Laura Ling, an award-winning journalist and TV/web host, will present “A Journey of Hope” at Northern Michigan University. Ling made international news in 2009, when she and a colleague were arrested and held captive in North Korea for 140 days after attempting to report on the trafficking of women from that country. She and her sister, Lisa, co-authored a book about the experience titled Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home. Her talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in 1100 Jamrich Hall. It is free for NMU students and $2 for the general public.  

Ling is dedicated to exposing the world to critical 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. She also develops purpose-driven programming for Discovery Communication’s digital network, Seeker, and has hosted two documentary series airing on the E! Network.

Recognition for Ling’s work include an Emmy Award and a national Edward R. Murrow award. She also was recently honored with a national Gracie Award, which recognizes exemplary programming created by women, for women.

NMU Platform Personalities and the Student Activity Fee are sponsoring this event.