Jessica Buchleitner

Jessica Buchleitner is a journalist, communications scientist, and media innovator whose work focuses on the intersection of storytelling, technology, and global policy. She specializes in reporting on conflict, sexual violence, diplomacy, and technology, with an emphasis on societal impact. Buchleitner began her career in the media industry during a period of significant disruption, which led her to examine innovation methods and the effects of emerging technology on information dissemination. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Winthrop University and a Master of Science in Journalism and Media Innovation from Northwestern University. Buchleitner was recognized as Journalist of the Month by the International Journalists' Network and received the Medill Editorial Scholarship, where she studied the application of agile innovation methods to media organizations and the influence of technology-driven cultural shifts in news reporting.

Buchleitner's journalism has taken her to various regions worldwide, resulting in work that explores the lives and experiences of women across Africa, Asia, and parts of Eastern and Southern Europe. Her anthology, "50 Women, Book One," compiles first-person narratives from women who have faced gender-based violence, cultural challenges, immigration issues, and life in communities affected by armed conflict. The "50 Women" anthology series presents accounts from 50 women in 30 countries who have overcome significant obstacles, including health afflictions and armed conflict. Buchleitner's work is published with the Harvard Nieman Foundation, Women News Network, Smithsonian Magazine Online, Reveal/Center for Investigative Reporting, and includes a Knight Lab case study on virtual reality for storytelling. She also reported on "Brexit Day" as a European Union External Action press fellow.

Buchleitner has contributed to media innovation through research and reporting on new technologies. She published a study on photogrammetry for journalism with Northwestern University Knight Lab and authored an investigative report on sexual harassment in virtual reality platforms. She spent more than two years reporting on sexual harassment in virtual reality environments, with her findings published around the release of Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One." Her media platform, "Narrative Dive," features in-depth analyses of stories shaping culture, politics, economics, technology, media, art, spirituality, history, and human behavior. The platform includes a newsletter that examines narratives influencing global dynamics.

In addition to her journalism, Buchleitner has established a career as a communications strategist and policy advocate. As a communications scientist and advisor, she has developed solutions to foster trust and resiliency for multinational companies, startups, and NGOs, with expertise in change communication, thought leadership, crisis mitigation, digital transformation, and brand strategy. Buchleitner has served in United Nations interfacing roles as an NGO delegate, permanent representative, and liaison, supporting civil society engagement with policy initiatives. She collaborated with diplomats, politicians, and civil society stakeholders in the Cities for CEDAW campaign, promoting the adoption of the CEDAW ordinance in U.S. cities and extending this work to the private sector with the "CEDAW for Companies" framework. While living in Germany, Buchleitner co-founded and served as policy lead for Munich International Women, a civil society group connecting skilled immigrant and expat women with employment and business opportunities.

Drawing on her background in film and voice-over acting, Buchleitner delivers speeches and participates in panel discussions at United Nations sessions, universities, NGOs, conferences, and think tanks. Her work addresses topics such as women's rights, armed conflict, emerging technology, and media ethics, providing accessible analysis for audiences across sectors.