Mary O’Hara, who joined the magazine as a columnist as part of its relaunch in 2023, has scooped first prize in the LA Press club’s Southern California Journalism Awards.
Judges awarded US-based O’Hara the prize for best columnist in the foreign correspondent category, commending the journalist’s “strong voice when tackling important issues, such as arguing for maintaining health funding for the poor and disabled in the UK and the US”.
O’Hara said of her work on Community Living: “It’s flattering to win an award, but what really matters to me is if it shines a little bit more light on the issues I care about – and those that this exceptional magazine focuses on.”
Mary’s powerful writing compares and contrasts support for people with learning disabilities in the UK and US, offering readers unique insight and analysis.
Mary joined our small team as part of editorial development plans to expand Community Living’s coverage and grow its journalism; we’re enormously proud of her and grateful to our sponsors, trustees and advisory board for the support that is enabling us to become a platform for award-winning journalism.
More of Mary’s work can be found on her Community Living page and at maryoharaproductions.com