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 Emmy and an Edward R. Murrow award, and also solo-produced a documentary on mental health that received a local 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 comfortable flight and 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, which happens to be France for Spring 2026. Over the years, my trip planning has evolved, I love diving deep into research to make every experience as effortless, thoughtful, and fulfilling as possible.