Hola, I am

Hola, I am

Laura Weffer

Journalist / Periodista

EXPERIENCE

wefferlaura@gmail.com

APR '19 - PRESENT

JAN 15. - PRESENT

Senior Investigative Journalist │ OCCRP

Copy Editor, Writer and Investigative Journalist

CNN / Warner Bros. Discovery

Editor Chief, Co-Founder │ Efecto Cocuyo

Produced the highest-viewed story in CNN Español’s history, demonstrating a strong ability to craft engaging and impactful content that resonates with a wide audience.
Played a key role in daily show content by identifying, producing, and editing compelling stories, contributing to the overall narrative and viewer engagement.
Enhanced digital and TV production skills through daily content creation, active participation in show agendas, and proficient management of iNews, ensuring the seamless integration of multimedia content.

Investigated and reported on complex cases involving money laundering, corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and human rights violations, exposing high-level criminals and uncovering their activities.
Collaborated with international journalists to produce cross-border investigations, successfully publishing stories that challenge powerful and corrupt structures globally.
Pioneered new storytelling techniques and models, utilizing innovative approaches to engage a with audiences more effectively.

APR '20 - JAN '21

Editor of Politifact Bot │ Poynter Institute

SEP '11 - JAN '14

Senior Investigative Reporter│Cadena Capriles

Founded a digital media outlet in 2015 and transitioned from a reporter to a managerial role, overseeing editorial concept, hiring, planning, budgeting, production, editing, and publishing.
Built one of the most trusted digital media platforms in Venezuela, establishing a loyal audience despite operating under intense government censorship and harassment.
Successfully secured funding through public relations, crowdfunding, and fundraising events, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the media outlet in a challenging environment.

APR '16- PRESENT

Collaborated with Meta, WhatsApp, and the Poynter Institute to develop and launch a chatbot aimed at combating electoral disinformation during the 2020 US election.
Coordinated a network of 24 fact-checking organizations to provide live fact-checking in English and Spanish during the presidential debates, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of information for a diverse audience.
Conducted research and wrote numerous articles for the Poynter newsletter, focusing on disinformation and emerging trends in journalism, contributing to the broader understanding of media integrity.

Contributed to uncovering one of the most significant police and security scandals in recent years in Venezuela, as part of a team in investigating and reporting on critical issues.
Investigated and produced compelling content on diverse topics, including the beauty industry, human trafficking, and political corruption, highlighting societal challenges and injustices.
Helped develop a digital ecosystem with innovative design, enhancing audience engagement and expanding the reach of investigative journalism.

JAN '02 - SEP '11

Investigative and Political Reporter/ El Nacional

Served as the lead reporter on the Venezuelan presidency for ten years, producing hundreds of articles that provided in-depth analysis and insights into the country's political landscape.
Conducted investigative reporting that led to impactful stories affecting government actions, earning national and international awards for excellence in journalism.
Recognized as a leading expert on the Hugo Chávez era, frequently referenced and consulted for insights into the political, social, and economic implications of his administration.

Awards

Gabriel García Márquez, four (4) times recipient

Special Citation of Maria Moors Cabot Prize by Columbia University

Pulitzer Prize as part of the Panama Papers team

Winner of the Investigative Journalism International Award for Latin America and The Caribbean sponsored by International Transparency and Press and Society Institute (IPYS). Venezuela (Collective award)

Languages

Spanish: Native

French: Basic

Published books

El testigo y sus verdades. Editorial El Nacional. 2006.
Golpe al vacío. Editorial Lugar Común. 2012.

about me /. conóceme

wefferlaura@gmail.com

As a journalist, I am deeply connected to the human dimension of our craft. I am a radical believer that everyone deserves to tell their story, and my commitment is to uncover and amplify these voices in response to the needs of our audience.

As an investigative reporter, I have been trained in the fine art of research. I have a keen eye for spotting innovative angles to track down wrongdoers, coupled with an immense love for accuracy and rigor.

As a Venezuelan exile, I've learned to be resourceful, to thrive under pressure and to work collaboratively. I've also learned, the hard way , about the importance of freedom and Human Rights.

As a media owner and co-founder of Efecto Cocuyo, I've transitioned from reporter to entrepreneur, gaining crucial business media skills. My experience spans from budgeting to project management, driving innovation, and integrating cutting-edge technology in the newsroom.

As a storyteller, I started my path in newspapers and have since transitioned to various roles across multimedia platforms. I embrace every opportunity that allows me to share impactful messages.