University of Richmond Journalism Professor Kavitha Cardoza Receives Prestigious National Award

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Journalism professor Kavitha Cardoza has been awarded the American Mosaic Journalism Prize for her work as a freelance reporter.

Cardoza is one of two journalists to receive this highly selective prize, which awards $100,000 to journalists who exemplify excellence in reporting on underrepresented communities in the United States. Cardoza was recognized for elevating stories on 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. “Children and teens often don’t have a voice in matters that affect them, and I am so grateful that this prize will enable me to continue shedding light on their stories.” 

Cardoza has taught at UR since 2025. Her work as an education reporter has been featured in numerous national outlets, including 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.

“This is one of the largest awards in American journalism and a fantastic achievement for Kavitha,” said Shahan Mufti, chair of the 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.”

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