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.
Your membership inquiry has been submitted.
2025 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 2025. Please consider becoming a member and/or donating to support our paid internship program!”
Elliot Njus
Treasurer
Director of Content, 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.”
Arya Surowidjojo
National Board Representative
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.”
Vacant
Community Engagement Manager / Member-at-Large
Steven Tonthat
Social & Email Manager
Producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting
“This is my second 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.”
Winston Szeto
Digital Content Manager
Digital Producer, Oregon Public Broadcasting
“This is my first year serving as a board member for a local AAJA chapter, and I’m honored to contribute to AAJA’s mission of empowering young journalists of color and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in Portland-area newsrooms. There is still significant progress to be made in both newsroom representation and the breadth of storytelling. At a time when DEI initiatives are increasingly under scrutiny, AAJA’s work to foster a more inclusive media landscape is more critical than ever.”
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 2025 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 