The Inspiration

The Roman Goddess of Dawn, Aurora, inspired the name of the Prize, reflecting its aim to awaken humanity to the heroic acts of those who stand up in the face of adversity.

The name Aurora was also chosen to honor the memory of Aurora Mardiganian, who bore witness to the horrors of the Armenian Genocide and told the world her story of survival to raise awareness for the 1915 atrocities. The Prize was inspired by Aurora and the thousands of untold stories of courage and survival during these events 100 years ago.