For professor Kavitha Cardoza, journalism has always been about paying attention to the stories that too often go unheard. That commitment recently earned her the American Mosaic Journalism Prize for her work as a freelance reporter.

This highly prestigious prize awards $100,000 to two journalists who exemplify excellence in reporting on underrepresented communities in the United States. Cardoza was recognized for her stories about children, education, and poverty.

“My life’s mantra can be summed up by the saying, a society will be judged by how it treats its last, its least, and its littlest, which is why I am so passionate about covering populations that are overlooked and underrepresented,” said Cardoza. 

As an education reporter, Cardoza spent her career covering complex stories about children affected by systemic issues such as poverty, immigration, and health. She’s written acclaimed investigative pieces on the Puerto Rican education system, the impact of obesity on students’ well-being and achievement, and solutions to teacher shortages. 

“Kavitha Cardoza’s reporting is built on rigor and empathy, most notably in her deeply reported piece about an Alabama school district’s challenges serving a growing Hispanic population,” said the judges of the Mosaic Prize. “Displaying consistent skill with nuanced perspectives, Kavitha’s commitment to centering the experiences of underserved students across the United States and Puerto Rico makes her a timely and needed voice in journalism.”

Cardoza’s stories have reached audiences through outlets like NPR, PBS NewsHour, BBC World News, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. She was also the host of Breaking Ground with Kavitha Cardoza, a documentary series on education that aired on more than 150 public radio stations.

For Cardoza, recognition is less about the award itself and more about what it makes possible.

“Children and teens often don’t have a voice in matters that affect them,” said Cardoza. “I am so grateful that this prize will enable me to continue shedding light on their stories.” 

Cardoza continues her work as a freelance reporter as she teaches the next generation of journalists at UR.

“This is one of the largest awards in American journalism and a fantastic achievement for Kavitha,” said Shahan Mufti, chair of UR’s journalism department. “What makes this prize really special is the kind of work it recognizes and honors. Kavitha’s dedication to giving voice to the voiceless is what makes her a truly remarkable journalist and an inspiring colleague and professor.”