head of the Society of Latinidad (SOL) Felipe S. ’29 said while introducing Hinojosa at an All-School Assembly.
SOL Co-Heads Samantha A. ’27, Felipe S. ’29, and Anthony X. ’29 gave a presentation on Hispanic Heritage Month before handing it off to Hinojosa, who spoke about her career, from becoming the first Latina hired at NPR in 1985 to becoming a trailblazer in journalism. Hinojosa has spent nearly 40 years aiming to amplify marginalized voices to offer a more complex and accurate portrait of American society.
Hinojosa started her speech to the community with a guided meditation of breathwork to help students become connected with one another in what she referred to as “a really profound way.” She then went on to speak about her storied career as a journalist.
“The world of journalism right now is about connecting to our humanity,” said Hinojosa. “So you have to take this concept of being able to see yourself in the person most unlike you.”
Hinojosa spoke about giving a voice to the communities affected by current immigration policy. She also drew attention to the importance of unity in America and how the students in the audience will determine the future of democracy in the United States.
“The good is going to come from you owning your power,” Hinojosa reflected. “The Americanness of this audience gives me so much hope.”
After encouraging the Hopkins community to keep believing in their dreams and aspirations, Hinojosa sat down with the SOL club heads for a Q&A. The questions ranged from which stories she has covered that have impacted her the most to the challenges and opportunities she encountered throughout her journalism career.
Toward the end of the panel, the club heads opened up the questions to the audience.
After the assembly, Hinojosa spent some time speaking with students and faculty members who stayed behind, hugging, shaking hands, and posing for selfies.
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