Alumni Spotlight: Itzel Hernandez

Itzel Hernandez 
Northwest High School Class of 2011 

Itzel Hernandez’s Northwest ISD journey began in 2005 when, at the age of 12, she moved to Texas and embraced the challenges of a new environment with the support of her teachers.

After graduating from Northwest High School in 2011, she pursued a career in journalism. For over a decade, she has worked in local television news, covering major events and sharing impactful stories. Today, she is a WFAA content editor, earning an Emmy for a special program honoring Santos Rodriguez, a young Mexican American boy tragically killed in 1973.

Looking back on her journey, Ms. Hernandez highlights the importance of perseverance, faith, and gratitude. She attributes her success to her parents' sacrifices, the unwavering support of her teachers, and her dedication to hard work. She recently shared her experiences and insights with us.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at Northwest High School?
As an English as a second language student, much of my time was dedicated to adjusting to a new language and culture, leaving little room for other activities.

Ms. Hernandez, can you tell us about yourself?
My parents, brother and I moved to Texas in 2005 when I was 12 years old. Adapting to a new culture, language and lifestyle was a significant challenge, but Northwest ISD staff made the transition more manageable.

Both my brother and I graduated from Northwest ISD and pursued careers in the communications industry. My brother is a radio producer and the IT director for a school district in Dallas, while I became a journalist. I have worked for local TV stations for 11 years.

Beyond journalism, I have a deep calling to serve my community. I recently earned a degree in theology and have dedicated 18 years to serving Jesus, my Lord and Savior. I also have a wonderful husky named Sky — dramatic, talkative and my lifelong buddy.

What has your career path been to your current role with the WFAA team?
I began my career at Telemundo 39 as a production assistant before becoming an assignments editor. During my time there, we covered major stories that gained national attention, such as the Ebola outbreak and the Dallas shooting that tragically claimed the lives of seven officers.

A few years later, I joined CBS News in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where I covered one of the most impactful stories of our time — the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2021, I joined WFAA as a content editor, and it has been an incredible experience working in such a legendary newsroom.

At WFAA, I’ve covered tragic events like the Uvalde school shooting, the Fort Worth hotel explosion, and the State Fair of Texas shooting. But not all news is grim — I also lead the La Vida team, a group of journalists highlighting talented and influential Latinos in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Recently, we won an Emmy for a special program honoring Santos Rodriguez, a 12-year-old Mexican American boy tragically killed by a Dallas police officer in 1973.

What have you learned throughout your journey?
If I could speak to my 12-year-old self, I’d tell her to worry less and enjoy the process more. I’d reassure her that all her dreams will come true as long as she stays focused and has faith in God and herself. Having supportive parents, teachers and friends makes all the difference.
I will always be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for my brother and me. Everything I do is to honor them and make them proud. Life offers everyone opportunities for success, but the decisions we make — even in middle and high school — shape our future.

How did your experience at Northwest High School prepare you for your future?
Northwest High School encouraged me to dream big and work hard to achieve my goals. Their ESL program played a crucial role in my academic growth. Today, being a fluently bilingual professional has opened doors I never imagined possible.

What is one valuable lesson you took from NISD that you still carry with you today?
Hard work will take you far. Life comes with unique challenges and difficult seasons, but there will always be someone — a teacher, a relative, a friend, or a mentor — willing to guide and support you. Their help, paired with your dedication, can lead to success.

What message would you like to share with the next generation of graduates?
Do not limit your dreams — dare to dream big. Time flies, so don’t waste it on temporary satisfactions. Be bold, be wise and be brave.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every Northwest ISD teacher who contributed to my academic growth, especially my middle school English teacher, Deana Rawlings. She was the most patient, kind, and caring teacher.

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In our alumni spotlight series, Northwest ISD graduates share their experiences and discuss how their time in the district shaped their personal and professional journeys after graduation. If you would like to nominate an alum for this series, please complete this form.