Jessica Bautista grew up in the D.C Metro area with an early love of storytelling and journalism, modeled by her grandfather, a former New York Times reporter and author. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with University Honors in Broadcast Journalism. She spent five years as a TV news reporter on the Florida Gulf Coast and in Tucson, Arizona, reporting for ABC affiliates and on networks including CNN, HLN, BBC and FUJI TV in Japan. Jessica is currently a digital journalist for Gilbert, Arizona, producing video content and strategizing communications for one of the best places to live in the country. She will also earn her Master’s Degree in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University this spring.