Christina Hunger, 26, is a speech-language pathologist in San Diego, California who believes that "everyone deserves a voice."
Hunger works with one- and two-year-old children, many of which use adaptive devices to communicate. So she wondered what would happen if she taught her two-month-old puppy, a Catahoula/Blue Heeler named Stella, to do the same.
"If dogs can understand words we say to them, shouldn't they be able to say words to us? Can dogs use AAC to communicate with humans?"
she wondered.
Hunger and her fiancé Jake started simply by creating a button that said "outside" and then pressed it every time they said the word or opened the door. After a few weeks, every time Hunger said "outside," Stella looked at the button.
Soon, Stella began to step on the button every time she wanted to go outside.
They soon added more buttons that say "eat," "water," "play," "walk," "no," "come," "help," "bye," and "love you."
"Every day I spent time using Stella's buttons to talk with her and teach her words just as I would in speech therapy sessions with children," she wrote on her blog.
"Instead of rewarding Stella with a treat for using a button, we responded to her communication by acknowledging her message and responding accordingly. Stella's voice and opinions matter just as our own do," she continued.
If Stella's water bowl is empty, she says "water." If she wants to play tug of war, she says, "play." She even began to tell friends "bye" if they put on their jackets by the door.
Stella soon learned to combine different words to make phrases.
One afternoon, shortly after daylight savings, she began saying "eat" at 3:00 pm. When Hunger didn't respond with food, she said, "love you no" and walked out of the room.
Today, Stella has learned over 29 words and can combine up to five at a time to make a phrase or sentence.
"The way she uses words to communicate and the words she's combining is really similar to a 2-year-old child," Hunger says of her blog.
She believes her work has the potential to transform the bond between humans and dogs.
"I think how important dogs are to their humans," Hunger says. "I just imagine how much deeper the bond will be."
Soon, Stella began to step on the button every time she wanted to go outside.
They soon added more buttons that say "eat," "water," "play," "walk," "no," "come," "help," "bye," and "love you."
"Every day I spent time using Stella's buttons to talk with her and teach her words just as I would in speech therapy sessions with children," she wrote on her blog.
"Instead of rewarding Stella with a treat for using a button, we responded to her communication by acknowledging her message and responding accordingly. Stella's voice and opinions matter just as our own do," she continued.
If Stella's water bowl is empty, she says "water." If she wants to play tug of war, she says, "play." She even began to tell friends "bye" if they put on their jackets by the door.
All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries
Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries
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A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.
And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.
This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.
For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.
Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.
Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”
That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.
Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.
Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.
“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”
Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.
If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
Photo courtesy of CC BY-ND, Immo Klink and Marco Godoy
Spikes line the concrete to prevent sleeping.
These are called "anti-homeless spikes." They're about as friendly as they sound.
As you may have guessed, they're intended to deter people who are homeless from sitting or sleeping on that concrete step. And yeah, they're pretty awful.
The spikes are a prime example of how cities design spaces to keep homeless people away.
Not all concrete steps have spikes on them, but outdoor seating in cities like Montreal and Tokyo have been sneakily designed to prevent people from resting too comfortably for too long.
This guy sawing through a bench was part of a 2006 protest in Toulouse, France, where public seating intentionally included armrests to prevent people from lying down.
Of course, these designs do nothing to fight the cause or problem of homelessness. They're just a way of saying to homeless people, "Go somewhere else. We don't want to look at you,"basically.
One particular set of spikes was outside a former night club in London. And a local group got sick of staring at them.
"Spikes do nothing more than shoo the realities of poverty and inequality away from your backyard — so you don't have to see it or confront what you can do to make things more equal," Borromeo told Upworthy. "And that is really selfish."
"Our moral compass is skewed if we think things like this are acceptable."
The move by Space, Not Spikes has caused quite a stir in London and around the world. The simple but impactful idea even garnered support from music artist Ellie Goulding.
"That was amazing, wasn't it?" Borromeo said of Goulding's shout-out on Instagram.
"[The project has] definitely touched a nerve and I think it is because, as a whole, humans will still look out for each other," Borromeo told Upworthy. "Capitalism and greed conditions us to look out for ourselves and negate the welfare of others, but ultimately, I think we're actually really kind."
"We need to call out injustice and hypocrisy when we see it."
A message to offer support in contrast with current anti-homeless laws.
These spikes may be in London, but the U.S. definitely has its fair share of anti-homeless sentiment, too.
