Post contributed by Sara Morales, FCRH ’26
It is a surreal thing to be invited to the Emmy Awards when you least expect it; not only to attend but to receive the honor of being an ‘Emmy Envoy.’
As a Journalism student at Fordham University, I have been granted opportunities that I am far beyond words thankful for, but this opportunity easily charts my list. Myself, along with one other student, were chosen by the journalism department to fulfill this selective position representing our school name and The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on the night of Wednesday, 25th, 2025, for the 46th News and Documentary Emmy Awards.
As an Envoy, I handed the Emmy statue to the presenters once they announced the winners, walking out on stage throughout the entire duration of the ceremony. Although it seems straightforward enough on paper, we arrived early for a run-through rehearsal of the show to ensure a smooth ceremony. As someone who has always been fascinated by the production side of all things entertainment, I found it a treat to see the behind-the-scenes workings and participate in them myself. My classmate and I spoke with the presenters, each of whom was a highly esteemed journalist and reporter; many imbued their wisdom and passion for the field, leaving me truly fueled with inspiration. Prior to the show, we had the opportunity to join the networking hour with the industry professionals and even walk the red carpet, getting some shots of our own. I was silently geeking out to be alongside the teams responsible for some of the most moving, hard-hitting journalism in the television and documentary industry, from National Geographic to CNN, to even Hulu.
None could quite top the feeling I felt when it came to being around the 60 Minutes team, however. I always fondly reflect on my Sunday afternoons growing up. My Dad, always just right on time, would turn the TV on, and up came 60 Minutes flashing on the screen. It became a tradition, even if I was initially too young to understand the programming fully. I remember always watching, enamored as I felt increasingly moved by their work, wanting to tell stories just like them when I grew up. Thank you, Dad, for this special memory and for instilling this passion in me.
However, this opportunity would not have been possible without the Journalism department’s support. The Emmys have partnered with Fordham for the past four years, requesting students to fill the Envoy slots. When the department reached out with this opportunity, I knew I had to apply. The application process was straightforward: write a statement explaining why I believe I should be picked, and that I did. One of my major professional aspirations is to create a documentary in some capacity, to produce a narrative that explores the much too sparse media coverage of the history of Latinos in the United States. I have always been passionate about communicating the stories of historically disregarded peoples through a multi-modal approach, with a particular interest in Latino-focused storytelling, tackling the social issues accompanying it, and felt it only appropriate to communicate this goal. This theme is what I so carefully explained in my application and a truth I maintain as a present through-line across my studies and professional development. It was also something that was especially present when I was in attendance at the award ceremony.
The sheer amount of Latino representation struck me—various categories honored and awarded Spanish-language excellence in the journalistic field, and as a child of Colombian immigrants, with strong ties to my culture, I felt a consistent surge of pride. To be in an environment that not only acknowledges but commemorates the Latino community and the Latinos who put in the work to help shape our narrative in the US was remarkable.
I was not even the one receiving the awards, yet being on stage as the winners came up and their feature was projected, brought goose bumps to my skin. The room thrummed with a reverberating passion when proudly viewing their own and each other’s work, and it was infectious. People truly cared for and were driven by the pursuit of telling the stories of the voiceless, broadcasting the realities and injustices of modern-day society, and creating lasting work.
Now more than ever, passionate, authentic journalism is needed in any format. Let free speech, honest integrity-led reporting, and uplifting the voice of the silenced continue to guide. Thank you to the Fordham Journalism department and The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for this unforgettable night. Not even stringing all the letters in the alphabet together would begin to express how thankful I am for this incredible opportunity.
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City
May 20, 2025
Sara Morales is a rising Senior at Fordham University, double majoring in English and Journalism, minoring in Latin American & Latino Studies with a dedication to Latino-focused storytelling, spotlighting marginalized voices. Originally from Chicago, she is most passionate about communicating the stories of historically disregarded peoples through a multi-media approach.
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