IRE Recognizes Legacy of Late Executive Director Diana Fuentes with Ring of Honor Nomination

March 22, 2026 — Investigative Reporters and Editors’ Board of Directors voted Sunday to nominate the organization’s late Executive Director Diana R. Fuentes for induction into its Ring of Honor.

Fuentes was completing her fifth year as the leader of IRE when she died unexpectedly on March 20. A proud second-generation Texan, Diana spent more than 35 years in local journalism and brought a wealth of experience as an editor and mentor with her to IRE. She stood out for her steadfast devotion to our training mission, her unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone has a chance at doing this work, and her genuine warmth and care for the people she worked alongside. She was also the first person of color to lead IRE.

“Diana Fuentes was a true champion for diversity and inclusion at IRE and across the journalism community,” said IRE Board President Josh Hinkle. “The best way we can honor her is by continuing the work she cared so much about and making sure what she built keeps growing for our members.”

IRE established the Ring of Honor in 2022 to celebrate members who have made a significant contribution to the organization and to investigative journalism. Nominations to the Ring of Honor can be made in tribute to current or retired IRE members, or in memoriam to deceased members.Those inducted this year will be honored at the IRE Conference awards luncheon on June 20.

“Diana was a great journalist in her own right, but through her work and mentorship, she inspired and supported countless acts of impactful journalism,” said IRE Board Vice President Kate Howard. “She leaves an incredible legacy, and she deserves to be recognized as a luminary of our industry.”

Organizers will be raising $2,500 to support Diana’s nomination, and all additional money raised will go toward a future IRE training fund, to be established in her name. Contribute by visiting IRE’s donation form and writing “Diana Fuentes” in the memory/tribute field.

About IRE
Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques, and news sources.

IRE provides members access to thousands of reporting tipsheets and other materials through its Resource Center and hosts conferences and specialized training across the country. Programs of IRE include the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR), a collaboration between IRE and the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Learn more about joining IRE and the benefits of membership.