I am an award-winning journalist currently working as a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, where I report and write features for the Style desk.
I spent many years at CNN Business, most recently as a senior reporter covering technology’s impact on society. That included covering the impact of the pandemic on tech’s frontline workers — from Amazon warehouse employees to gig workers who, unable to afford childcare, are delivering food with their young children in tow, and, Instacart workers baited by customers with promises of large tips, which prompted four senators to call for an FTC investigation.
I investigated the underbelly of startups — from pet services companies Wag and Rover to Uber and Lyft. And, I spent 4+ months in San Jose, California spearheading the network’s coverage of the criminal trial of Elizabeth Holmes.
I was part of a team that investigated sexual harassment and assault by Uber and Lyft drivers that resulted in the companies eliminating forced arbitration policies for these types of claims. The reporting won 2019 New York Press Club and SABEW awards, and was nominated for an Emmy. I later obtained a confidential memo, shedding light on how the investigators tasked with keeping Uber safe were overworked, underpaid and at times emotionally traumatized by their work.
I received a BA degree in English and French, with a minor in Media Studies, at the University of Virginia. I earned a MS degree at Columbia University's School of Journalism, where I’ve since worked as an adjunct assistant professor.
© 2023 sara ashley o’brien. all rights reserved.