Dedicated to Moving NABJ Forward, Responsibly

Integrity.  Compassion.  Fairness.

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AFFILIATIONS & RECOGNITION

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MEET Marie Torres

Leader. Advocate. Mentor.

Marie Torres is an Afro-Latina journalist and news leader who has served communities in both North Carolina and Virginia for about two decades. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) graduate got her start interning at the age of 16 for her small-town television and radio station.

Since graduating from UNCG in 2007, Marie has worked as a TV News Anchor, Reporter, News Producer, Executive Producer, and News Director. She currently serves as a Managing Editor for Spectrum News 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Marie is the immediate past president of the National Association of Black Journalists-Raleigh Durham (formerly the Triangle Association of Black Journalists), representing journalists, storytellers, communicators, professors, and students across the Triangle, Sandhills, and all of Eastern North Carolina. In addition, she serves as the Deputy Chair of Belonging for the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) Wellness Task Force as well as NABJ’s Region III Deputy Director. In 2024, Marie was selected to be a member of NABJ Leadership Academy’s third annual cohort.

Although navigating breaking news is one of her strengths, Marie is passionate about bringing diverse, visually engaging, impactful, truthful, and thought-provoking stories to her community. She is an outspoken advocate for the importance of having journalists of diverse backgrounds, especially news managers, in the editorial decision-making process. Marie believes the diversity of news organizations should reflect the diverse makeup of the communities they serve. She strongly believes in compassionate leadership, mentorship, coaching, and collaboration with fellow communicators.

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“…this organization has not only poured into me but, in many ways, saved my life.

Campaign Statement

Experienced. Authentic. Committed.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve as secretary for the National Association of Black Journalists. I’ll bring over 20 years of leadership experience and a proven record of growing organizations and talent. I’ve leveraged and showcased my skills over the years through my various roles within NABJ, both locally and nationally. NABJ is a passion for me because of the vast resources the organization provides to empower journalists, strategic communicators, and students. My goal in becoming secretary would be to strengthen NABJ and add to the extensive list of achievements this organization has accomplished thus far.” – Marie Torres

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Leadership

Influential. Collaborative. Organized.

News Leader

Named to Business North Carolina Magazine’s 2023 Power List as one of the state’s most influential news leaders, Marie was highlighted alongside CEOs and presidents of highly respected organizations, including Lumos, AT&T, and American City Business Journals.

Organizer

As Deputy Director for NABJ’s Region III, Marie led and empowered a diverse team to organize an amazing and collaborative regional conference this past April. at Johnson C Smith University with culminating events at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Advocate

Marie is the Deputy Chair of Belonging for NABJ’s Wellness Task Force, advocating for inclusion and mental wellbeing. In a recent episode of The Compassionate Newsroom, she discussed empathy as a core value in shaping newsroom culture.

Mentor

Marie believes in giving and receiving mentorship. She has mentored dozens of emerging young professionals in and out of the newsroom, as well as participated in leadership mentoring programs, including the 2024 NABJ Leadership Academy.

Career Snapshot

Accomplished. Strategic. Dedicated.

Managing Editor

2023 – Present
Spectrum Networks

News Director / Anchor

2010 – 2011
WHIG TV

Executive Producer

2016 – 2023
Spectrum Networks

News Director / Anchor

2009 – 2010
WNCR TV

News Producer

2011 – 2016
WGNT & WTKR News 3

News Director / Anchor

2008 – 2009
WNVN TV

Volunteerism

Giving. Supporting. Serving.

Deputy Director

2024 – Present
National Association of Black Journalists, Region III

Treasurer

2024 – Present
National Association of Black Journalists – Raleigh Durham

Vice President of Broadcast

2017 – 2019
National Association of Black Journalists – Raleigh Durham

Deputy Chair

2024 – Present
National Association of Black Journalists, Wellness Task Force

Advisor

2023 – Present
National Association of Black Journalists – Raleigh Durham

Advisor

2024 – Present
Triad Association of Black Journalists

President

2019 – 2023
National Association of Black Journalists – Raleigh Durham

Platform

Integrity. Compassion. Fairness.

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Professional Development

Marie will work to increase virtual and regional programming that is relevant and accessible, addressing the skills vital in or industry — from AI and data techniques to navigating career pathways.

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Engaged Membership

Marie is committed to strengthening networking opportunities, rejuvenating local chapters, and expanding pathways for collaboration, both virtually and in person.

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Organizational Transparency

Marie is committed to prioritizing accountability within the organization, ensuring that members stay informed about NABJ’s initiatives and feel confident that their voices are acknowledged.

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Journalistic Integrity

Marie will build on the legacy of our founders by championing Black journalists and passionately defending a free and ethical press.

“I’m a strong believer in mentorship, coaching and collaboration with fellow communicators.

Listening Tour

Building. Stronger. Together.

Join Marie in person or virtually for insight into her platform to build upon the strength of NABJ, and share your hopes and dreams so that together, we can continue the legacy of our founders and ensure a bright future for the next generation of leaders and our industry.

PAST APPEARANCES

Thursday, August 7 @ 2 PM ET – 4 PM ET
Candidates’ Campaign Forum

Thursday, July 31 @ 7 PM ET
NABJ Broadcast Task Force Candidates Forum

Tuesday, July 29 @ 7 PM ET
NABJ Wellness Task Force Hosts Candidates Forum

Thursday, July 25 @ 8 PM ET
Boston NABJ Virtual Meeting

Tuesday, July 22 @ 10 PM ET
NABJLA Candidates Forum

Tuesday, July 22 @ 7:30 PM ET
The E-Spot with Camille Kauer Podcast

Monday, July 21 @ & 7 PM ET
Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Chapter Meeting

Thursday, July 17 @ 7 PM ET
Detroit NABJ Chapter Meeting

Wednesday, July 16 @ 7:30 PM ET
NABJ-Chicago Candidates Forum

Saturday, July 12 @ 1 PM ET
NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force Candidates Forum

Saturday, July 12 @ 12 PM ET
Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Chapter Meeting

Saturday, July 12 @ 10:45 AM ET
Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists Candidates Forum

Wednesday, July 9 @ 9:30 PM ET
NABJ Sacramento Candidates Forum

Wednesday, July 9 @ 8 PM ET
NABJ Candidates Forum

Saturday, June 28 @ 12 PM ET
NABJ-RDU x Triad Association of Black Journalists Meet the Candidates Forum

Wednesday, June 25 @ 7 PM ET
BABJ x WABJ NABJ Candidates Forum

Sunday, June 8 @ 8 PM ET
NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force

Sunday, June 8 @ 3 PM ET
NABJ-Raleigh Durham Spring Social

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“Marie has the foresight to see issues before they become major problems.

Voter Information

2025 NABJ Elections

Voting will take place electronically on July 14 at 9 a.m. ET through August 8 at 5 p.m. ET. Ballots will be sent to eligible members via email from noreply@eballot.com or noreply@votenet.com.

Lifetime, professional, emerging, and alumni members may vote for all national executive offices, including President, Vice President-Broadcast, Vice President-Print, Vice President-Digital, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. They also may vote for a representative from the region where they live or work and vote on all constitutional amendments.

The results of the election will be announced at the convention and shared on the NABJ website shortly after polls close.

Let’s Talk

… and move NABJ forward, together.

Invite Marie to speak at your next chapter, group or task force meeting. Interested in an interview, forum, or panel discussion? Reach out to feature Marie on your podcast, live stream, or in a program or article.