Ernesto Aguilar
Born in East Houston, Aguilar’s life was transformed by accidentally discovering public media. That brush with visionary culture informed a career in media rooted in creating opportunities for all Americans.
As a journalist, author, podcaster, public speaker, radio producer and thought leader, Aguilar’s endeavors focus on democracy, inclusion and engagement. Aguilar serves a diversity of rural, tribal, Latino and more media outlets via the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, the nation’s oldest organization supporting hyperlocal radio. He was previously a noncommercial radio program director, where he led news initiatives, youth radio and on-air fundraising. In addition to capacity building with NFCB, he serves on the boards and committees of media nonprofits, including the Stations and Producers Advisory Committee of the American Archive Public Broadcasting and the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media.
A Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education Fellow (Advanced Leadership) and Online News Association Leadership cohort selection, Aguilar holds a degree in journalism, with minors in sociology and Women’s Studies, a Management and Leadership Certification from the University of Houston and a Nonprofit Fund Development Certification from Rice University.