Jennifer Ortega was born on March 31, 1987, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was raised in South Florida, where her passion for journalism first began to flourish.
Ortega attended college in Florida, where she studied communications and journalism. After graduating, she landed her first job as a Spanish-language reporter at HOLA TV in West Palm Beach, Florida. This experience helped her hone her reporting skills and gain valuable experience in the field.
She later transitioned to a role as an editor and photographer at CBS 12 in West Palm, further solidifying her place in the world of broadcast journalism. Ortega's dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and she soon found herself pursuing a job as a fill-in anchor and multi-media journalist at CBS Affiliate WCBI News in Columbus, Mississippi.
Ortega's big break came when she joined the ABC affiliate 16 WAPT News in Jackson, Mississippi as a prime time reporter. She quickly made a name for herself by bringing lead stories to the 5, 6, and 10 PM newscasts. Her coverage of the hanging man death in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and the KFC controversy involving a little girl captured national attention.
Her journalistic talents have garnered her a substantial following on social media, with over 30,000 followers on her X profile. Ortega's commitment to delivering accurate and compelling news has made her a respected figure in the industry.
Outside of her busy career, Ortega is a devoted pet owner to two Westies named Toby and Emma. She finds solace in spending time with her furry companions when she's not chasing a breaking news story.
Ortega draws inspiration from fellow journalists like Shepard Smith, whose career has taken him through similar paths in Florida and Mississippi. She admires Smith's dedication to honest reporting and strives to emulate his success in her own career.
As Ortega continues to make a name for herself in the world of journalism, her passion for storytelling and commitment to truth will undoubtedly propel her to even greater heights of success.