If you fill out the "Forgot Password" form but don't get an email to reset your password within 5-10 minutes, please email logistics@ire.org for assistance.
Hi, I’m Damaso Reyes, the Executive & Investigative Editor at the New York Amsterdam News and the founding editor of our Blacklight investigative unit, the first of its kind at a legacy Black newspaper. As a journalist I have spent my career dedicated to telling the underreported stories of marginalized communities both domestically and abroad. As a member of the IRE board I believe I can bring my depth of international and fundraising experience to help expand and diversify our membership as well as help more journalists do investigative work.
At the Amsterdam News I have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support our investigative unit and I will bring that experience to the IRE Board to help us raise money to expand our fellowship program to help more journalists attend our conferences and trainings as well as to make membership more affordable. For many journalists from underrepresented communities there is a financial barrier to participation in IRE and I will use my philanthropic connections and experience in grant writing to expand our fundraising to help more journalists from diverse backgrounds join IRe and take full advantage of what we have to offer.
One challenge IRE currently faces is our isolation from other journalism organizations, especially the affinity organizations of color. As a longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists, I will work to bridge that gap and find ways for IRE to offer programing at NABJ and other conferences and I will work to bring more NABJ members into the IRE fold. When I founded the Blacklight my goal was, in addition to creating high quality investigative journalism, to give opportunities to journalists to do investigative work who otherwise wouldn’t be able to. I was recognized by NABJ with its Ida B. Wells award last year for the work I have done over my career to increase access and opportunities to people of color in journalism and as a member of the IRE board I will work tireless to ensure that we are serving and reaching a membership that reflects the brilliant diversity of the journalism landscape.
Ron Nixon, Director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Journalism Program, a longtime IRE member and former staffer – I am writing to nominate Damaso Reyes, Executive and Investigative Editor at the New York Amsterdam News for the IRE Board. I have known Damaso for over a decade and in that time I have seen his dedication to serving the journalism community up close. We’ve served as panelists together at NABJ conventions and I have been deeply impressed by his work at the Amsterdam News to bring investigative capacity to one of the nation’s most historic Black newspapers. I believe Damaso’s energy and passion will help IRE reach more journalists.
Diane Sylvester, Writer/Editor – I am writing to enthusiastically second Ron Nixon’s nomination of Damaso Reyes for the IRE Board of Directors. Damaso is a dedicated investigative journalist who has spent his career not only producing impactful reporting but also opening doors for others. He has mentored dozens of young journalists and frequently volunteers his time to lead seminars and training sessions — always with a spirit of generosity and a deep commitment to the profession. Damaso brings a long and dynamic history as both a journalist and newsroom leader. He is the founding editor of The Blacklight at the New York Amsterdam News, the first investigative unit at a Black publication and he has guided early-career journalists in producing award-winning work that serves their community. Damaso is also an accomplished photojournalist and writer, with decades of experience reporting both nationally and internationally. He leads with integrity, collaboration, and vision. I’m confident he would be an outstanding addition to the IRE board — bringing camaraderie, creativity, and a tireless work ethic that will help strengthen and grow the organization.
Current position
Prior experience
IRE experience, such as conferences and workshops attended and committee service
Expertise
Related links (optional)
Issues you would like to address as a board member
Looks like you haven't made a choice yet.
