Hi! I'm Jacki Ochoa, a former broadcast journalist turned tech PR professional who loves to travel and squeeze the most out of life.

From Newsrooms to PR

I spent nearly a decade as a broadcast journalist, working in newsrooms across the United States—Redding, Omaha, Phoenix, Seattle, and Bakersfield. I wrote, edited, produced, filmed, and anchored the evening news. Along the way, I earned a local TV Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow award, and also solo-produced a documentary on mental health that received an Emmy nomination.

In 2018, I made the leap to public relations, moving from telling the news to shaping how companies are seen in it. Today, I work in tech PR, helping manage media perceptions and public narratives.

My Travel Philosophy

Travel wasn’t always a priority for me. For years, I lived to work—rarely taking time off and always working during the holidays. That changed in 2016 when I found myself between jobs. With a little savings and a lot of inspiration from the late Anthony Bourdain, I booked a three-week solo trip to Japan. I stretched $2,000 across overnight buses, train rides, and countless pieces of sushi.

Now, I work to live, carefully planning my PTO to explore the world. Since 2016, I’ve visited 15 countries, with many more to go. When I travel, I seek out the best food, immerse myself in history and culture, and love wandering aimlessly through city streets. I prefer a balanced pace—early mornings, one major activity per day, and plenty of time to soak in the experience. Comfort matters too; I love splurging on a great hotel!

Life at Home

At heart, I’m an introvert. My brother says I’m like a cat—perfectly content curled up at home. But when I do venture out, I love concerts, museums, hiking, and the beach. I share my life with my husband, my perfect travel companion, and our 15-year-old dog, Butters.

What’s Next?

When I’m not traveling, I’m planning our next adventure. Right now, that’s the Amalfi Coast this summer and Japan in late fall. My trip planning has evolved over the years—I love diving deep into research to make every experience as seamless and fulfilling as possible.