Amaya Verde
I am a visual journalist specializing in data-driven storytelling and interactive graphics. Most recently, I was a Graphics Reporter at The Washington Post, focused on international and breaking news.
Previously, I worked as a Senior Graphics Reporter for Univision, a Visual Storytelling, Graphics and Data Editor at the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, and an advisor to Spain's Secretariat of State for Communication, where I led the conceptualization and design of the official website for the COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, with a strong focus on service design and citizen experience.
My experience includes designing high-engagement interactive graphics and visual narratives for Univision Digital in New York and Miami. Earlier in my career, I played a key role in establishing infographic departments at the economic newspapers El Economista and Negocio and contributed to special projects for Marca, Expansión and Actualidad Económica.
I also founded a graphics agency and developed the course Visual Journalism: Infographic and Data Visualization at La Rioja International University. I have collaborated with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Design and Public Administration working group for the Spanish Ministry of Science, and have lectured at NICAR. My work has received multiple awards from the Society for News Design and the Society of Professional Journalists.
"Amaya is a world-class data-visualization journalist, and during my time working with her, I was constantly impressed — and often in awe — of her initiative, talent, and news instincts. She's one of those rare professionals who is a natural collaborator but is just as confident and effective driving her own reporting and enterprise work. She pitches smart, timely visual stories and executes them with remarkable speed, backed by deep expertise in cartography, interactives, development, and data visualization. During my time at The Post, she authored dozens of homepage stories — from breaking news in Venezuela, Gaza, or Iran, to science explainers and data-driven analysis. She was a key player in the visual ambition and impact of The Washington Post coverage. Truly one of the best, any newsroom or organization would be lucky to have her."
"Amaya is a world-class graphics reporter, capable of delivering accurate and original visual storytelling even in breaking news moments. She is driven, proactive and can work independently. She's reliable and capable of performing to the highest standards of visual journalism. On top of her individual skills, Amaya is a true team player who makes others in her team better and they know they can count on her."
"Working with Amaya Verde has been one of the great privileges of my career. There are very few professionals with her profile and experience in Spain. Combined with her other skills, I can confidently state from my 25 years in digital media that she is nearly unique in her field. Amaya possesses rare analytical intelligence. She can tackle the most complex problems, understand them deeply, and devise the simplest solutions. In her work as a visual journalist, this skill shines brilliantly. Her pieces always feel like the only logical answer, showcasing her exceptional expertise.Her intelligence is paired with tireless tenacity and a strong work ethic, guiding those around her. She is always up-to-date with the latest sector developments. She is highly skilled technically. She can learn almost anything new. Driven by knowledge and challenges, Amaya is unafraid of change or assuming responsibilities. As a leader, she excels in executing complex projects and coordinating and inspiring diverse teams — she gets along especially well with the technical ones. Having her in a subordinate position is like winning the work lottery: she makes life easier and offers countless learning opportunities."
"Amaya is an excellent professional. She has good aesthetic taste and dominates graphic design in all its aspects. She works very well with the team, is proactive and is capable of undertaking and leading projects on her own. She shows maturity and good sense when making decisions and in relationships with her peers."
"Amaya is a great journalist and infographics artist. That's why I trusted her to write the manual on the subject Visual Journalism: Infographics and Data Visualization, of the Master's Degree in Investigative Journalism, Data and Visualization of the International University of La Rioja. Thanks to her skills and extensive knowledge in the field of visualization and infographics, she created very clear, attractive teaching materials linked to professional journalism. It was a pleasure to work with Amaya for her rigor in meeting deadlines and meticulousness and delivery throughout the work process."