Features

Belén Frau, Global Communication & Positioning Manager, Ingka Group, IKEA

“One of my favorite projects was The Trial for Clinical Equality. It highlighted a crucial issue: when women and minorities are underrepresented in clinical trials, it can worsen existing health disparities. These groups might not get the best treatments for their needs. The campaign did a great job of explaining this clearly and with a lot of empathy.”

Vilas Dhar, President and Trustee, The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation

“The projects entered this year really showcased the power of communities. I was struck by how many of them put the people they’re serving at the center of their work. It’s clear that the most successful efforts are those that empower communities to be the architects of their own futures. This shift is vital because it moves us away from top-down models and builds capacity where it’s needed most. Entrepreneurs played an essential role in many of these projects as well, proving that innovation and community leadership go hand in hand.”

Charles Beal, President, The Gilbert Baker Foundation

“Taking the time to craft stories that match the intellectual argument with an emotional connection. Keeping it short and concise (attention spans are short and getting shorter).”

Nina Kossoff, Director of Creative Strategy, Soze

“What it takes to engage is what it has always taken to engage: authenticity and representation of those most impacted by initiative issues. To truly drive change, the outcome has to be tied to those most materially affected, and to do that is to center those voices in the work done. That cannot be lost sight of, and that cannot be shied away from.”

Mike Fung, President, Santé Global

“The work showcased a major shift in how people think and act across industries. It’s clear that behavior has changed for good. I saw an emphasis on more thoughtful, collaborative approaches to human, social, and environmental issues, showing a deeper commitment to creating long-term impact.”

ElsaMarie D’Silva, Founder, Red Dot Foundation 

“The projects that I liked the most included responsible technology and engaged local communities. In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, it is easy to look at the negative uses of it. But these were great examples of how to use technology for good. I also love the projects where the community was at the centre of it because that’s what we need—more connected human beings. The solutions lie with us if we can work together and pool in our resources.”

Mai Moore, Social Impact Leader, Boss Me In, Setting Off Social Impact, EYEJ: Empowering Youth, Exploring Justice

“As the space is getting noisier, the issues at hand are more and more, I believe authentic storytelling, self-leadership, building trust with your community and audiences is a must, plus having innovative ideas that are well researched, relatable, and supported by diverse entities help.”

Jason Rzepka, President, WRIT LARGE

“I was very moved by the projects that had limited resources to work with, but boldly tackled some of the most dire humanitarian challenges we face right now—from hunger in Afghanistan to delivering aid to the people of Gaza to supporting the fearless warriors in Ukraine.”

Michael Thatcher, President & CEO, Charity Navigator 

“By using current social and other technology platforms, participants are delivering highly personal messages to their unique communities in new and powerful ways.”