Connie Schultz

It was the skillful depiction of the everyday struggles of marginalized individuals that earned Connie Schultz the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. This recognition came while she was with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where her columns resonated deeply, highlighting societal issues and the everyday challenges faced by the common folk. Schultz's writing is marked by a deep empathy and a keen sense of justice, attributes that have consistently informed her work.

As a nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate, her work has appeared in a wide array of respected publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Politico, Parade, the Atlantic, and ESPN Magazine. Schultz also serves as a Professional in Residence at Kent State University, where she continues to influence upcoming journalists. Her commitment to social justice is evident in her award-winning series on wrongful imprisonments and the impact of Agent Orange, earning her accolades such as the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Social Justice Reporting and the Batten Medal.

Schultz is not only a columnist but also an accomplished author, with books published by Random House including "Life Happens – And Other Unavoidable Truths" and "…and His Lovely Wife." Currently, she is working on her first novel. Her literary and journalistic achievements have been recognized with six honorary degrees and her role as a Pulitzer Prize juror over the last two years underscores her ongoing influence in the field of journalism.