Laura Ling

Award-winning journalist and co-author of Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and the Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home

Journey of Hope

 

Laura Ling has dedicated herself to exposing the world to critical issues global issues, including slave labor in the Amazon, women’s rights in the Middle East, and the energy crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is the host of Conquered on Z Living Network, a series that profiles awe-inspiring people who have broken boundaries to achieve their goals. Her purpose-driven programming for Discovery Communication’s digital network, Seeker, has amassed tens of millions of views online.

Ling has also hosted two documentary series airing on El Network: El Investigates and Society X, covering bullying and the rise of synthetic drugs. Ling’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including an Emmy and national Edward R. Morrow awards. She also recently received a national Gracie Award which recognizes exemplary programming created by women for women.

In March 2009, while reporting on trafficking of North Korean Women, she and her colleague Euna Lee were captured by North Korean soldiers along the China, North Korean border. As a special envoy, President Bill Clinton travelled to North Korea, leading to their release.