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Articles by

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 [email protected]

Latest from Mariel Padilla

Biden will form a council dedicated to policy that affects women and girls

“Too many women are struggling to make ends meet and support their families, and too many are lying awake at night worried about their children’s economic future,” he said.

Mariel Padilla · January 19, 2021
‘Turn in your pin and get out’: Several congresswomen denounce their colleagues’ role in the Capitol riot

After a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to overturn the presidential election results, lawmakers called for accountability.

Mariel Padilla · January 13, 2021
Capitol Police names first woman to lead as acting chief in the wake of insurrection

Yogananda Pittman, who is also the first Black person to head the law enforcement agency, assumed the role on Friday.

Mariel Padilla · January 11, 2021
Several women have resigned from the Trump administration following Capitol riot

At least six women — including Elaine Chao and Betsy DeVos — have announced they were stepping down after a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6.

Mariel Padilla · January 11, 2021
Virginia now has more women in its state legislature than ever before

Two women were elected to fill vacancies in the state’s House of Delegates in Tuesday’s special elections.

Mariel Padilla · January 7, 2021
Women lawmakers condemn the president and urge intervention after riots at the Capitol

After a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, members of Congress were forced to recess as the building went into lockdown.

Mariel Padilla · January 6, 2021
Republican congresswomen are divided on the validity of Biden’s victory

Here are the lawmakers who have said whether they will certify the Electoral College results later this week.

Mariel Padilla · January 5, 2021
‘It’s never too late’: The entrepreneurial spirit of older women

When asked why they wanted to set up a business later in life, twice as many women than men said they wanted to realize a long-held ambition.

Mariel Padilla · January 1, 2021
Paris' fine for having too many women as senior officials reminds the world of gender parity problems

The number of women politicians around the world has skyrocketed in the last decade, but women are still significantly underrepresented.

Mariel Padilla · December 16, 2020
‘I’ve had to fight to be taken seriously’: Women with Ph.Ds respond to Dr. Jill Biden column

For women in academia, the Wall Street Journal op-ed about the future first lady’s title struck a nerve.

Shefali Luthra, Mariel Padilla, Barbara Rodriguez · December 14, 2020