Elaine Ayala
About Elaine Ayala
Elaine Ayala is a Senior Features Writer with extensive experience in journalism, having worked for the San Antonio Express-News and contributed to various magazines. She has held leadership roles in several Hispanic journalist associations and has received multiple awards for her contributions to the community.
Work at Hearst
Elaine Ayala has been employed at Hearst as a Senior Features Writer since 1986. With over 38 years of experience in this role, she has contributed significantly to the publication's content and storytelling. Her extensive background in journalism allows her to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with insightful features that reflect the community's interests.
Education and Expertise
Elaine Ayala studied at the University of Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1979, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English. This educational background has equipped her with strong writing and analytical skills, which she has applied throughout her journalism career. Her expertise spans various forms of media, including print and digital platforms.
Background
Elaine Ayala began her journalism career at the San Antonio Express-News, where she worked as a writer from 1996 to 2009. She later transitioned to a role as a Metro columnist at the same publication in 2013. Ayala has also served as editor of the FAITH section at San Antonio Express-News, showcasing her versatility in different editorial capacities.
Achievements
Elaine Ayala has received numerous accolades for her contributions to journalism and community leadership. She was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Edgewood district’s Hall of Fame in 2005. Additionally, she has served as president of both the Austin Area Association of Hispanic Journalists and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, reflecting her commitment to supporting Hispanic representation in media.
Community Engagement
Elaine Ayala is an active participant in community engagement, frequently speaking at area schools and community organizations. She writes the Latino Life blog for mysanantonio.com, further connecting with her audience and addressing relevant cultural topics. Her involvement in journalism extends beyond writing, as she has also been a fellow and faculty member of the Editing Program at the Maynard Institute.