Spikes are pretty obvious — they're a visual reminder of a problem many cities are trying to ignore. But what we can't see on the street is the rise of anti-homeless laws that have cropped up from sea to shining sea.
Legislation that targets homeless people — like bans on panhandling and prohibiting people from sleeping in cars — has increased significantly in recent years.
Thankfully, groups like "Space, Not Spikes" are out there changing hearts and minds. But they need our help.
The group created a video to complement its work and Borromeo's hoping its positive underlying message will motivate people to do better.
"[The world] won't always be happy-clappy because positive social change needs constructive conflict and debate," she explained. "But we need to call out injustice and hypocrisy when we see it."
Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list.
In the quest for optimal canine well-being, selecting the right nourishment is paramount. With the pet food market expanding rapidly, it's crucial to make informed choices. Astonishingly, around 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, underscoring the significance of a wholesome diet. Furthermore, considering that pet owners spend approximately $31 billion on dog food annually, the stakes are high for both our four-legged companions' health and our wallets. In this article, we unveil a comprehensive guide to the 15 healthiest dog foods, equipping you with the knowledge to prioritize your dog's vitality and longevity.
As a pet parent, ensuring your furry friend receives the highest quality nutrition is essential. When it comes to finding the healthiest dog food available, Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel stands out as an excellent option. Made with all-natural ingredients and free from fillers commonly found in other brands, this food is designed to provide a balanced and complete diet for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Whether you have a young pup or an aging senior dog, Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel offers a range of options to meet your furry friend's nutritional needs. Give your dog the gift of exceptional health with Pupper Fuel Dog Fuel.
If you're on the hunt for the healthiest dog food for your furry friend, you might want to consider trying Sunday's air-dried food for dogs. This unique method of preserving food works by gently removing moisture from the ingredients without the use of preservatives or high heat. As a result, the food retains more of its natural nutrients and enzymes, which can benefit your dog's overall health. Sundays offers a variety of protein options, including beef, fish, and turkey, all of which are sourced from responsible suppliers. Plus, because the food is air-dried, it's lightweight and easy to store, making it a convenient option for busy pet owners. Give Sundays a try and see the difference it can make for your furry best friend.
Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper is a nutritious addition to your dog's diet. Made from a blend of fresh fruits and vegetables, this meal topper is packed with essential nutrients that will keep your furry friend healthy and happy. If you're looking for the healthiest dog food, look no further than Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper. This product is a great way to boost your dog's immune system, improve their digestive health, and keep their skin and coat in top condition. Plus, it's easy to use – simply sprinkle a small amount on top of your dog's regular food and watch as they devour it! Try Fruits N Beggies Superfood Meal Topper today and give your dog the gift of good health.
Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners who are looking for the healthiest dog food for their furry friends. This product is packed with superfoods, essential vitamins, and minerals that provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages and breeds. What sets this premium dog food apart is that it is air-dried, which means that the nutrients are preserved and the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients are maintained. This process ensures that your dog gets all the health benefits of the ingredients, including improved digestion, a stronger immune system, and healthier skin and coat. Overall, Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete Premium Air Dried Dog Food is an outstanding option for pet owners who prioritize their dog's health and well-being.
Introducing Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain - Free Recipe – the ultimate choice for pet owners who prioritize their dog's good health. Developed with premium ingredients, this formula packs essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are vital for your dog's overall well-being. Made with 70% raw animal ingredients and oils to support a lustrous coat and healthy skin, you can trust that every bowl of Instinct Raw Boost Skin & Coat Health Grain-Free Recipe is packed with the right nutrients for your pup. Say goodbye to artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives; this is the healthiest dog food on the market that will leave your dog with an irresistible taste and a shiny coat to show off!
As pet owners, we all want to provide our furry friends with the best possible nutrition to help them live a happy and healthy life. That's why Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food has become a popular choice for many dog owners who are seeking the healthiest dog food options. Made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, this air-dried dog food is packed with essential nutrients and free from harmful additives. Not only is it a great source of protein and fiber, but it's also easy to digest, making it a fantastic option for dogs with digestive issues. This innovative air-drying process locks in vital nutrients, creating a delicious and nutritious meal that your dog will love. By choosing Earth Animal Wisdom Air Dried Dog Food, you can rest assured that you're providing your beloved pet with a healthy and balanced diet.
