United with a vision for a more equitable world, this year's prize winners are tackling timely, complex global challenges. They include an online hate and disinformation expert combatting shifting dynamics on social platforms, a James Beard-winning chef revitalizing Indigenous food systems, and champions of neurodiversity and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood, among many others who together are paving the way for more resilient communities that reflect the world's diversity and can help heal growing division.
Each of the 10 Elevate Prize winners will receive $300,000 in unrestricted funding, $250,000 of which will go directly to the organization itself. The remaining $50,000 will be for the leader to invest in their personal resilience and wellbeing—a form of support that is largely unprecedented in the philanthropic space and upholds the foundation's philosophy of the Whole Leader. Additionally, as part of the two-year program, winners will receive tailored services (such as social media, communications, PR, and content support) that bring visibility to their work, support their organizational objectives, and amplify and enhance their storytelling abilities – all designed to deepen their impact and broaden their reach to Make Good Famous and inspire the world.
"As we kick off our fifth anniversary, I am extremely proud to introduce our 2025 Elevate Prize cohort," said Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of The Elevate Prize Foundation. "These ten visionaries are changing the world with their bold solutions and unrelenting optimism – redefining what's possible in social impact and rewriting the rules entirely. From combating online hate and misinformation with cutting-edge digital advocacy to reclaiming Indigenous foodways to addressing health and cultural inequities, to healing combat veterans through the power of music, these changemakers are pioneering innovative approaches to equity, health, and sustainability. We remain fully committed to standing by nonprofits and their leaders whose work profoundly impacts all of our lives. This cohort's groundbreaking solutions promise to capture the world's attention and inspire us to stay the course of ensuring justice, wellbeing, and preservation for our humanity and planet."
This year's Elevate Prize winners are:
- Imran Ahmed, Founder & CEO of Center for Countering Digital Hate, which holds social media companies accountable and responsible for their business choices to protect human rights and civil liberties online.
- Richard Casper, Purple Heart recipient and Co-Founder & Executive Director of CreatiVets, which empowers wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music.
- Bing Chen, Co-Founder & CEO of Gold House Foundation, which unites, invests in, and champions Asian Pacific creators and companies to power tomorrow for all.
- Yordanos Eyoel, Founder & CEO of Keseb, which builds an ecosystem for cross-country learning, collaboration, and innovation to counter authoritarianism and advance inclusive and resilient democracies.
- David Flink, Founder & CEO of The Neurodiversity Alliance, which improves the educational experience and outcomes of students who learn differently, while growing the neurodiversity movement for a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
- Hannah Fried, Co-Founder & Executive Director of All Voting is Local, which advocates on behalf of voters of color and other historically marginalized communities on the state and local level — not just in election years, but every year.
- Lisa Hunter Romanelli, Ph.d., CEO of The Resource for Advancing Children's Health Institute (The REACH Institute), which ensures that the most effective, scientifically proven mental health care reaches all children and families.
- Sean Sherman, James Beard-winning Chef and Founder & Executive Director of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NᾹTIFS), which promotes Indigenous foodways education and facilitates Indigenous food access.
- Fre Tachea, CTO & Co-Founder of Essential Impact, which creates breakthrough innovations in fermentation to generate low-cost, high-quality, climate resilient proteins that tackle malnutrition and build climate-resilient food systems.
- Michèle Traoré, Co-Founder & CEO of Kabakoo – La maison de l'Etonnement, which enables West African youth to flourish with mindset and skills for self-employment through community-driven, AI-powered upskilling.
To celebrate the announcement, The Elevate Prize Foundation will be taking over "The Cube" billboard in New York's Times Square the evening of February 4. A handful of this year's Elevate Prize winners will be in attendance for the reveal.
"It's time for changemakers to take center stage. In a world dominated by heartbreaking stories, celebrity gossip, and viral trends, we believe changemakers should be front-page news," said Eva Bloomfield, Chief Marketing Officer of The Elevate Prize Foundation. "We should know the names of those on the frontlines—those advocating for food justice, healthcare workers saving lives, activists stopping the spread of online hate, and innovators tackling the world's toughest challenges—just as well as we know our favorite athletes and actors. That's why we're taking some of the most iconic spaces reserved for brands and A-listers—from a billboard in Times Square to partnering with social media influencers–to spotlight those driving real impact. At a time when division and crisis often lead the news, we believe these world-changers should be the ones making headlines."
Launched in 2019, by philanthropist Joseph Deitch, The Elevate Prize Foundation uplifts the work of changemakers for social good, helping to create a world where people are inspired. The Elevate Prize Foundation provides personalized support on key organizational challenges as they grow and evolve through the program, including training and tools on brand strategy, operations, messaging, media relations, content creation and social media. Additionally, the foundation partners with these social entrepreneurs, prioritizing a Whole Leader approach centered on wellbeing to help unlock their full potential and ensure they can continue creating positive change well into the future.
This year's Elevate Prize winners, as well as last year's cohort, will gather in Miami in May 2025 for the third annual Make Good Famous Summit. By fostering an inclusive dialogue that challenges conventional thinking, the annual convening will seek to inspire new approaches to social change.
About The Elevate Prize Foundation
Founded in 2019 by businessman and philanthropist Joseph Deitch, The Elevate Prize Foundation is a global nonprofit on a mission to Make Good Famous. To ensure lasting impact, the organization is committed to bringing visibility to the work of changemakers and inspiring audiences on an international scale. The foundation's signature program is its annual Elevate Prize, which is awarded to 10 global leaders tackling pressing issues in innovative ways. The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, another one of the foundation's programs, recognizes prominent individuals for their commitment to inspiring global social action and using their influence for the good of humanity. In 2022, the foundation launched the Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award, a monthly grant to fuel grassroots movements and organizers on the frontlines committed to collective action and building power among communities. For more information, visit www.elevateprize.org and follow @ElevatePrize on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Contact: Erin Mulholland, +1-484-753-4384, [email protected]
SOURCE The Elevate Prize Foundation
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