Lozafina’s CEO Josefina Loza will be inducted into the 2024 Omaha Press Club Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame on June 8. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Loza's career and underscores her profound impact on the industry.
The Omaha Press Club's Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence and leadership in journalism. Loza's inclusion in this esteemed group reflects her contributions to the profession and her enduring commitment to teaching the trade.
With a career spanning decades, Loza has leveraged her expertise to champion causes, amplify voices, and foster meaningful connections within the community. Her dedication to journalism and commitment to serving the public interest have earned her widespread admiration and respect among peers and colleagues alike.
Upon learning of her induction into the Omaha Press Club's Hall of Fame, Loza expressed profound gratitude for the honor.
"I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized," said Loza. "As a communicator, I've always believed that our voices can bridge divides, uplift communities, and drive positive change. This induction into the Omaha Press Club's Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame is not just an honor for me; it's a reaffirmation of the transformative power of storytelling."
Josefina Loza's ascent from Omaha Bryan High School newspaper writer to the esteemed CEO of Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations Firm has been marked by a series of notable achievements, culminating in her selection for the Hall of Fame induction. Upon graduating high school, Loza earned a Goodrich Scholarship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she pursued her studies in journalism. Straight out of high school, she joined the Omaha World-Herald, initially serving as a part-timer in the newsroom library before transitioning to a part-time news messenger role. It was during this formative period that Loza honed her craft, immersing herself in the fast-paced world of newspaper reporting and cultivating invaluable skills that would shape her future endeavors.
Loza's dedication and tenacity did not go unnoticed, and she soon began writing stories for the Omaha World-Herald, covering a range of topics from lifestyle features to obituaries. Her contributions caught the attention of the editorial team, leading to her appointment as a part-time news reporter while still in college. By her junior year, Loza had already interned for prestigious organizations such as the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Colorado Springs Gazette, and the Associated Press, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the field.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2004, Loza transitioned to a full-time role as a "People" reporter at the Omaha World-Herald, where she showcased her knack for human interest pieces and community-focused storytelling. Her dedication to amplifying the voices of those around her and shedding light on important issues earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.
Over the years, Loza's career trajectory continued to ascend, with roles ranging from nightlife columnist to online editor for the Omaha World-Herald's parenting website, Momaha.com. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and navigate evolving media landscapes positioned her as a trailblazer in the field of communications.
In 2015, Loza returned to her alma mater, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, to serve as the publications manager of the Gateway Student newspaper. Not content with resting on her laurels, she pursued further academic endeavors, enrolling in the School of Communications master's program and delving into the intricacies of family and interpersonal communication.
In October 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Loza founded Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations Firm, a boutique agency aimed at helping small businesses navigate the digital landscape. Through innovative strategies and a steadfast commitment to client success, Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations Firm quickly rose to prominence, earning accolades for its communication and branding initiatives. In December 2023, Loza was named Newcomer of the Year by the Public Relations of Society of America’s Nebraska Chapter.
In January, Loza launched “Resilience in Words,” a motivational planner + journal in which she co-created with award-winning graphic designer Olabanji Stephen of ggrik Design Studio. Upon its launch, the book was named an “Amazon Hot New Release” list, reaching No. 15 for several weeks.
Lozafina, in collaboration with EPIC for Girls, has recently introduced a groundbreaking sports marketing and communication internship tailored for girls of color aged 14-24. Currently, Loza oversees three remarkable young women in the program, nurturing their talents and empowering their voices in the industry.
Loza has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of media and public relations, setting new standards of excellence along the way. The induction ceremony, scheduled for June 8, will be a momentous occasion celebrating Loza among other inductees’ extraordinary achievements and lasting legacy in the field of journalism. Colleagues, friends, and supporters are expected to gather to pay tribute to their indelible impact on the industry.
As Loza prepares to take her place among the distinguished honorees of the Omaha Press Club's Hall of Fame, she said she remains steadfast in her commitment to upholding her advocacy for the power of storytelling to inspire change.
