Honoree to be celebrated at RHBA’s Annual Gala Luncheon, kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th, 2026 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Hispanic Business Association (RHBA) today announced that Julio Sáenz, Chief Content Officer of WXXI Public Media, has been selected as its 2026 Hispanic Business Person of the Year, recognizing his more than two decades of leadership in media, communications, and community advocacy in Rochester and beyond.
Sáenz made history in 2025 as WXXI’s first-ever Chief Content Officer, where he now leads editorial strategy and content across WXXI Television, WXXI Radio, CITY Magazine, The Little Theatre, and all of the organization’s digital platforms — guiding the station through a pivotal moment for public media with a renewed focus on hyperlocal, representative storytelling.
His career reflects a lifelong commitment to building platforms that give voice to underserved communities. Sáenz founded ConXion, one of the nation’s first bilingual Latino publications, authored the book Rochester’s Latino Community in 2011 and launched Poder 97.1 FM, the first 24-hour Latin radio station in New York State outside of New York City. He went on to serve as General Manager of Mundo Hispánico at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, leading that newsroom to 35 national journalism awards. Closer to home, he has led communications for MVP Health Care, Common Ground Health, and the Ibero-American Action League — three organizations at the center of Rochester’s healthcare and Hispanic community services.
Sáenz also gives back to the region as an instructor in RIT’s School of Communications and through board service with WXXI, The Little Theatre, Jordan Health, and Causewave Community Partners.
“Julio’s story is the story of what our community can build when talent, vision, and heart come together,” said Orlando Rivera, Chairman of the Rochester Hispanic Business Association. “From launching one of the first bilingual Latino publications in the country to now leading content strategy for WXXI, Julio has spent his entire career making sure our stories get told and our voices get heard. He’s exactly the kind of leader this award was created to celebrate.”
RHBA will formally honor Sáenz at its Annual Gala Luncheon on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The event also serves as the official kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month in the Rochester community, bringing together local business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an afternoon of celebration and recognition.
Ticket and sponsorship details to follow.
About the Rochester Hispanic Business Association
The Rochester Hispanic Business Association is dedicated to promoting the growth, development, and success of Hispanic-owned businesses and professionals in the greater Rochester region through networking, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement.
Media Contact: Diana Kleps
