Maria Bartiromo, host of Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria, and Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures, was honored with the 2026 Horatio Alger award Friday night in Washington, D.C. This distinguished award recognizes people who have achieved notable professional success while overcoming substantial obstacles.
Bartiromo grew up in an Italian American family, working in her father’s restaurant in New York. Her family’s hard work helped chart her future, according to a press release.
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She began her broadcasting career with an internship at CNN. In 1993, she was hired by CNBC as an on-air reporter and became the first person to report live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Bartiromo called the New York Stock Exchange a “boy’s club,” where she had to distinguish herself as a female journalist.
In 2013, she joined Fox Business. She now hosts three shows for the network.
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“As part of this organization, I look forward to supporting the next generation of scholars and helping them pursue their passions,” Bartiromo said in the release. “I think it’s so important to find what you love and pursue it fearlessly. That’s the lesson I want to pass on.”
“I think my story is the American dream,” she said.
The Washington Examiner asked Bartiromo how young, female journalists can set themselves apart in their careers.
“Own the job, learn your skill and your tasks better than anyone, and do not be afraid to work hard. Take it on. There are no short cuts. Study and make sure you know the content cold,” she said.
“The most important rules are: Work hard, there are no shortcuts, find something you love, and always do the right thing,” she added. “Integrity matters. Make the commitment today to always follow the right and honest path. And remember, it is easy to follow the crowds. It is harder to step away from the crowds and pursue truth when it’s not popular. Have the courage to follow the truth and not the crowds. It doesn’t matter what the crowds say.”
Bartiromo discussed the challenges that women may face in the workplace, while still highlighting how men and women have equal opportunities.
“Generally speaking, women sometimes do not have the same support system in place that men may have. Women tend to work harder to prove themselves,” she said.
“The good news is today there are plenty of opportunities for women and men alike,” she added. “So, if you are prepared and willing to work hard and operate with integrity, you should have the same opportunities as your male counterparts and you would be able to win. I never minded if people underestimated me. In fact, I welcome it. My response always is – Good luck.”
Bartiromo explained how her determination drove her to become the journalist she is today.
“What pushed me through over and over again is my resilience, integrity and belief in myself,” she said. “The integrity to pursue truth and the confidence in myself to know my principles are always my North Star which has empowered me to pursue truth for viewers.”
Bartiromo’s message to young journalists who are trying to make a difference in their work focuses on pursuing the truth.
“A good journalist will follow the story wherever it leads,” she said. “Without favor or bias, that journalist will uncover truth and will have the courage to report it. And that’s impactful. Our country needs this more than ever with so much noise and politics lacing everything.”
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Fox & Friends Weekend congratulated Bartiromo on Saturday.
You can watch her video for the Horatio Alger Association here.
