The Cohort Chronicles: Behind “Her Face, Her Future” with Jessica Motayne

Hada Madrina
Aug 18
3 min read

Jessica, can you share your first thoughts when you think about AI and deepfake technology?

"Imagine a world where the videos and images we see every day can’t always be trusted, where someone can appear to say or do things they never actually did.

This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality kids and teens face growing up with AI and deepfake technology all around them."

Jessica Motayne serves as a Captain with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a demanding job that requires her to stay sharp and understand the many ways people interact with technology, sometimes in ways that can cause real harm.

"Beyond my badge, I’m a mom, wife, and daughter, roles that keep me grounded and deeply invested in the safety and well-being of my family and community.

What drives me is a strong belief in fairness, honesty, and the power of education to change lives.

I’m passionate about protecting our youth from harm while empowering them with the tools they need to make smart, safe choices online.

Knowing that technology is evolving faster than ever, I want to make sure our kids don’t get left behind or put at risk."

How do you see AI and deepfake technologies showing up in the lives of youth today?

"AI and deepfake technologies are showing up everywhere in young people’s lives through social media filters, AI-generated videos, and even school projects. What concerns me most is that many young people can’t yet tell what’s real and what’s fake.

This opens the door to misinformation, cyberbullying, and serious damage to self-image. While these technologies offer exciting creative possibilities, without strong digital literacy, they can be dangerous."

How does your personal or professional background shape the way you think about this issue?

"From my perspective as a law enforcement captain, I see firsthand how misinformation and manipulated content can destroy trust, escalate conflicts, and cause real harm.

As a mother, I carry the personal worry about how easily my children could be targeted or misled before they even realize it’s happening.

That’s why I’m committed to teaching kids to question what they see and equipping them with the tools they need to protect themselves in a world where not everything that looks real is real."

What do you hope people walk away with from this event?

"What I hope people take away from this event is a deeper understanding of how AI and deepfake technologies are shaping the lives of our youth, the incredible opportunities, and the serious risks.

More than that, I want everyone to feel empowered to have honest, open conversations with their families, schools, and communities about digital literacy and safety. It will take all of us to work together to protect our young people while helping them use these powerful tools responsibly."