PALS - Ysabel Duron

Ysabel Duron is an award-winning journalist with over 36 years in television broadcasting. In October 2005, Duron was named one of the 26 Most Influential Latinos in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the San Francisco Business Times. Both her broadcasting and non-profit work have been recognized over the years. In 1997 she was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences “Silver Circle” for more than 25 years of meritorious work as a journalist. In June 2006 she received the President’s Award from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists for her commitments to journalism and community.

In 1998, her 3 part series on her own winning battle with cancer {Hodgkins Lymphoma}, won an Excellence in Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. She’s won two EMMY’s, one for her coverage of the Patricia Hearst Kidnap.

The California Teachers Association gave her its highest honor, the John Swett Award, for her 3 part series “Trouble with Teachers.” In 1991 she won first place from the Radio TV News Directors Association for her 3 part series, “The Child I Never Held,” about her personal reunion with the son she gave up for adoption.

The California Chicano News Media Association presented her with its highest honor in 1999 for her commitment to coverage of the Latino community. The Chicana Latina Foundation presented her with a Living Legacy Award in 2002, and she was named a Latino Media Pioneer in 2001 by the Bay Area Latino Media Association.

After her battle with cancer {Hodgkins lymphoma ‘98 }, Ysabel Duron, helped start one non-profit (2000) in San Jose, CA serving Latinas with breast cancer. In 2003 she founded a second, Latinas Contra Cancer, which she continues to run. LCC raises awareness around issues of cancer to reduce mortality and improve the quality of life by increasing access to quality health care. It helps grass roots groups grow capacity to provide service, and devises culturally and linguistically appropriate education tools for the mass Latino market. It’s bilingual website offers cancer resources, and referrals.

In San Jose, she was awarded the Girl’s Scouts highest honor, the Juliette Gordon Low award, as well as the Janet Gray Hayes award, named after the first woman mayor of San Jose, both for her community work.

Duron is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, and a Board member of the International Women’s Media Foundation, empowering and enhancing women journalists globally. In June 2007, she was voted one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos in Silicon Valley. She was also honored with an individual award as the Most Influential Latino in Media.