Hola, I am
Hola, I am
Laura Weffer
Journalist / Periodista
EXPERIENCE
2025- PRESENT
Cofounder/ ESTA ES LA COSA
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JAN 15. - PRESENT
APRIL 2016- PRESENT
Senior Investigative Journalist │ OCCRP
APRIL 209- PRESENT
Writer and Investigative Journalist
CNN / Warner Bros. Discovery
Editor Chief, Co-Founder │ Efecto Cocuyo
Awarded CNN investigative journalist and writer, with experience producing and editing high-impact stories for CNN Español, including the network’s most-viewed story. Skilled in shaping complex investigations for digital and broadcast audiences, with strong newsroom and production workflows.
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Investigated and reported on intricate cases related to money laundering, corruption, trafficking, human trafficking, and human rights violations, revealing the activities of high-profile criminals. Teamed up with international journalists to conduct cross-border investigations, successfully publishing stories that confront and corrupt systems worldwide. Developed new storytelling techniques models, using innovative approaches to engage audiences more effectively.
APR '20 - JAN '21
Editor of Politifact Bot │ Poynter Institute
SEP '11 - JAN '14
Senior Investigative Reporter│Cadena Capriles
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Founded Efecto Cocuyo in 2015, transitioning from reporter to editorial leadership. Led the development of one of Venezuela’s most respected digital media platforms, building a loyal audience in a context of authoritarianism and censorship. Secured sustainable funding through strategic public relations, crowdfunding, and fundraising initiatives, ensuring the outlet’s continued growth, resilience, and impact.
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Partnered with Meta, WhatsApp, and the Poynter Institute to and implement a chatbot designed to fight electoral disinformation during the 2020 US election. Organized a coalition of 24 fact-checking to deliver live fact-checking in both English and Spanish the presidential debates, improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of information for a varied audience.
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Part of a team that helped expose one of the most significant police and scandals in Venezuela in recent years, focusing on vital investigations and. Researched and created engaging content on various subjects, such as the beauty industry, human trafficking, and political corruption, bringing attention to societal and injustices.
JAN '02 - SEP '11
Co-founder of Esta Es La Cosa, a Georgia-based media outlet serving the Hispanic community through immigration-focused reporting, community-centered journalism, and accessible, trustworthy information.
The project is driven by the belief that no one should navigate complex legal, civic, or social systems alone.
Investigative and Political Reporter/ El Nacional
Lead reporter covering the Venezuelan presidency, during which he wrote hundreds of articles that provided deep analysis and insights into country's political landscape. His investigative reporting to significant stories that influenced government actions, earning both national and international accolades for excellence in journalism. He recognized as a prominent expert on the Chávez era and is often consulted for his insights the political, social, and economic implications of his administration.
Awards
Emmy Award to Investigative News Coverage in Spanish for "Narcofiles: Tren de Aragua" . 2025
Gabriel García Márquez, four (4) times recipient
Special Citation of Maria Moors Cabot Prize by Columbia University
Pulitzer Prize as part of the Panama Papers team
Winner of the Investigative Journalism International Award for Latin America and The Caribbean sponsored by International Transparency and Press and Society Institute (IPYS). Venezuela (Collective award)
Published books
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El testigo y sus verdades. Editorial El Nacional. 2006.
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Golpe al vacío. Editorial Lugar Común. 2012.
about me /. conóceme
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As a journalist, I am deeply connected to the human dimension of our craft. I am a radical believer that everyone deserves to tell their story, and my commitment is to uncover and amplify these voices in response to the needs of our audience.
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As an investigative reporter, I have been trained in the fine art of research. I have a keen eye for spotting innovative angles to track down wrongdoers, coupled with an immense love for accuracy and rigor.
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As a Venezuelan exile, I've learned to be resourceful, to thrive under pressure and to work collaboratively. I've also learned, the hard way , about the importance of freedom and Human Rights.
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As a media owner and co-founder of Efecto Cocuyo, I've transitioned from reporter to entrepreneur, gaining crucial business media skills. My experience spans from budgeting to project management, driving innovation, and integrating cutting-edge technology in the newsroom.
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As a storyteller, I started my path in newspapers and have since transitioned to various roles across multimedia platforms. I embrace every opportunity that allows me to share impactful messages.
As a woman, daughter, mom, partner, sister and friend, journalism has taught me the vital necessity of empathy, listening and curiosity.
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It has shown me the most raw and brutal sides of humanity, but it has also shaped a big part of who I am today.
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And for that, I am very grateful.
