Angeles Ponpa has been named Managing Editor, leading Latino News Network Midwest in overseeing Illinois Latino News (ILLN) and Wisconsin Latino News (WILN). Ponpa has roots in Illinois.
She leads coverage that amplifies Hispanic and Latino voices and explores the challenges and contributions of Latino communities across Illinois and Wisconsin. Ponpa brings a deep background in investigative and political journalism, reporting on immigration, border security, religious liberty, and democracy.
“I’m passionate about telling stories that center Latino voices in politics, immigration and faith, especially the ones often overlooked in national conversations,” said Ponpa. “That’s why I’m proud to be part of Latino News Network’s mission to amplify those voices.”
Ponpa’s reporting has been featured in NewsNation, The Fulcrum, Latino News Network, Inside Climate News, and other outlets. Her work has included on-the-ground coverage of asylum seekers at the U.S.-Canada border, investigations into fentanyl trafficking and cartel activity at the southern border, and in-depth reporting on how U.S. immigration policies affect Latino families and communities.
“I’m thrilled Angeles is joining the growing LNN team,” said Hugo Balta, Publisher of the Latino News Network. “Her body of work is demonstrative of the focused and dedicated coverage we value and need at LNN in order to fulfill our mission of elevating the voices and visibility of the Hispanic, Latino communities.”
Before transitioning to journalism, Ponpa worked in state government and on political campaigns, gaining firsthand experience with the democratic system and deep knowledge of political processes. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Ponpa is passionate about elevating underrepresented voices and advancing data-informed reporting.
The Latino News Network (LNN) was founded in 2012 by veteran journalist, and former president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), Diane Alverio.
Responding to the gap in news coverage of the Hispanic-Latino community in her then-home state of Connecticut, Alverio launched LNN with Connecticut Latino News, CTLatinoNews.com (CTLN). It was the first English-language news and information outlet dedicated to the Hispanic-Latino community in the state. Massachusetts Latino News, MALatinoNews.com (MALN) soon followed.
In 2019, LNN was acquired by nationally recognized journalist and media advocate, Hugo Balta and his wife Adriana Balta Naranjo. Under their leadership, LNN has expanded its statewide coverage, and Hispanic-Latino editorial focus to include eight independent local (RI, NH, IL, WI, WA, CA) and a national news outlets.
LNN’s mission is to provide greater visibility and voice to the Hispanic-Latino community, amplify the work of others in doing the same, mentor and provide young journalists with real work experiences, and apply the principles of solutions journalism in producing stories focused on the social determinants of health, and democracy.
Balta is a 30-year-plus multimedia journalism veteran with multiple market and platform experience that includes leadership positions in the Fulcrum, NBC, Telemundo, ABC, CBS, and PBS among other storied news networks. He is the twice president of the NAHJ. Balta and his family live in Chicago, Illinois.