Attend the 2024 Omaha Press Club Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame induction dinner
Open to both OPC members and non-members, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Josefina Loza among other inductees at 1620 Dodge Street. Tickets are available at $75 per person for OPC members and $85 per person for non-members. For more information about the induction ceremony and the Omaha Press Club's Hall of Fame, please visit omahapressclub.com
Past Honorees - - 2023 Honorees - Wally Dean, WOW, WOWT, CBS News, PEJ, CCJ - Ronald N. Kaplan (posthumous), SKAR (Smith Kaplan Allen & Reynolds Advertising Agency) - Edward L. “Buddy” King, Freedom Broadcasting Network, KOWH AM/FM, KMTV Channel 3 - Todd Lemke, Omaha Magazine, Omaha Home, B2B Magazine - Hugh J. Reilly, Omaha World-Herald, Boys Town, University of Nebraska at Omaha - Robert T. Reilly (posthumous), Creighton University, Holland Drives Reilly, University of Nebraska at Omaha - Sue Baggarly Seline, WOWT-TV, Boomer Radio Network - 2022 Honorees John Chapman, WOWT - Jim Denney (posthumous), Omaha World-Herald - Paul Hammel, Nebraska Examiner, Omaha World-Herald - Bill Kelly, Nebraska Public Media - Anne Walsh, Union Pacific Railroad, Internal Communications - Dave Wingert, Boomer Radio - 2021 Honorees - Malcolm Adams, KETV, Omaha Star, CBS & CNN Tokyo Bureau, Totown Communications - Chris Christen, Omaha World-Herald, UNMC - Henry Cordes, Omaha World-Herald - Trina Creighton, KMTV, UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communication - Susan Eustice (posthumous), Salvation Army Public Relations - Doug Parrott, KETV - 2019 Honorees - Joan (Joni) Baillon, KMTV - Ben Gray, KETV - Walt Kavanagh (posthumous), KOWH, KFAB - Mike McKnight, WOWT - Carrie Murphy, KMTV, City of Omaha - Kent Warneke, Omaha World-Herald - 2018 Honorees - Harold Dow, KETV, CBS - Jim Fogarty, Legacy Preservation Books, KETV, Omaha World-Herald - Cate Folsom, Omaha World-Herald - Ron Hull, NET, UNL-Lincoln - Jeff Jordan, KMTV, Union Pacific, Omaha World-Herald - Bob Runnels, KMTV - 2017 Honorees - Judy Horan, WOWT, Freelance Writer - C. David Kotok, Omaha World-Herald - Patricia J. Matson, ABC, Inc; Ford and Nixon White Houses - Sibyl Myers, Omaha World-Herald - Bud Pagel, NU School Journalism - Dave Webber, KFAB, KMTV, WOWT - 2016 Honorees - Jim Flowers, KETV, WOWT, KMTV - Frank Partsch, Omaha World-Herald - John Prescott, KMTV, KHAS-TV, WOWT, Union Pacific, STRATCOM - Jim Roberts, KMTV (1928-1967) - Marguerita Washington, Ph.D., The Omaha Star (1936-2016) - Dr. Eileen Wirth, Creighton University, Omaha World-Herald - 2015 Honorees - Rev. Don Doll, S.J., Creighton University - Bob Hoig, Midlands Business Journal - Steve Jordon, Omaha World-Herald - John (Jack) McBride, NETV - Arnold Peterson, WOW Radio and TV - Chuck Roberts, KMTV, CNN Headline News - Gary Sadlemyer, KFAB - 2014 Honorees - Robert Dorr, Omaha World-Herald - Carl Keith, Omaha World-Herald - Joe