Cabot Prize Honors ICIJ-Affiliated Journalists for Impactful Reporting Across the Americas
New York, NY – In a landmark recognition of investigative journalism’s power, the 2025 Maria Moors Cabot Prize has been awarded to four exceptional women reporters, all with significant ties to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The awards, presented Wednesday at Columbia University, celebrate a collective dedication to uncovering corruption, holding power accountable, and deepening understanding throughout the Americas. This marks only the second time in the award’s 86-year history that all recipients have been women, underscoring a growing recognition of female leadership in the field.
Celebrating Courageous Voices: The 2025 Cabot Prize Winners
The Cabot Prize, the oldest international journalism award in the Americas, recognizes career excellence and reporting that fosters a more informed public. This year’s honorees exemplify those qualities, demonstrating a commitment to rigorous investigation and impactful storytelling.
Isabella Cota: Uncovering Financial Crime in Latin America
Isabella Cota, ICIJ’s Latin America coordinator and reporter, received the prize for her relentless cross-border investigations into corruption and financial crime. Judges lauded her “insightful business and finance reporting that seeks government accountability,” particularly relevant amidst the rapidly changing economic landscape of the Americas. Learn more about Isabella Cota’s work.
Omaya Sosa Pascual: Championing Investigative Journalism in the Caribbean
Omaya Sosa Pascual, a member of ICIJ and co-founder of Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism, was honored for her exceptional editorial leadership and unwavering support for regional journalists. Judges described her as a “strong and consistent advocate, writer and speaker for investigative reporting.” Her work has been instrumental in building a collaborative network of investigative reporters across the Caribbean.
Natalia Viana: Leading Innovation in Brazilian Journalism
Natalia Viana, also an ICIJ member and co-founder of Brazil’s Agência Pública, was recognized for her leadership, innovation, and uncompromising journalistic ethic. Judges praised her as “the kind of journalist our times demand: a reporter, editor, storyteller and mentor to new generations.” Explore Agência Pública’s investigations.
Nora Gámez Torres: Illuminating U.S.-Cuba Relations
Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald was celebrated for her comprehensive coverage of U.S.-Cuba relations and pivotal developments on the island. Her contributions were particularly significant as a key collaborator on ICIJ’s 2019 Bribery Division investigation, exposing corruption within FIFA.
The Power of Collaboration: ICIJ’s Expanding Influence
“This year’s sweep by ICIJ-connected journalists speaks volumes about the strength of our global network,” stated Gerard Ryle, Executive Director of ICIJ. “These reporters embody the courage, skill, and collaboration it takes to expose wrongdoing, demand accountability, and make a difference in people’s lives across the Americas and beyond. We’re proud to see their work honored with one of journalism’s highest prizes, and proud to have them as part of the ICIJ story.”
Abi Wright, executive director of professional prizes at Columbia, emphasized the connection between the awardees and ICIJ investigations. “The 2025 Cabot Prize medalists showcase the strength of the ICIJ and the impact investigative journalism can have on the region and the world.” She highlighted the breadth of their reporting, ranging from investigations into drug-trafficking routes in Costa Rica to exposing billions of dollars misappropriated by the Cuban military, revealing the true death toll from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and uncovering illegalities within a landmark corruption task force in Brazil.
The ICIJ’s influence extends beyond individual investigations. Sosa Pascual shared how her experience with projects like the Panama Papers shaped her career and inspired the creation of a collaborative network of Caribbean journalists. “The ICIJ experience really helped me to create a system and find a way to work with our own network of journalists,” she explained. “It allowed me to understand how to manage people who don’t know each other to create good bullet-proof investigative journalism… the human part is more important: how you learn to trust each other even if you’re thousands of miles apart and don’t speak the same language.”
Viana echoed this sentiment, noting that her ICIJ experience provided invaluable insights into structuring and organizing journalistic collaborations, a model Agência Pública has successfully implemented with other outlets in Brazil and internationally.
What role does international collaboration play in holding power accountable in an increasingly globalized world? And how can we ensure the safety and support of investigative journalists facing threats in their home countries?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maria Moors Cabot Prize
What is the significance of the Maria Moors Cabot Prize?
The Maria Moors Cabot Prize is the oldest international journalism award in the Americas, recognizing career excellence and reporting that deepens understanding across the region. It’s a prestigious honor signifying a journalist’s commitment to impactful storytelling.
How does the ICIJ contribute to investigative journalism in the Americas?
The ICIJ provides a global network and collaborative platform for investigative journalists, enabling them to tackle complex, cross-border issues like corruption and financial crime. This support is crucial for reporters working in challenging environments.
What types of investigations were the 2025 Cabot Prize winners involved in?
The 2025 winners investigated a wide range of critical issues, including financial crime, corruption, U.S.-Cuba relations, and the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Maria. Their work demonstrates a commitment to uncovering truth and holding power accountable.
Why is collaboration important in investigative journalism?
Collaboration allows journalists to pool resources, expertise, and access to information, enabling them to tackle investigations that would be impossible to undertake alone. It also enhances the security and impact of their reporting.
What challenges do investigative journalists face in Latin America?
Investigative journalists in Latin America often face threats, harassment, and censorship, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics like corruption and organized crime. Support from organizations like the ICIJ is vital for their safety and ability to continue their work.
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