The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) today announced Patricia Mercado Sánchez, founder and CEO of Conexión Migrante, as the recipient of its 2026 ICFJ News Innovation Award. Mercado Sánchez leads a small team of journalists that has grown Conexión Migrante into a trusted, multi-platform lifeline for Latin American migrants in the U.S.
As an immigrant, Mona Awwad knows how daunting it is to start over in a new country. The promise of a better future collides with the fear of acceptance. That vulnerability stays with Awwad to this day and sparked her curiosity when she saw the chance to become a media literacy trainer.
We spoke with two prominent lawyers in our network for their assessment of the new landscape, and strategies to navigate it. For the purposes of this resource, the attorneys preferred not to be named. Ultimately, be vigilant, they advised. Stay up to date with the news and developments as the situation is fast-changing. Understand which countries may be under more scrutiny from the administration.
Buchleitner began her career through the 2023 News Corp Media Fellowship program. She specializes in reporting on conflict, sexual violence, diplomacy, and technology, focusing on its societal impact. Sharing her insights with aspiring journalists, she advises, "Journalism is about finding a red thread and following it to see where it connects to other things."
Three Burns alumni won the 2007 Burns and Kennan Commentary Awards on May 15. The award-winning stories tackle: life on the Texas-Mexico border; twins’ quest to become marines in Iraq; and analysis of the U.S. Presidential elections.