McCartney, WOW Radio-TV, UNO, Union Pacific - Rob McCartney, KETV - Mary McGrath, Omaha World-Herald - 2013 Honorees - David A. Haberman, Creighton University - Michael Kelly, Omaha World-Herald - Joe Patrick, KFAB, WOW, KMTV, KETV - Ann Pedersen, WOWT, WCCO-TV - Carol Schrader, KETV, KFAB, NET - 2012 Honorees - Rudolph Smith, Omaha World-Herald - Rose Ann Shannon, KETV/KMTV - Phil Johnson, Omaha World-Herald - Barc Wade, AAA Home & Away Magazine - Hugh P. Cowdin, Ph.D., University of Nebraska at Omaha - Robert McMorris, Omaha World-Herald - 2011 Honorees - Ninette Beaver, KMTV - John Gottschalk, Omaha World-Herald - Gary Kerr, WOWT - Rev. Leland E. “Lee” Lubbers, S.J., SCOLA, Creighton University - Lee Terry Sr., KETV, WOW-TV - 2010 Honorees - Dave Hamer, KETV, KMTV, WOWT - John Hlavacek, United Press, NBC, KMTV - Deanna Sands, Omaha World-Herald - Dottie Hayes Sater, WOW-TV and WOW Radio - 2009 Honorees - Harold W. Andersen, Omaha World-Herald - John Clark (1948-2007), KMTV - Mark O. Gautier Jr. (1930-1998), KMTV - James M. McGaffin Jr. (1921-1985), WOW-TV and Radio - Jack Payne, WOW-TV/Radio, KFAB - Howard Silber, Omaha World-Herald - 2008 Honorees - Omaha Sun Newspapers: Warren Buffett, Stanford Lipsey, Paul N. Williams. - Mildred Brown, The Omaha Star - Lyell Bremser, “Voice of the Huskers” KFAB and KOIL - Earle “Buddy” Bunker, Omaha World-Herald - Ray Clark, WOW-TV - Henry Doorly, Omaha World-Herald - Sen. Gilbert M. Hitchcock, Omaha Daily World, Omaha World-Herald. - Floyd Kalber, KMTV, NBC-TV Today Show - Ed May Sr. KMTV, May Broadcasting Co. - Steve Murphy, WOW-TV - Harvey Newbranch, Omaha World-Herald - John Savage, Omaha World-Herald - Rev. Roswell Williams, S.J., Creighton University -
Past Honorees - - 2023 Honorees - Wally Dean, WOW, WOWT, CBS News, PEJ, CCJ - Ronald N. Kaplan (posthumous), SKAR (Smith Kaplan Allen & Reynolds Advertising Agency) - Edward L. “Buddy” King, Freedom Broadcasting Network, KOWH AM/FM, KMTV Channel 3 - Todd Lemke, Omaha Magazine, Omaha Home, B2B Magazine - Hugh J. Reilly, Omaha World-Herald, Boys Town, University of Nebraska at Omaha - Robert T. Reilly (posthumous), Creighton University, Holland Drives Reilly, University of Nebraska at Omaha - Sue Baggarly Seline, WOWT-TV, Boomer Radio Network - 2022 Honorees John Chapman, WOWT - Jim Denney (posthumous), Omaha World-Herald - Paul Hammel, Nebraska Examiner, Omaha World-Herald - Bill Kelly, Nebraska Public Media - Anne Walsh, Union Pacific Railroad, Internal Communications - Dave Wingert, Boomer Radio - 2021 Honorees - Malcolm Adams, KETV, Omaha Star, CBS & CNN Tokyo Bureau, Totown Communications - Chris Christen, Omaha World-Herald, UNMC - Henry Cordes, Omaha World-Herald - Trina Creighton, KMTV, UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communication - Susan Eustice (posthumous), Salvation Army Public Relations - Doug Parrott, KETV - 2019 Honorees - Joan (Joni) Baillon, KMTV - Ben Gray, KETV - Walt Kavanagh (posthumous), KOWH, KFAB - Mike McKnight, WOWT - Carrie Murphy, KMTV, City of Omaha - Kent Warneke, Omaha World-Herald - 2018 Honorees - Harold Dow, KETV, CBS - Jim Fogarty, Legacy Preservation Books, KETV, Omaha World-Herald - Cate Folsom, Omaha World-Herald - Ron Hull, NET, UNL-Lincoln - Jeff Jordan, KMTV, Union Pacific, Omaha World-Herald - Bob Runnels, KMTV - 2017 Honorees - Judy Horan, WOWT, Freelance Writer - C. David Kotok, Omaha World-Herald - Patricia J. Matson, ABC, Inc; Ford and Nixon White Houses - Sibyl Myers, Omaha World-Herald - Bud Pagel, NU School Journalism - Dave Webber, KFAB, KMTV, WOWT - 2016 Honorees - Jim Flowers, KETV, WOWT, KMTV - Frank Partsch, Omaha World-Herald - John Prescott, KMTV, KHAS-TV, WOWT, Union Pacific, STRATCOM - Jim Roberts, KMTV (1928-1967) - Marguerita Washington, Ph.D., The Omaha Star (1936-2016) - Dr. Eileen Wirth, Creighton University, Omaha World-Herald - 2015 Honorees - Rev. Don Doll, S.J., Creighton University - Bob Hoig, Midlands Business Journal - Steve Jordon, Omaha World-Herald - John (Jack) McBride, NETV - Arnold Peterson, WOW Radio and TV - Chuck Roberts, KMTV, CNN Headline News - Gary Sadlemyer, KFAB - 2014 Honorees - Robert Dorr, Omaha World-Herald - Carl Keith, Omaha World-Herald - Joe McCartney, WOW Radio-TV, UNO, Union Pacific - Rob McCartney, KETV - Mary McGrath, Omaha World-Herald - 2013 Honorees - David A. Haberman, Creighton University - Michael Kelly, Omaha World-Herald - Joe Patrick, KFAB, WOW, KMTV, KETV - Ann Pedersen, WOWT, WCCO-TV - Carol Schrader, KETV, KFAB, NET - 2012 Honorees - Rudolph Smith, Omaha World-Herald - Rose Ann Shannon, KETV/KMTV - Phil Johnson, Omaha World-Herald - Barc Wade, AAA Home & Away Magazine - Hugh P. Cowdin, Ph.D., University of Nebraska at Omaha - Robert McMorris, Omaha World-Herald - 2011 Honorees - Ninette Beaver, KMTV - John Gottschalk, Omaha World-Herald - Gary Kerr, WOWT - Rev. Leland E. “Lee” Lubbers, S.J., SCOLA, Creighton University - Lee Terry Sr., KETV, WOW-TV - 2010 Honorees - Dave Hamer, KETV, KMTV, WOWT - John Hlavacek, United Press, NBC, KMTV - Deanna Sands, Omaha World-Herald - Dottie Hayes Sater, WOW-TV and WOW Radio - 2009 Honorees - Harold W. Andersen, Omaha World-Herald - John Clark (1948-2007), KMTV - Mark O. Gautier Jr. (1930-1998), KMTV - James M. McGaffin Jr. (1921-1985), WOW-TV and Radio - Jack Payne, WOW-TV/Radio, KFAB - Howard Silber, Omaha World-Herald - 2008 Honorees - Omaha Sun Newspapers: Warren Buffett, Stanford Lipsey, Paul N. Williams. - Mildred Brown, The Omaha Star - Lyell Bremser, “Voice of the Huskers” KFAB and KOIL - Earle “Buddy” Bunker, Omaha World-Herald - Ray Clark, WOW-TV - Henry Doorly, Omaha World-Herald - Sen. Gilbert M. Hitchcock, Omaha Daily World, Omaha World-Herald. - Floyd Kalber, KMTV, NBC-TV Today Show - Ed May Sr. KMTV, May Broadcasting Co. - Steve Murphy, WOW-TV - Harvey Newbranch, Omaha World-Herald - John Savage, Omaha World-Herald - Rev. Roswell Williams, S.J., Creighton University -
