Cristobal Riego

About

I'm a bilingual journalist, editor, and writer who bridges cultures and industries through storytelling. With over six years of experience spanning energy reporting, cultural criticism, and higher education communications, I specialize in translating complex concepts into compelling narratives.My journalism journey began in Santiago, Chile, where I convinced my favorite local newspaper to create an internship position after showing them my first novel. From there, I evolved from culture writing to international energy reporting, developing expertise in multiple industries while writing in my self-taught English.Currently serving as a News Fellow at Columbia University School of the Arts, I craft features and profiles that highlight the achievements of faculty, students, and alumni across film, theater, visual arts, and writing programs. This role allows me to combine my journalistic instincts with my passion for arts and education.My editorial background includes co-founding a publishing services company in Chile, where I edited and translated institutional and arts publications, and evaluated manuscripts for national grants. This experience, combined with my MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University, has shaped my approach to narrative and given me a deep understanding of what makes writing resonate.I'm currently developing a book-length work of creative nonfiction that explores themes of cultural identity and displacement—drawing on my experience navigating between languages, countries, and professional worlds.Whether covering renewable energy trends for international business audiences or profiling award-winning artists for academic publications, I approach each project with curiosity, rigor, and an eye for the telling detail.Areas of expertise:Long-form feature writing and profilesArts and culture journalismEnergy sector reportingEditorial managementBilingual content creation (English/Spanish)Manuscript development and evaluation