Maria Ressa

Maria Ressa (born October 2, 1963) is a Filipino-American journalist, author, and CEO of Rappler, an online news website known for its investigative journalism. She gained international recognition for her work in holding powerful figures accountable, particularly through her reporting on the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Ressa has been a vocal advocate for press freedom, often speaking out against the increasing threats to journalists in the Philippines and around the world. Her work has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, which she shared with Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

Born in Manila, Ressa moved to the United States at the age of 10 before returning to the Philippines in the 1980s. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and began her career as a journalist at CNN, where she worked for over 20 years. Ressa’s career in journalism evolved as she took on the role of an advocate for human rights and digital media integrity, focusing on the rise of misinformation and its impact on democracy. She founded Rappler in 2012, which quickly became a major platform for investigative reporting.

One of Ressa’s powerful quotes is, "The truth is not always easy to see. We have to fight for it." This encapsulates her lifelong commitment to uncovering and defending the truth, even in the face of adversity. She also often speaks about the responsibility of journalists in shaping the future of democracy, saying, "Freedom of the press is not just about journalists. It's about the people who have a right to know." These words highlight her belief in the importance of an informed public and the role of media in safeguarding democracy and human rights.