Hi, and thanks for stopping by. I’m a journalist who believes in the power of reporting and writing to bring more integrity and empathy into the world.

I recently embedded with a mom and her teenagers to chronicle how the choices being made by A.I. companies are quietly upending family life. Before that, I pitched and led an investigation that exposed how hundreds of U.S. police officers have sexually abused children with little accountability. This project stemmed from my years covering child sex trafficking in America. I’ve delved into conspiracy theories, hate crimes, and mass shootings. But I’ve also made time to hunt for stolen eggs, befriend a hyperpolyglot and pet some very‍ ‍good‍ dogs.

With trust in the media at an all-time low, I care deeply about doing this work with sensitivity and transparency. I am the recipient of the Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics and the Collier Award for Ethics in Journalism. I’m a National Magazine Award finalist, a three-time finalist for the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists and a member of the Pulitzer-winning team of Washington Post reporters who were on the ground during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

I live in Ohio, and I’m always looking for stories that need to be told. You can reach me at jessica.contrera.journalism@gmail.com.