Welcome to 2025! Hola America Publications, Iowa’s only award-winning bilingual media company, is entering the year with renewed energy and an expanded vision. While our leadership team embraces new roles, our mission remains unchanged: to uplift and inspire our community by honoring Latino culture, celebrating Latino contributions, and serving as a force for positive change.
Erika Macias has been named the new President and Publisher of Hola America Publications. Under her leadership, our family of outlets — Hola Iowa, Hola America News, Hola Nebraska, and JEFAS™ Latinas in Business — is set to grow like never before. Her big goals come as no surprise: in 2024, the National Association of Hispanic Publications recognized her as Latina Publisher of the Year.
Christina Fernández-Morrow stepped into the role of Editor-in-Chief in December 2024. Since then, she has been building a talented team of writers across the Quad Cities, Iowa, and Nebraska. Her vision is clear: highlight the remarkable contributions of Latinos and strengthen connections with non-Latino communities through powerful storytelling on both print and digital platforms. Christina is eager to amplify her team’s voices and ensure their stories resonate with readers.
Tar Macias, founder of Hola America Publications, now serves as CEO and Head of Strategic Partnerships. After years of wearing many hats, he will channel his entrepreneurial skills toward client relationships and innovative collaborations. His focus will be on expanding partnerships and helping them thrive in new ways.
Another highlight is our new office. In November 2024, we moved into Mainframe Studios in Des Moines, the nation’s largest nonprofit creative workspace. Surrounded by artists and innovators, our new space offers the perfect environment to spark collaborations and launch exciting projects throughout 2025.
JEFAS™ Latinas in Business Magazine has been making headlines since its debut in May 2024. This February, our second Iowa issue will hit the stands with launch parties across the state, and this fall we’ll unveil the very first Nebraska edition. Do you know a Latina entrepreneur? Share her story with us through social media — we are always eager to spotlight Latina women making an impact in business.
New Editor-in-Chief Christina Fernández-Morrow with President and Publisher Erika Macias at the launch of JEFAS Latinas in Business magazine last May. Photo by Tatiana Peña for Hola America
And the celebrations don’t stop there: this August, Hola America News turns 25! We’ll mark this milestone with special content and events that reflect on our quarter-century of reporting across our communities. Grab a copy of our publications, follow us online, and visit our website for exclusive anniversary features.
Our commitment to cultural celebration also continues to grow. From hosting the Mexican Consulate in the Quad Cities to partnering with community organizations, our reach across the region is expanding. If you enjoy culture, empowerment, and good vibes paired with music, art, and Latino talent, keep an eye out for the Second Annual Latina Business Excellence Summit this summer — along with new partnerships and surprises we’ll be sharing soon!
As we celebrate this milestone year, we invite our readers to be part of the journey. Pick up a free copy of our newspapers and magazines, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, bookmark our websites, and sign up for our newsletters. Together, let’s make 2025 unforgettable!
Stay informed about what’s happening in your community. Your source for stories that inspire — visit HolaNebraska.org for news, culture, and community updates across Nebraska!