As a dog owner, you always want to provide the best nutrition for your furry friend. And when it comes to choosing the healthiest dog food, Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe certainly deserves a spot on your list. Made with real turkey as the first ingredient and paired with whole grains, this dog food formula is designed to provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your pup. It also contains an array of fruits and vegetables, including peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and cranberries, to give your dog a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. With Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe, you can trust that you are feeding your dog a quality food option that is crafted with their health in mind.
As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend when it comes to their nutrition. It's no secret that dogs thrive on a raw diet, but finding high-quality raw food can be a challenge. Luckily, Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food is available. This premium dog food formula is an excellent choice for pet owners who want to provide their dogs with the healthiest dog food possible. With real, raw ingredients sourced from trusted, local farms, Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend is packed with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrition that dogs need to stay healthy and happy. Plus, the freeze-drying process preserves the ingredients' natural goodness, making it a convenient and easy-to-prepare option for busy pet owners. If you're looking for a top-quality, all-natural dog food that supports your pet's health and wellness, look no further than Dr. Marty's Nature's Blend.
When it comes to feeding our furry friends, every pet parent wants to provide them with the best nutrition possible. That's exactly why Stella & Chewy's Superblends Raw Blend has made such a mark in the pet food industry. This particular brand of dog food has been praised as one of the healthiest options on the market today. Made from premium raw ingredients, they give our dogs the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With its unique blend of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality meat, it's no surprise that many owners trust Stella & Chewy's Superblends Raw Blend as their go-to dog food option.
As a responsible pet owner, you want nothing but the best for your furry companion. And when it comes to their diet, nothing is more important than choosing the healthiest dog food possible. EasyRaw Grass-Fed Dehydrated Dog Food is a fantastic option for those looking for a nutrient-packed meal for their canine pal. Made with high-quality grass-fed meat and organic fruits and vegetables, this dehydrated dog food is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare and store, making it a convenient choice for busy pet owners. Give your dog the best start possible with EasyRaw Grass-Fed Dehydrated Dog Food.
Choosing a high-quality dog food is essential in keeping your four-legged friend healthy and happy. When looking for the healthiest option, consider Kibble of the Sea Dog Food. This premium dog food is packed with wholesome ingredients, such as real seafood and vegetables, that are essential for your dog's overall well-being. Plus, it is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors that could lead to health problems down the line. Not only does Kibble of the Sea provide a balanced and nutritious diet for your furry companion, but it also helps support their immune system and promotes healthy skin and fur. Give your dog the best start in life with Kibble of the Sea Dog Food - a food that prioritizes their health and wellness above all else.
When it comes to feeding our furry friends, we all want the best for them. That is precisely why PetKind Dog Food has been making waves in the pet industry for its wholesome and nutritious offerings. Not only are their formulas made with high-quality ingredients, but they are also free from any harmful additives or fillers. PetKind's philosophy is based on the belief that what goes into your pet's body can significantly impact their health and well-being. That is why they use only the healthiest, most nutritious ingredients in their dog food formulations. With options like Wild Pacific Fish and Green Tripe, your furry friend will be getting the best of the best when it comes to their diet. Invest in PetKind Dog Food, and give your furry friend the gift of good health.
As a dog owner, there's nothing more important than ensuring your furry friend is happy and healthy. For many pet parents, selecting the healthiest dog food is a top priority. That's where Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food comes in. Made with high-quality salmon as the first ingredient, this formula is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Its limited ingredients ensure that it is easy on your dog's digestive system, while also providing essential nutrients and promoting healthy digestion. Choosing the right dog food can be overwhelming, but with Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Food, you can feel confident knowing that you are providing your beloved pet with a healthy and satisfying meal.
ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is widely considered one of the healthiest dog foods out there. Made with high-quality protein sources and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, this formula meets all of your dog's essential nutritional needs while limiting the number of ingredients they consume. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, the grain-free formula ensures that your pup isn't consuming any unnecessary fillers that could lead to weight gain or digestive upset. Packed with vitamins and minerals, ACANA Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great option for those looking to give their furry friend the best possible nutrition.
Looking for the healthiest dog food brand around? Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Made using the freshest meats and vegetables, it contains no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives that could harm your furry friend. If you’re looking for quality protein sources, wholesome fibers, and all-natural ingredients, look no further than Grandma Lucy’s Freeze Dried Dog Food. With this brand, you can rest easy knowing that your furry companion is getting the best possible nutrition and that your beloved pet is enjoying a happy and healthy life. So why not give it a shot and see the difference?
