The magazine earns eight national awards, including Outstanding Hispanic Magazine for the second consecutive year and a Silver Award for its partnership with Drake University.
Des Moines, IA – November 13, 2026 – JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine earned eight José Martí Awards, including four Gold, two Silver and two Bronze, during the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) virtual convention held November 12–13.
For the second consecutive year, JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine received Gold for Outstanding Hispanic Magazine. The publication also won Gold for Outstanding Design for Magazine and Outstanding Front Page Design for Magazine, for the cover of its 2026 Nebraska edition.
Its fourth Gold Award was for Outstanding Ad Promoting Winning Awards. The winning advertisement, “This Is What Latina Excellence Looks Like,” promoted the magazine’s three Gold José Martí Awards from 2025.
Established in 1989, the José Martí Awards recognize journalism, photography, design, advertising and publishing among Hispanic media organizations across the United States.
Nebraska Edition Earns Awards for Business Journalism and Photography
JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine received Silver for Outstanding Local Business Article for “Karina Struble: Acts of Courage Lead to Business Success,” written by Christina Fernández-Morrow, with photography by Marco Flores.
The magazine also earned Bronze for Outstanding Overall Photo (All Publications) for a photograph by Marco Flores published with “From War Zones to Executive Portraits: A Photographer’s Journey,” a feature in the Nebraska edition.
A second Bronze Award, for Outstanding Ad Promoting Your Publication, recognized an advertisement featuring Erika Macias, founder, president and publisher of JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine. The advertisement opens with the statement, “JEFAS Magazine isn’t for everyone-and that is the point!”
Drake University Partnership Receives Silver Award
JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine also earned Silver for Outstanding Business Partnership for its collaboration with Drake University on the 2026 JEFAS Business Excellence Summit.
The third annual summit took place September 4 at Drake University’s Olmsted Center in Des Moines, in partnership with the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach at the university’s Zimpleman College of Business.
The program included business workshops, leadership sessions and networking for Latina entrepreneurs and professionals. Author and speaker Leia Baez delivered the keynote address, “There’s Power in Your Story: How Authenticity Can Fuel Business Growth.”
The magazine previously won Gold for Outstanding Event at the 2025 José Martí Awards for its inaugural 2024 Latina Business Excellence Summit.
Two Consecutive Years of National Awards
Launched in Iowa in May 2024 by Erika and Tar Macias, JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine expanded to Nebraska in February 2026. The publication covers Latina entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals across the Midwest.
At the 2025 José Martí Awards, the magazine earned three Gold Awards for Outstanding Hispanic Magazine – Glossy, Outstanding Design – Magazine and Outstanding Event.
With four additional Gold Awards in 2026, JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine has won seven Gold José Martí Awards over two consecutive years.
“We won these awards together,” wrote Erika Macias, founder, president and publisher of JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine, in a message to the publication’s contributors.
“You bring these stories to life on every page, and I’m proud to share this recognition with all of you,” she wrote, thanking the magazine’s writers, editors, photographers, designers, staff and collaborators.
Complete List of 2026 José Martí Awards for JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine
GOLD – 4 Awards
- Outstanding Hispanic Magazine
- Outstanding Design for Magazine
- Outstanding Front Page Design for Magazine
- Outstanding Ad Promoting Winning Awards
SILVER – 2 Awards
- Outstanding Local Business Article
- Outstanding Business Partnership – JEFAS Business Excellence Summit partnership with Drake University
BRONZE – 2 Awards
- Outstanding Overall Photo (All Publications)
- Outstanding Ad Promoting Your Publication
JEFAS Latinas in Business Magazine publishes print and digital editions in Iowa and Nebraska.
For more information, visit jefasmagazine.com.