Judging Excellence

In Focus: Reporter Turns Judge

Anchor of NBC News' "Today" and co-anchor of "Dateline NBC," Ann Curry is no stranger to the challenges faced by young poverty-fighters. Time and again, she has distinguished herself by reporting from the front lines of humanitarian crises and covering issues overlooked by the rest of the media.

In December 2004, she became the first network news anchor to report from the region devastated by the tsunami, filing live reports from Sri Lanka only days after the disaster. Her stories humanized the affected communities and inspired countless Americans to respond to the crisis. Years before, when ethnic cleansing in Kosovo displaced tens of thousands of people, Curry traveled to refugee camps in neighboring countries to report on the harsh conditions and atrocities committed there.

Most recently, Curry was invited to accompany First Lady Laura Bush on her trip to Africa following the G8 Summit. She traveled with the First Lady throughout the continent, reporting on issues such as the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, access to education and women's rights.

Curry will join a diverse panel of judges in selecting the 2005 NetAid Global Action Awards honorees. "It's inspiring to work with NetAid in recognizing these young leaders," said Curry. "The world needs more innovative, globally-minded people like those honored by the NetAid Global Action Awards. I hope that NetAid's efforts will encourage more young people to join the fight against global poverty."

The judges have their work cut out for them. This year's applicants have shown the innovation, passion and global commitment characteristic of the world's most influential leaders. NetAid will announce the honorees in mid-September and celebrate their achievements at a high-profile event on November 9 in New York City.

Read the press release announcing the NetAid Global Action Awards Judges >>