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Mariel Padilla

General Assignment Reporter (She/Her)

Hi there, I’m Mariel Padilla. I’m a general assignment reporter at The 19th, where I’ve been since July 2020, just before the organization launched. I’ve written about all kinds of things, from the nursing shortage to child marriage laws to family-building concerns within the military community. I love falling down history rabbit holes, making spreadsheets and writing long explainers that nobody asked for (but people usually show interest in).

Previously, I was a breaking news reporter at The New York Times where I contributed to COVID-19 coverage that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize, created a database of Philippine drug war victims at the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism and contributed to a 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning project at The Cincinnati Enquirer. Despite this, my mom is most proud that I was once featured in a Jeopardy question.

I currently live in Indianapolis. When I’m not staring at a screen, you might find me playing violin in a local orchestra, singing in a choir or playing with my ever-growing number of nieces and nephews.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

Contact mpadilla@19thnews.org

Latest from Mariel Padilla

Hillary Clinton in a Biden administration? 'I’m ready to help in any way I can.'

When asked if she would take a role in a potential Biden administration, Clinton didn't entirely rule it out.

Mariel Padilla · August 13, 2020
At least 183 Democratic women are on U.S. House ballots, breaking 2018 record

At least 78 Republican women will be competing in November, a record number for that party.

Amanda Becker, Mariel Padilla · August 12, 2020
The suffrage movement is still unfinished, particularly for Black and Latino voters

As part of The 19th Represents Summit, a panel of experts discussed myths surrounding the right to vote in the United States.

Mariel Padilla · August 11, 2020
Stacey Abrams on the unequal history of voting rights in America

In a conversation with The 19th, Abrams said the nation’s voting rights are in peril — but there is still time to take action.

Mariel Padilla · August 11, 2020
How the pandemic is affecting senior women

Older women tend to live longer and live alone. For some, a pandemic that encourages sheltering in place leaves them feeling “entrapped” and “like a hermit.”

Mariel Padilla · August 10, 2020
Sen. Tammy Duckworth discusses Vanessa Guillen, condemns politicization of the military

“I think we’re going to continue to have problems until we have more diversity in the top ranks of the military, until we have more women in leadership,” Duckworth said.

Mariel Padilla · August 10, 2020