Kennett High School student Isabella Hanson has been named a 2022 Prudential Emerging Visionary for bringing powerful vision and meaningful change to her community.

The 16-year-old started “I Matter” to give young people a platform to advocate for social justice and equality through creative expression. The project runs poetry and art contests, Juneteenth events, and workshops for students of all backgrounds, creating a place for their voices to be heard and inviting them to share powerful messages about racial justice.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Hanson wanted young voices to be part of the national conversation.

“I Matter came from pain, but I am working with youth to advocate for change,” she said.

So far, the initiative has reached young people in over 42 states and 30 countries, and more than 800 students have participated in the contests.

As one of 25 young people from across the country selected in this year’s inaugural class, Hanson will receive $5,000 in funding as well as an invitation to participate in an awards summit from April 23–26. The summit will include a lively agenda packed with skills development workshops, coaching sessions, networking opportunities, and special recognition events.

Select winners will also have an opportunity to participate in a pitch-off where a grand prize winner will receive an additional $10,000 in funding. What’s more, Prudential employees will vote to name an Employees’ Choice Award winner, who will receive an additional $5,000.

Prudential Emerging Visionaries recognizes young people ages 14–18 whose fresh perspectives and innovative solutions address the pressing financial and societal challenges in their communities.