Hi, I'm Justin Agrelo.
I'm an award-winning journalist, community engagement specialist, and communications professional based in Los Angeles.
I've spent the last eight years telling data-driven, human centered stories rooted in community practices. My work seeks to complicate predominating narratives and highlight the easily overlooked human experiences within contemporary issues.
At The Trace, I designed and managed a trauma-informed writing program that paid and trained survivors of gun violence to learn storytelling skills and have their work published. The program grew directly from deep community listening and engagement, and went on to secure more than ten co-publishing partnerships, and win multiple awards, including a 2024 Anthem Award.
While at City Bureau, I led a team of reporters in covering COVID-19-related housing issues, resulting in an award-winning feature series that brought renewed attention to Chicago's ongoing eviction crisis. The series was awarded Best Feature Series and Best Reporting on COVID-19 by the Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
My work is focused on crafting narratives that are accurate, contextual, and reflective of the lived experiences of everyday people.
Let's chat!
