Jesse Vasquez

Executive Director

JJesse Vasquez serves as Executive Director for the Friends of San Quentin News, the single umbrella organization advancing the transformational, incarcerated-run media center activities inspired by the legendary San Quentin News (SQN).
He first became involved with San Quentin News as a staff writer, and was soon appointed Managing Editor and then promoted to Editor-in-Chief.  Jesse has not only produced hundreds of issues of SQN, but has also been featured in The Washington Post, Politico, ABC News, Mercury News, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, Mother Jones, and many more outlets.
Writing and journalism had a monumental influence on his own rehabilitation, and the San Quentin News continues to do so for hundreds of thousands more with every publication.  Since Gov. Brown moved for his parole in 2019, after serving 19 years of multiple life sentences, he has contributed to several purpose-driven organizations providing direct support to the marginalized and underserved in the East Bay. He also tutors and mentors youth as a volunteer of The Oakland Public Education Fund.  Jesse is a frequent speaker and panelist, and enjoys running, reading and watching Korean dramas.