Author Archive

Mariel Padilla

General Assignment Reporter, The 19th

Mariel Padilla is a general assignment reporter at The 19th. Previously, she was a breaking-news reporter at the New York Times, where she contributed to COVID-19 coverage that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize.
Digital Government

Wally Funk Finally Gets Her Moment in Space

In the 1960s, Funk was part of Mercury 13 — a program to train women astronauts that was ultimately canceled. On Tuesday, she became the oldest person to launch into space.

  • By Mariel Padilla, The 19th
Digital Government

Biden Promised the Most Diverse Administration Ever. Here’s How He’s Doing.

Seven figures that show the representation — and the gaps — in President Joe Biden's Cabinet and federal appointments.

  • By Mariel Padilla, The 19th