In crafting a roadmap to canine vitality, it's evident that the choices we make regarding our pets' diets reverberate profoundly. As the demand for healthier options grows, it's heartening to note that organic dog food sales have surged by 39% in the past year alone, reflecting a shift towards more mindful nutrition. Conversely, the prevalence of food allergies in dogs has risen by approximately 30% over the last decade, signifying the urgency of well-informed dietary decisions. Nourishing our beloved companions with the 15 healthiest dog foods not only safeguards their well-being but also contributes to a paradigm where quality nutrition reigns supreme, ultimately paving the way for happier, healthier tails that wag with exuberance.
David C. Smalley, a comedian and podcaster, regularly gives us some generational humor by exposing his 19-year-old daughter Talissa to relics of the past. You know, things like CDs, phonebooks, remote controllers…feeling old yet?
Recently, Smalley challenged Talissa with navigating a standard U-Haul storage truck. She had to 1) unlock the door 2) roll down a window and 3) start the engine.
For those of us who grew up before the 90s, this might sound like the easiest challenge ever. But apparently, for Gen Z, it’s like being asked to maneuver a horse and buggy.
Despite growing up in a key fob generation, where simply pressing a button on a tiny remote controller could magically open doors, Talissa aced unlocking the door with a key.
Next, she was understandably baffled over the amount of physical labor required to simply roll down a window.
“Are you serious? They haven’t updated that?!” she exclaimed while doing the tedious hand-cranking move we all know so well. “Are you kidding me?! I would not do this every time.”
She definitely had a point on this one. Electronic windows have been the standard for decades. Is U-Haul just sentimental or what?
Having checked off two of the three tasks, Talissa then had to start the car—which proved to be the biggest challenge of all.
Looking on the center console, where she’s used to seeing the ignition button, Talissa found the airbag and radio (two foreign objects in their own right) but no way to start the car.
Finally…success! Talissa found the ignition hiding behind the steering wheel.
“I’m not going to make it explode, am I?” she joked as she turned the key and celebrated her victory.
Watch below. Hearing Talissa ask if the radio is a “fidget game” is entertainment in itself.
It’s always fun to see the ways in which different generations navigate the world through fashion, slang, entertainment, dating, food, the list goes on. But technology, which continues to evolve at a rapid rate, always feels like the biggest culture shock.
And unlike bell bottoms, outdated tech rarely makes a comeback. So once the more energy efficient, more convenient appliance becomes mainstream, its predecessor is forever obsolete. Unless of course you count the cool, hipster folks hanging onto vinyl for the superior sound quality.
Speaking of vinyl, Talissa was also previously challenged by Smalley to work a record player, to equal hilarity:
A-ha performing live for MTV Unplugged Summer Solstice
According to NPR—and the ABBA blaring from my young adult daughter's headphones—we're in the midst of an 80s music revival. As a Gen Xer who came of age in the 80s, I think most of that decade should stay locked in a time capsule, but there are a few songs that have managed to remain timeless despite the synthesizers and bad hair.
A-ha's "Take On Me" is one of them. Despite its consummately-80s sound, the song with the famous sketch animated video is still enjoyable (if not a little earwormy—good luck once it gets stuck in your head).
But a lesser-known 2017 arrangement of the song is actually, miraculusly, even better. A-ha performed "Take On Me" for an MTV Unplugged Summer Solstice album, and it's significantly different than the original. The Norwegian band filmed the performance live on the island of Giske, dropping the electric piano as well as the tempo for a stripped-down version that has become a fan favorite. As of this writing, the video has 97 million views on YouTube.
"Take On Me" is one of 17 songs in the unplugged performance, but naturally the most popular.
“We’ve talked about this idea for so many years," guitarist Paul Waaktaar-Savoy said. "And in many of our concerts we’ve also played some acoustic songs. But if you consider that we don’t use much technology at all when we write the songs, the idea of an entirely acoustic show makes total sense. Playing all these songs now in their acoustic versions is like returning to their origins.”
Watch and see how the slower tempo and simple instrumentation creates a sadder, more haunting version of their biggest hit.
"The fact he’s still got such a good voice after decades is incredible," wrote one fan.
This is music at its purest form. No light show, distortion pedals, autotune and massive audiences. Spotless," wrote another.
"By far the best version of this song that I have ever heard. It totally transforms the song when performed like this," shared another.
