Jessica Ciencin Henriquez

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez (born August 27, 1985) is a Colombian-American writer, editor, and educator whose work explores topics such as parenting, mental health, relationships, and identity. She is also the founder of Rev Publishing, a boutique literary press. Her writing has appeared in major outlets including The New York Times, Time, Cosmopolitan, Self, and Oprah Magazine.
Early Life and Education
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez grew up in Barranquilla, Colombia, and Miami, Florida and raised in a Christian household. She attended East Carolina University, where she earned a Master of Science (MS) degree in Elementary Education and Child Studies, before later completing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Non-Fiction and literary translation from Columbia University. During her time at Columbia University, she worked with the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, focusing on projects that center around ethical reporting and raising awareness of mental health issues in journalism.
Career
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez is a writer and editor whose work focuses on mental health, parenthood, relationships, spirituality and identity. Her essays and narrative journalism have been published in outlets such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Self Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Oprah Magazine. She has gained attention for the emotional depth of her writing.
Her Modern Love essay in The New York Times was nominated for a Webby Award, recognizing her work in contemporary non-fiction. Her writing has also been featured in Oprah’s Little Guide to The Big Questions.
In 2017, Henriquez was recognized as an Aspen Emerging Writer at the Aspen Writers Conference, where she was acknowledged for her contributions to the literary community. 
In 2019, Jessica Ciencin Henriquez launched a creative nonfiction project that placed personal essays and short writings in unexpected public spaces. These included Yelp reviews, public dressing room mirrors, New York City billboards, and online comments sections, aiming to surprise and engage people in everyday environments. During this project, she also posted a poignant essay on Craigslist, which quickly went viral, gaining international attention. The post resonated with readers and was featured in many outlets including the BBC due to its emotional depth and the relatable exploration of love and heartbreak.​
In 2024, Henriquez founded Rev Publishing, a boutique literary press focused on amplifying bold voices and transformative narratives. The press specializes in publishing poetry, memoir, and fiction that challenge conventions and explore diverse perspectives.
Henriquez has two books scheduled for release: a debut poetry collection, Burn After Reading, set to be published in February 2025, and If You Loved Me You Would Know, a memoir in essays, scheduled for publication in November 2025.
Personal Life
In 2011, Jessica met actor Josh Lucas at a dog park in New York City. The couple became engaged six weeks later and married on March 17, 2012, in Central Park. They welcomed their son, Noah Rev Maurer, in June 2012.
In January 2014, Ciencin Henriquez filed for divorce, which was finalized in October 2014. Despite their separation, the two continue to co-parent their son Noah. They adopted a "bird-nesting" co-parenting model, where their child remains in one home while the parents alternate living there to provide him with stability. Lucas has publicly shared their experience of moving together to Bali, Indonesia, to give their son a unique, adventurous education.
Advocacy and Teaching
Ciencin Henriquez is also an advocate for mental health awareness, particularly regarding prenatal and postpartum depression. She teaches personal essay and memoir writing internationally helping women develop their voices through writing.
Category:1985 births
Category:Educators
Category:Editors
Category:American writers
Category:American people
Category:Colombian people