Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is proud to announce that Liz Bowie, a distinguished journalist with over 30 years of experience, will receive the Excellence in Journalism Awardat our Breaking Barriers Awards Gala on September 26, 2024, at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.
This prestigious award honors journalists whose reporting brings critical issues to light, raises awareness about systemic challenges, and influences public discourse to drive meaningful change. Journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public policy and perceptions, and Liz Bowie has exemplified these qualities through her investigative work and dedication to truth.
Throughout her career, first with the Baltimore Sunand now with the Baltimore Banner, Liz has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uncovering and reporting on vital issues affecting Maryland’s children and families. Her ability to dive deep into complex topics and shed light on injustices has led to real, measurable change.
One of the most compelling examples of Liz’s impactful reporting came in 2019 when she covered the heartbreaking story of a mother who traveled on foot from Honduras to the U.S. in search of care for her daughter, who has severe disabilities. Without a wheelchair, the mother carried her daughter throughout the arduous journey. Liz’s powerful reporting highlighted their desperate need for support services, prompting DRM to take action. After learning about the case, we stepped in to help the daughter gain access to essential services and enroll in a school program. This story not only showcased the resilience of families facing extraordinary hardships but also demonstrated the power of journalism to catalyze real solutions.
Liz’s commitment to exposing systemic failures continued in 2022 when she co-authored a groundbreaking investigative series with Hallie Miller. Their reporting revealed the disturbing reality of children with complex medical and developmental needs being forced to live in hospital emergency departments for extended periods—weeks or even months—due to a lack of appropriate placements. The series was meticulously researched, exposing the human toll of a broken system and bringing much-needed public attention to the issue. One of DRM’s clients was featured in the series, and shortly after its publication, his care team secured a permanent and stable placement for him. This outcome underscores the vital role that investigative journalism plays in influencing policy and effecting change.
“Liz’s journalism has had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities,” said Leslie Seid Margolis, Managing Attorney and Policy Counsel at DRM. “Her ability to connect with people and bring their experiences to life through her writing has helped to bring about awareness, understanding, and change.”
DRM believes in the power of storytelling to drive advocacy and reform. By shining a light on the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, Liz Bowie has not only informed the public but also inspired action. Her work serves as a reminder that journalism is more than reporting facts—it is about amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
We look forward to celebrating Liz’s contributions at the Breaking Barriers Awards Gala. Join us on September 26, 2024, to honor her remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made through her dedication to investigative journalism.
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