Maria Ressa is a Filipino and American journalist, author, and media executive. She was born on October 2, 1963, in Manila, Philippines, and is currently alive.

Ressa was a co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, sharing the award with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov for "their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace." Her work has established her as a global figure fighting for press freedom and against the spread of disinformation in the digital age.

Her career began in investigative reporting, spending nearly two decades as a lead correspondent in Southeast Asia for CNN. This work included covering terrorism and political unrest, demonstrating a commitment to high-stakes journalism early on.

In 2012, Ressa co-founded Rappler, a Manila-based digital news site. As CEO, she oversaw the outlet's fearless reporting on the use of social media to manipulate public discourse and, critically, the human rights abuses and corruption linked to the government of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This critical coverage led to numerous lawsuits, political harassment, and multiple arrests, which the international community widely condemned as politically motivated attempts to silence her and Rappler.

Ressa's advocacy focuses on detailing how big tech platforms are used to spread lies laced with anger and hate, arguing that without facts, it is impossible to have truth, trust, or democracy. Her unwavering stance in the face of legal pressure and threats has made her a powerful symbol for journalists around the world who are fighting authoritarianism and the decline of democratic norms.