October 12, 2026 — Investigative Reporters & Editors is honored and touched to announce that Diana Fuentes, IRE’s late executive director, has generously donated $25,000 to the organization upon her passing.
“Diana was a giant of investigative journalism and had a deep passion for IRE,” said IRE executive director Jonathan Kealing. “We are so honored that she chose to build on her legacy with this gift and we will steward it with great care into the future.”
IRE will use these funds to invest in its staff and support ongoing training programs. Additionally, a workshop in Diana’s name has been established and the first will be held in 2027. Diana was a fierce advocate of access to public records, uplifting marginalized voices, and supporting the important work of IRE’s members across the globe. After her unexpected death this spring, members honored Diana with IRE’s Ring of Honor and joined together to raise thousands in her name.
Numerous journalism organizations have honored Diana with kind words and dedications since her passing. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas posthumously honored her with its James Madison Award. The San Antonio Area Foundation also launched the Diana “DeeDee” Fuentes Journalism Trailblazer Award, which will award $10,000 annually to newsrooms with outstanding contributions to local journalism and a commitment to strengthening the news and information ecosystem.
A constant in many media circles, Diana has also been honored since late March at annual conferences and events for IRE, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, Press Forward San Antonio, and the Society of Professional Journalists at both its national and San Antonio marquee annual events as well. She is deeply missed.
Read more:
IRE Recognizes Legacy of Late Executive Director Diana Fuentes with Ring of Honor Nomination
IRE Announces New ‘Diana Fuentes Service to IRE Award,’ Names Liz Lucas First Recipient
