Each spring, the Washington Women in Journalism Awards honor distinguished reporters and editors—across platforms and at different stages of their careers. Washingtonian helps sponsor the awards, which are usually presented during the weekend of events coinciding with the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. This year, of course, something else coincided with that weekend: a global pandemic. So instead of being honored at an April reception, the winners were to be feted at a September Zoom gathering.
Outstanding Journalist in Print:
Molly Ball
National Political Correspondent, Time
After working for newspapers in Cambodia and Las Vegas, Molly Ball moved to covering Washington for outlets including Politico and the Atlantic. She joined Time in 2017 and is the author of “Pelosi,” a bestselling biography of the House speaker that was published earlier this year.
Born in . . . Boise, Idaho.
First byline . . . Walnut Hills Quartet, 1989. “I started a newspaper in my neighborhood in Denver when I was in fifth grade and sold it door to door. . . . My first ‘real’ byline was in the Toledo Blade, where I was a summer intern in 1999. They always sent an intern to cover the annual Polish Festival, and the publisher told me mine was the best Polish Festival story ever!”
First big story . . . “The administrators at my high school threatened to shut down the paper over an investigation I wrote into why a beloved music teacher had been suddenly fired. We published it anyway.”
Favorite story . . . “Hard to choose, but my 2012 Atlantic feature about the political campaign to legalize same-sex marriage—which is still taught in college classes as a case study in political persuasion—is definitely up there.”
Wisest advice a boss or mentor ever gave you about your career . . . “Sometimes the best stories are hiding in plain sight.”
Dumbest advice anyone ever gave you about your career . . . “Are you sure you’re ready for this opportunity? Maybe you should spend a few more years paying your dues first.”
What you’d say to a woman starting in journalism today . . . “Grow a thick skin and ignore the haters. Also, your work is more important than your job.”
Star to Watch:
Anna Palmer
Senior Washington Correspondent, Politico
North Dakotan Anna Palmer’s Washington career has encompassed stints at insider publications including Roll Call and Legal Times. In 2016, she took over one of the highest-profile spots in political journalism: Politico’s daily Playbook newsletter. She’s coauthor of “The Hill to Die On,” a bestselling book about the 2018 midterm elections, and is editorial director for Politico’s “Women Rule” platform.
Born in . . . Le Sueur, Minnesota.
First byline . . . Manitou Messenger,St. Olaf College, 2000.
First big story . . .“I started off covering lobbying in Washington. At that time, not many of the big daily newspapers focused on money and politics. I was working for Legal Times when one of the biggest characters downtown—Jack Abramoff—all of a sudden was in the cross hairs for bilking Native Americans out of millions of dollars. Covering that story was my first peek into how records and data can often fuel some of the most interesting and dominant stories.”
Favorite story . . . “A series I did about military sexual assault—real-life impact that led to more congressional oversight.”
Best advice a boss or mentor ever gave you . . . “Don’t apologize or minimize your success.”
Dumbest advice someone ever gave you . . . “Wait your turn.”
Advice for young women journalists . . . “You don’t have to be the most connected or go to the best school. Outwork your competition and you’ll be amazed at the doors that will open for you.”
Hall of Fame Award:
Rita Braver
Correspondent, CBS News
A veteran investigative reporter, Rita Braver joined CBS as a news-desk editor in 1972 and became an on-air reporter in 1983….
Read More: Meet the Winners of the 2020 Washington Women in Journalism Awards