Ashley Hackett
Creative Writer & Freelance Reporter
I am an award-winning freelance journalist and investigative reporter in Washington, D.C. as well as a former Washington Correspondent.
I loved my day-to-day reporting around Minnesota politics, but I now take the most pride in my creative writing that I am starting to post more online.
To get in touch with me, reach out on Twitter, follow me on Instagram, or send me an email. I'd love to hear from you.
Portfolio: Featured Stories
Hand-Picked Features and Investigations
Most men believe their workplace empowers women, according to a study. Their female counterparts don’t agree.
The Washington Post / The Lily
This ‘perception gap’ could be perpetuating gender discrimination.
The Capitol riots prompted reflection on school shootings for these students and teachers
The Lily
As lawmakers described trauma from the insurrection, some said that type of fear is a deeply felt reality in schools.
Thousands of Foster Children Were Sent Out of State to Mental Health Facilities Where Some Faced Abuse and Neglect
ProPublica Illinois / Chicago Tribune
State officials are supposed to send foster children to out-of-state facilities only as a last resort, but in Illinois alone, it has happened dozens of times. In many cases, officials failed to adequately monitor their treatment and well-being.
Calls to D.C. Child and Family Services Agency Have Dropped, but That Doesn’t Mean Child Abuse Has Stopped
Washington City Paper / Fund for Investigative Journalism
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the processes and procedures that once supported D.C.’s child welfare systems ground to a halt. This is what happened to vulnerable children.
'We’re peace-loving people' D.C. rioters reject alt-right label
The Forward
As the dust settled after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, rioters continued to deny any connection to white supremacy, claiming "I'm here to support my president."
Young Puerto Ricans are Leaving the Island to Escape the Territory's Debt
Pacific Standard
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, many college-aged Puerto Ricans are pursuing jobs elsewhere. Others are now deciding to stay.
To see more reporting on gender, criminal justice, immigration, & more, visit my full portfolio.
Work With Me
I am available for freelance work.
Freelance Reporting
I have been published as a freelance writer in outlets like The Washington Post, ProPublica, The Lily, MarketWatch, and more. My main focus areas are gender/women's issues and disadvantaged communities.
Technical Writing & Editing
I spent a year as a technical writer for federal cybersecurity teams at GSA and DHS. I also wrote/edited/designed a 100+ page technical research report for NOAA.
Copywriting / Ghostwriting
My copy has appeared on federal websites and Northwestern Medill marketing materials. I was a ghostwriter for the GSA Assistant Commissioner's blog on IT Security.
Contact
Want to talk about an article? Want to work with me on a freelance project? Please get in touch. (Hablo Español.)