“We all need heroes. No matter what society or culture we live in, we need to elevate heroes. And we got that concept from the ancient Greeks, who described a hero as a mortal who had done something that was believed to be humanly impossible and who left a lasting impression on others,” said Karen Ansara, Co-founder and Chair of the Board of the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID), as she opened the Aurora Dialogues event held in New York City on November 7, 2024.
The discussion titled “Prize Philanthropy: Elevating Impact and Celebrating Unsung Heroes” was organized by The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative in collaboration with the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID) and Myriad. Speakers included Dame Louise Richardson, President of the Carnegie Corporation and Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member; Celina de Sola, Co-founder and President of Glasswing International and 2020 Skoll Social Entrepreneurship Awardee; and Lydia Charles Moyo, Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative, 2024 Global Citizen, and KBF Africa Prize Winner. The discussion was moderated by Raffi Gregorian, former diplomat, Navy veteran, and Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Board Member.
In her welcome remarks, Armine Afeyan, CEO of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, acknowledged the turbulent times in the world and the growing need for Gratitude in Action as a result of that. “Our three organizations all strive to both elevate the discourse on global humanitarian needs and to elevate the humans on the front lines of local crises around the world—the helpers who often face tremendous obstacles to save lives and ensure the security of others,” noted Ms. Afeyan. “Prize philanthropy is one way of honoring that remarkable set of people, raising awareness for the challenges they face and growing their capacity to do good in the world.”
“I have the double privilege of working in philanthropy and also working with my people to see innovations taking place every single day,” said Kady Sylla, Director of Africa Myriad USA. “I don’t know about you, but every day, I’ve been waking up feeling like there’s lead inside of me that I can’t get rid of. But then I remember that I grew up as a refugee, and I’m like, ‘Girl, get your stuff together. This is nothing.’” She also expressed deep gratitude to the panelists for their inspiring work and applauded both Lydia and Celina for their dedication to making a difference.
In the beginning of the discussion, Dame Louise Richardson, President of the Carnegie Corporation and Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member, highlighted the role of prizes in fostering innovation, citing historical examples like the 1714 Longitude Act, which offered a monetary award for a simple and practical method for the precise determination of a ship’s longitude, and noted that awards encourage generosity by recognizing remarkable individuals. “I do think prizes elevate the work being celebrated. I think people respond to stories, to narratives, to individuals that they can relate to, so I do think having a prize humanizes the issue,” said Dame Louise.
“The fact that Aurora Prize is a prize so you can support other organizations that you admire, that you’ve learned from, that you continue to learn from, and help elevate other people as well, is amazing and really unique, because sometimes, some people receive one prize, and then another, and then another, and this is different,” noted Celina de Sola, Co-founder and President of Glasswing International and 2020 Skoll Social Entrepreneurship Awardee. “This really elevates [them] in a way that is about collaboration, solidarity, and elevating the collective.”
Lydia Charles Moyo, Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative, 2024 Global Citizen, and KBF Africa Prize Winner, pointed out that prizes often promote authenticity in a conformist world. “I think prizes are important, one, because they make people who are not seen be seen. They’re not looking at all the complications of ticking off the boxes, like everyone else, but are really looking out for people who are actually creating change in the community. And that promotes authenticity, because we live in a world where we have to do what everyone else is doing,” said Ms. Charles Moyo. “And the other thing is how these prizes are actually strengthening movements. One thing that I would say, nobody in here can do a miracle on their own.”
In his closing remarks, moderator Raffi Gregorian, former diplomat, Navy veteran, and Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Board Member, shared his learnings from working in philanthropy, including the importance of directing small grants to grassroots groups on the front lines of critical issues. “One of the things that I’ve really been impressed with over the past couple of years of association with Aurora is the depth of thought and altruism among many philanthropists. They really care. They want to see their funds used for the betterment of mankind. I think that’s something, given the generosity of Americans more generally, that is very encouraging to me, particularly in a time like this.”