Biography

Award-winning journalist Jim Avila is the Senior National Correspondent at ABC News and White House correspondent for Fusion, the ABC/Univision joint venture that launched in 2013. In this role, he covers Hispanic America, immigration reform, education, politics, and other issues vitally important to the Latino community, the fastest-growing segment of our population. He also continues to contribute to 20/20, other ABC broadcasts and platforms specializing in law and justice and consumer investigations.

Throughout 2011 and 2012, Avila’s reporting on food, drug, consumer, transportation, environmental, and other regulatory issues made a tangible difference in viewers’ lives. A versatile reporter, he has broken big stories since joining ABC News in 2004. As the Senior Law and Justice Correspondent, Avila brought his incredible storytelling to the headline-making news around the country, from Jerry Sandusky and Penn State to Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson.   

The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Avila earned a National Emmy Award for his coverage of the destruction of Grand Forks, North Dakota, by flood and fire and another Emmy for covering the fate of undocumented workers during the southern California wildfires in 2008. He has received five Edward R. Murrow Awards for his coverage of September 11, the DC Sniper attacks, and the War in Iraq, and in 1999, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists honored him with the TV News Feature Award.

Avila shares his insights with audiences on the role of the media in shaping public opinion and policies related to immigration as an important social and political topic and its direct impact on immigrant communities. He also sheds light on diversity’s role, how different boardroom perspectives invite quality solutions, and the other benefits it offers.

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Videos

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Current Events that Affect Us All: A Look at National Issues

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Immigration Reform: Beyond Boarder Security

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Minority to Majority: Insights into the Growing Latino Population

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The Importance of Diversity in the Boardroom

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Blog Posts

How a Simple Apology Can Spark Healing and Mental Health Conversations

Learn how a heartfelt apology shared by Johnny Crowder can help you break stigma and ignite life-changing conversations about mental health and self-compassion.

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An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

Explore how former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao’s experiences in space unlock insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience for teams on Earth.

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The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Find out how event personalization, AI-driven insights, and interactive storytelling are revolutionizing keynote speeches with business futurist Greg Verdino.

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The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a shift that happens the moment someone laughs. Shoulders loosen. The room lightens. The noise of the outside world fades just...

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Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Discover Wendy Porter’s proven WPE Planning Process for crafting live, virtual, and hybrid events that foster genuine connections, boost engagement, and drive ROI.

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The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because inclusion is no longer a box to check; it’s a culture to create. From boardrooms to classrooms, arenas to virtual...

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Blog Posts

 

How a Simple Apology Can Spark Healing and Mental Health Conversations

Imagine if a single, mental health–focused apology could dismantle stigma, validate someone’s pain, and launch...

Read More

An Astronaut’s Guide on Leadership and Innovation Lessons on Earth

In the boundless vacuum of space, leaders face challenges that dwarf anything encountered on Earth....

Read More

The Future of Event Keynotes: Personalization, AI, and Interactive Storytelling

Imagine a keynote at your next event that feels designed just for your audience—where every...

Read More

The Power of Play: Why Entertainment Is Essential for Engagement

“Entertainment is the emotional glue that connects people to ideas.”—Robert McKee, storytelling expert There’s a...

Read More

Designing Events That Spark Lasting Connections

Imagine stepping into an event where every detail is designed to foster genuine human connection—from...

Read More

The Best Diversity and Inclusion Speakers

Why are diversity and inclusion speakers some of the most transformative voices on stage? Because...

Read More