As a seasoned photojournalist, Aaron J. Cardenas has covered a diverse range of subjects including national and community events, political and social movements, cultural issues, and much more.
A south San Antonio Native, Aaron discovered his dreams of higher education after relocating to Oklahoma City. He is a graduate of Oklahoma City Community College where he obtained an Associates Degree in Broadcast Journalism. Currently, Aaron is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Creative Media Production.
In addition to his studies, he is an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Sigma Nu Alpha Gamma Native American Fraternity, and the Native American Journalists Association.
Aaron has also been the recipient of multiple journalism scholarships including the Gaylord Family Scholarship, the Dow Jones News Fund Scholarship, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism National Conference Scholarship.
Aaron's commitment to the truth and eye for news, has made him an integral member of the award-winning KOCO 5 News team. He began his journey with KOCO as a morning show Associate Producer quickly working his way to Photojournalist.
He credits his professional success and development to working with the OU Nightly broadcast, the Oklahoma Bureau of the Associated Press, the Tulsa World, the Journal Record, and the award-winning Oklahoma City Community College Pioneer newspaper.
After college, Aaron hopes to continue working with amazing organizations and mentors to further hone his craft as a photojournalist.
Aaron's Professional awards and achievements include:
Society of Professional Journalists (Region 8)
1st Place Award TV In-Depth Reporting "Living On The Edge: LGBTQ+ and Mental Health" (2020)
Society of Professional Journalists (OK)
1st Place Award Diversity Reporting "From Condemnation to Liberation: LGBT and the Church" (2018).
3rd Place Award Feature Writing "Derby Life" (2018)
Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association
1st Place Award in News Photography (2017)
2nd Place Award in News Photography (2017)
2nd Place Award in Feature Photography (2017)