2013 Grinnell Prize Winners Announced

The 2013 Grinnell Prize—a $100,000 award presented to young innovators in social justice—will be presented to the founder of a group supporting refugee rights in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and the leaders of an organization using an innovative business model to support women’s economic development in Africa.

Winners

Emily Arnold-Fernández is founder and executive director of Asylum Access, the only international organization solely dedicated to supporting refugee rights in countries of first refuge in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Instead of the traditional humanitarian aid approach, Asylum Access’ innovative model helps refugees rebuild their lives through access to safety, legal work opportunities, education and the ability to move freely and make empowered choices for themselves.

Elizabeth Scharpf is the founder and chief instigating officer of Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE), and Julian Ingabire Kayibanda is the chief operating officer of SHE Rwanda. A social venture that invests in overlooked ideas that can have a significant positive impact, SHE is increasing women’s access to affordable menstrual products by manufacturing low-cost maxi pads using local agro-waste, primarily in Rwanda, but soon globally.

One of the largest prizes honoring social justice, the Grinnell Prize is presented annually to leaders under 40 who are making creative innovations in social justice.

See the winner’s page for more information about the winners and their organizations.

The 2013 Grinnell Prize recipients will spend the week of Nov. 3 in Grinnell meeting with students in classes, and the wider community in events that are open to everyone ranging from informal lunches, pub quiz night and bowling to an award ceremony, reception in Des Moines, and individual presentations about their work.

See the full symposium schedule for details.