Jenna Wortham

Jenna Wortham (they/them) is an acclaimed American journalist, author, and culture writer, best known as a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, they earned a degree in medical anthropology from the University of Virginia in 2004 before embarking on a career in technology journalism, including writing for Wired in San Francisco and later joining the New York Times in 2008 as a tech and business reporter +15+15JENNA WORTHAM+15.

Wortham co-edited the influential visual anthology Black Futures alongside Kimberly Drew, published in December 2020. This 544‑page collection weaves together essays, art, and conversations exploring Black creativity, futurism, and community in digital spaces The Speaker Handbook+7+7Vanity Fair+7. They also co-hosted the New York Times podcast Still Processing (2016–2022), where they unpacked issues of identity, culture, and digital life with co-host Wesley Morris +9+9Vanity Fair+9.

Wortham frequently comments on the intersections of technology, race, wellness, and media. Notable quotes include: “Ultimately, what the tech industry really cares about is ushering in the future, but it conflates technological progress with societal progress.” +2BrainyQuote+2+2
“Wellness, I came to realize, will not happen by accident. It must be a daily practice, especially for those of us who are more susceptible to the oppressiveness of the world.” BrainyQuote and “There is no picturesque version of what self‑care looks like; it's different for every person who wants to practice it.” BrainyQuote+1+1
These quotes reflect Wortham’s dedication to authenticity, introspection, and cultural critique—anchoring their work as a compelling voice in modern media.