Jennifer Chen

Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist and young adult author whose work appears in publications including Today, the New York Times, Oprah Daily, and Real Simple. Chen covers a range of topics in her journalism, such as emotional labor, professional wrestling, miscarriage, and the Stop Asian Hate movement. She holds an MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and is an alumna of Hedgebrook, a women's writing residency.

Chen is recognized for her reporting on Asian American issues. She has been interviewed on NPR's Weekend Edition about anti-Asian hate and discussed pregnancy loss for a Glamour PSA video with actress Melissa Rauch. Her coverage of the Stop Asian Hate movement has reached national audiences and addresses urgent social topics.

Chen is the author of three young adult novels: "Artifacts of an Ex," "Hangry Hearts," and "Checking You Out." "Artifacts of an Ex" follows protagonist Chloe Chang, who, after being dumped via USPS and moving from New York City to Los Angeles, begins buying other teenagers' break-up boxes to create an art exhibit. Chen also contributed a short story to the young adult anthology "First-Year Orientation." Her fiction explores themes relevant to young readers and draws on her background in storytelling and character development.

Chen was named a Huntington Library Fellow to research the history of Chinatowns in California for a historical fiction novel. She was also named a Lando Grant finalist by the DeGroot Foundation. In addition to her writing, Chen mentors for WriteGirl, a creative writing organization, and fosters kittens for Best Friends Los Angeles. Her career as a journalist and novelist, along with her advocacy work and academic background, positions her as a multifaceted voice in contemporary American literature, with expertise in Asian American issues, young adult fiction, and social justice reporting.