By Shanieka Smith
Features Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 12, 2022 – She was born in Grand Turk to a Haitian mother and her father is a TCI Islander. Her journalism career took off only at age 14 while she was interning with the Miami Herald; she was named intern of the year. Now she has been inducted into the NC Media Journalism Hall of Fame.
She is Jacqueline Charles, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Emmy Award-winning foreign correspondent for the Miami Herald. She was also awarded the oldest award in international journalism in 2018, the Maria Moors Cabot Prize. Charles securing the nod for her coverage of the Americas.
While she has had many firsts, the Hall of Fame came as no surprise; Jacqueline Charles has a track record of making an impact and ever since the start of her career, she has been recognized for her work and influence within her field.
The Hall of Fame recognizes people who have demonstrated “leadership in their spheres of influence, service to professionals and society; and performance that meets the highest professional standards. Honorees are also people who inspire and advance others in media and journalism careers.”
Before the Hall of Fame induction, Charles was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her Haiti earthquake coverage. For the same coverage, the National Association of Black Journalists awarded her the Journalist of the Year. Charles also won an Emmy Award in 2011 and in that same year, the Paul Hansell Award.
Miami New Times named her Best Miami Herald Reporter.
This recognition was attributable to her “fearless” coverage and “extraordinary journalism.” Her list of awards and recognition is almost endless but this proves her invaluable contribution to journalism and the communities she serves.
Her areas of focus are the tragedies and triumphs of Haiti.
Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton named her Haiti’s Ambassador to the world.
Jacqueline Charles also covers stories within the English-speaking Caribbean.
