We are the Portland chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association, a membership nonprofit that works to advance diversity in newsrooms and ensure fair and accurate coverage of communities of color. AAJA has more than 1,500 members in the United States and Asia.
AAJA’s Portland chapter was founded in 1987. It is run by an all-volunteer board. As the only official organization for journalists of color in Oregon and southwest Washington, AAJA Portland offers:
- The AAJA-SPJ Emerging Northwest Journalists Internship program, to increase diversity in local newsrooms
- An annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards competition, to promote coverage of issues that disproportionately affect people of color or other under-resourced groups in Oregon and/or southwest Washington
- Professional development and social events, to help journalists and allies connect
All are welcome to attend our events. Only members may vote in chapter elections. To join our chapter, register for an AAJA membership and choose Portland as your affiliation.
Get involved! Let us know if you’re interested in hosting an event, organizing a fundraiser or supporting our mission in any way.
2024 Board
Kaylee Domzalski
President
Video Producer, Education Week
“AAJA Portland just keeps getting better and better! I’m so excited to help our chapter expand its presence in Oregon through our events, our amazing internship program and service to our communities of color.”
Amy Wang
Internship and Awards Manager
Content Strategist, Oregon Health & Science University
“AAJA Portland has been on a roll the past few years, working hard to carry out our mission of diversifying Oregon newsrooms and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of communities of color. I’m excited to see the chapter’s momentum continue in 2024. Please consider becoming a member and/or donating to support our paid internship program!”
Elliot Njus
Treasurer
Business & Economy Editor, The Oregonian/OregonLive
“AAJA Portland continues to build and strengthen relationships across the region. I’m looking forward to bigger and better collaborations with other organizations and with Oregon’s news outlets to improve the important service journalists provide for our communities.”
Peter Wong
National Board Representative
Reporter, Salem Bureau, Portland Tribune/Pamplin Media
“In my 16th year on the local board (10 nonconsecutive years as president), and 10th year on the national advisory board, I have seen the Portland chapter thrive, then wither, then thrive again – and also the national association. AAJA was founded in 1981 – six years after I began my reporting career – to ensure fair coverage of communities of color, not just Asian Americans, and promote diversity among the newsroom workforce that is still far from our goals. We’ve come a long way, but we still need others to help us get to where we need to be on both news coverage and newsroom workforce.”
Elizabeth Dinh
Community Engagement Manager / Member-at-Large
Evening News Anchor & Reporter, KOIN-TV
“I’m proud to be a member of AAJA Portland and enjoy seeing how more and more Asian Americans in Portland are also proud to share their cultures with others. Food is something that connects people, no matter their background, and I aim to help organize more food-related events that can bring us together. These are great opportunities to show our community what AAJA does and who we are.”
Steven Tonthat
Social & Email Manager
Producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting
“This is my first year on the AAJA Portland Board. I’m excited to join a growing community committed to uplifting BIPOC voices in Portland, and providing new opportunities for young journalists to grow and share their stories.”
Arya Surowidjojo
Digital Content Manager
Executive Producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting
“There has never been a more important time to champion local newsrooms and civic media. AAJA Portland is positioned to increasingly strengthen the region’s news ecosystem through our paid internship program as well as providing a community of support for chapter members and other journalists of color. I’m truly honored to serve by surfacing stories about our collective efforts across digital platforms.”
Myers Reece
Fundraising Manager
Executive Director, Underscore News
“I’m excited to build on the momentum of the past few years, during which AAJA PDX has launched and expanded an internship program to support early-career journalists of color and established an awards contest that recognizes diversity and inclusion in journalism, in addition to hosting numerous networking and educational events. We hope to grow our membership in 2024 as we continue serving as the region’s leading organization committed to diversifying newsrooms and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of communities of color.”
AAJA Portland 