President's Message | Our Officers
A Message from Our President
Most days I don’t think about being a journalist. I just do what has become a natural part of my existence. Journalism has been my life’s work for almost thirty years. There are people to interview, articles to write, books brewing in the back of my mind, editing projects to finish, classes to teach. As a freelance writer and editor, what I, like many others do, is juggle. Would we have it any other way?
In this unstable economy, we find ways to thrive and stay true to our passion. What helps us stay focused? What provides activism, mentorship, social media insight and professional development? What offers forums for career transitions and communications contests that recognize and award quality contributions in the field of journalism?
The answer for me is organizations like Southern California Media Professionals (SCMP), a proud affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women.
As journalists, we need a connection to others in the communications field, all in the quest of providing superior coverage of people, places, communities, lifestyles, historical events, and everything in between. We need to network—to share our triumphs, our struggles, and our visions.
In our membership I find inspiration and wisdom, professionalism and camaraderie. We have members who have led the organization for 30, 40, even 50 years. That dedication and loyalty speaks for itself. Pursuing a career in journalism creates a mighty force of professionals on a mission.
I am proud to belong to SCMP and the NFPW. I have taped the NFPW Code of Ethics near my computer. I read it often. It reminds me that it’s not only passion that drives me, but something much bigger: I have to live up to these professional standards in order to be the best I can be. It reads in part:
As a professional communicator, I recognize my responsibility to the public, which has placed its trust and confidence in my work and will endeavor to do nothing to abuse this obligation. With truth as my ultimate goal, I will adhere to the highest standards of professional communications, never consciously misleading readers, viewers, or listeners and will avoid any compromise of my objectivity and fairness...
I invite you to become a member of SCMP and NFPW. It will remind you why you became a journalist in the first place. Onward!
Sylvia Mendoza
President, SCMP
www.sylvia-mendoza.com
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Our Officers
 Sylvia Mendoza
President
Journalist Sylvia Mendoza is the author of The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas (Lives) of Passion, Strength and Success, an important historic perspective on Latina women who have made significant contributions in the arts, politics, science, entertainment, sports, education, and history. The book was selected for the 2007 California Collection for High Schools by the California Readers Association. For several years, Sylvia served as parenting columnist for Siempre Mujer magazine. As a freelance writer, hundreds of her articles have appeared in a variety of publications such as Hispanic Outlook, Uptown, OurCity San Diego, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, Writers' Journal, San Diego Writers' Monthly, Decor & Style, Living Better, Kids' Wall Street News, and Hispanic.
Learn more about Sylvia.
 Betty Bartley
Membership Vice President
Betty Bartley, membership vice president, is a life member of NFPW and has held a number of appointed national board and Education Fund board positions. She is a past president of (the former) California Press Women and was a California nominee for Communicator of the Year award. She has chaired the CPW Communications Contest and the High School Communications Contest, and has served in several other CPW affiliate offices. She was a charter member of (the former) Orange County District of California Press Women when it separated from the Los Angeles affiliate, and held several offices in that District and later in SCMP.
Learn more about Betty.
Silvia Anne Sheafer
Secretary
Silvia Anne Shaefer is a long-time member of SCMP and NFPW. A recipient of numerous newspaper photography, reporting, and editing awards, she is also the author of 14 nonfiction books. As a college creative writing instructor, she also became interested in reaching younger students. Through a college enrichment writing program for elementary and middle school students, she has worked and mentored many young students. Silvia is grateful for her NFPW and SCMP membership and its many professional rewards, networking, and friendships from her participation.
Read Silvia’s perspective of SCMP’s history.
Harriette Ellis
Treasurer
Harriette R. Ellis has been involved in journalism since the seventh grade, when she launched her middle school’s first newspaper. In high school, she was a charter member of the national Quill and Scroll Club and in college wrote for the newspaper and served as art editor of the senior yearbook. That foretold her future. Sidetracked by her art and English majors at the University of Alabama, she worked toward a master’s in theater arts at U.C.L.A.
Learn more about Harriette.
 Diana Saenger
Communications Contest Director
Diana Saenger is entertainment editor of the East County Gazette, film and theater critic for 10 other San Diego newspapers, and operates her own entertainment syndicate, Saenger Syndicate and online sites www.reviewexpress.com and www.classicmovieguide.com. Diana was a senior writer for Script Magazine for seven years and the “classic film” webmaster for About.com for three years. She regularly furnishes entertainment pieces to www.reeltalk.com, www.rottentomatoes.com. She has sold more than 1,000 short stories, articles or features to newspapers and magazines. Diana is the summertime host of "Movies in the Park" at Viejas Casino in Alpine, CA.
Learn more about Diana.
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