Welcome to the 18th Annual Ridenhour Prizes! I am excited that you have chosen to join us on this journey as we continue to recognize those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice or illuminate a more just vision of society. The purpose of The Ridenhour Prizes is to memorialize the spirit of fearless truth-telling that whistleblower and investigative journalist Ron Ridenhour reflected throughout his extraordinary life and career. 

It was Ron’s lifelong commitment to transparency that inspired our efforts to honor trailblazers such as the NSA whistleblowers Edward Snowden, Laura Poitras, and Thomas Drake; former Mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin-Cruz who stood up for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria; Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha who exposed the Flint lead poisoning; Aicha Elbasri who exposed the failure of the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan; the late Senior Associate of the U.S. Climate Change scientist Rick Piltz, who exposed how top-level George W. Bush administration officials edited scientific reports; Rick Bright, a Senior Advisor to the NIH Director whose early coronavirus warnings were ignored by the White House; and others. 

We look forward to sharing a night filled with empowerment and inspiration as we honor distinguished individuals who continue to foster the spirit of courage and truth. 

Randy Fertel
Founder, The Ridenhour Prizes