Jessica Yellin was born on February 25, 1971, in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in a Jewish household by her parents Ira and Adele Yellin. Her father, Ira, was a well-known real estate developer and former president of the American Jewish Committee. Growing up in Los Angeles, Jessica was exposed to a diverse and vibrant community which would later influence her career in journalism.
After graduating from Harvard College magna cum laude, Jessica began her career in journalism in 1998 as a general assignment reporter for Central Florida News 13 in Orlando. She quickly made a name for herself in the industry and went on to work for major news outlets such as MSNBC and ABC News. In 2007, she joined CNN as a Capitol Hill correspondent, covering important political developments in Washington D.C.
Jessica's passion for politics led her to become CNN's Chief White House Correspondent from 2011 to 2013. During her time in this role, she conducted interviews with Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, solidifying her reputation as a respected political journalist. Her coverage of White House events and policies garnered praise from both colleagues and viewers.
In addition to her work in broadcast journalism, Jessica has also made significant contributions to the field of journalism education. She has served as a senior fellow at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Center for Public Integrity. Her dedication to promoting integrity and accuracy in reporting has earned her the respect of her peers in the industry.
Outside of her career, Jessica values her family and roots in Los Angeles. She remains close to her parents and credits them for instilling in her a strong work ethic and passion for social justice. In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring the cultural landmarks of her hometown and engaging with the local community.
Throughout her career, Jessica Yellin has shown a commitment to excellence in journalism and a dedication to informing the public on important political issues. Her interviews with world leaders and coverage of significant events have made her a trusted voice in the industry. As she continues to inspire the next generation of journalists, her impact on political journalism will be felt for years to come.