Another commenter made a poignant observation:
"The original version is like a soundtrack for a man living in the fast-paced life in the 80's all cool and hip. This one is like when the same man grows old and saying farewell to the fun memories of his youth."
And another summed up what most people feel seeing this:
"One version makes you dance and the other version makes you cry."
Dads are ridiculous. But perhaps, in the world today, there is no dad quite so ridiculous as Rob Lopez:
Photo via Rob Lopez/YouTube.
On a morning not too long ago, Lopez apparently had the following thought: "I'm going to dress up as Darth Vader and wake up my 2-year-old."
Photo via Rob Lopez/YouTube.
Clearly, the correct follow-up thought is, "No. That's silly. Why would I ever wake up a 2-year-old. Like, on purpose."
But not for Rob Lopez. Oh, no.
After suiting up...
GIFs via Rob Lopez/YouTube, unless otherwise noted.
...and receiving the mission critical sign-off from his wife.
He grabbed his lightsaber and gave it a go. The results ... pretty much speak for themselves (fast-forward to 1:05 for the main event).
There are a couple of things about Lopez's son's reaction that we should talk about.
(First, this child is objectively the hardest core human on the face of planet Earth right now.)
He grabs the lightsaber he keeps next to his bed (just in case) and it's game on, Dark Lord of the Sith. Game. On.
Think about how you would feel, as an adult person, in complete control of your faculties, with a firm grasp on the difference between fiction and reality, being aggressively prodded awake by a six-foot-tall man in a full-body Darth Vader mech-suit complete with voice modulator and terrifyingly heavy breathing.
Think about how loud you would scream and the volume of pee you would pee into your pants.
Meanwhile, this toddler — who is probably no more than three feet tall, groggy and vulnerable, with no cognitive ability to discern this is not the real Darth Vader — didn't even think twice about taking him on.
GIF from "Return of the Jedi."
Perhaps the most impressive part? At a mere 2 years of age, he's already learned, perhaps, the single greatest lesson of "Star Wars."
You don't defeat the dark side with mad lightsaber skills (although they are fun to show off).
You defeat it with compassion.
...which, in this kid's case, involves casually grabbing a book and asking Darth Vader to read him a story.
Empathy for Siths — with an assist from curiosity and literacy: That's a lesson we could all use.
From tackling maternal mortality in Cameroon to fighting food insecurity in the U.S., these "Goalkeepers" are making their mark on global development goals.
Photo by Chris Farber/Getty Images for Gates Archive
The 2023 Goalkeepers Awards honored activists from opposite sides of the globe.
The past two centuries have seen humanity transform into a truly interconnected global community. Like any community, we have our virtues and strengths as well as our challenges that require collective effort to overcome.
The United Nations created 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 to help us focus our efforts on vital areas of concern, including poverty, gender equality, education, food security, health, climate and more. And every year since then, changemakers have arisen to meet those goals in various ways. Some of these changemakers are already leaders on the world stage, from heads of state to global celebrities. But others are grassroots activists doing incredible work on the ground to move us toward meeting our SDG targets by the 2030 deadline.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation calls these people Goalkeepers and honors them at an awards ceremony each year. This year's young activist Goalkeepers hail from Cameroon, Ethiopia and the United States, and their work on different goals in different countries is an inspiring example of how any one of us can arise and be of service to humanity no matter where we live.
Meet this year's award recipients:
Ashu Martha Agbornyenty was named the 2023 Changemaker at the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards.
Photo by Kevin Hagen/Getty Images for Gates Archive
2023 Changemaker Award: Ashu Martha Agbornyenty
The Changemaker Award celebrates an individual who has inspired change either from a position of leadership or through personal experience. Ashu Martha Agbornyenty is a midwife dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safer in Cameroon, where maternal mortality rates are high. She writes about the work of midwives and shares her knowledge of pregnancy through her blog, Marthie’s Midwifery Diary, and she also founded the For Mom & Baby Foundation, which provides community workshops and distributes emergency kits containing essential birth supplies to pregnant women in crisis-stricken areas. Since 2021, the foundation has distributed over 1,000 emergency kits and reached more than 2,400 women and girls in the region.
"Midwives are essential to achieving the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, including Goal 3: Good health and well-being for all. They provide care to millions of women and children around the world, and they play a vital role in improving maternal and child health outcomes," Agbornyenty shared on her Facebook page.
However, she added, "Despite their important role, midwives are often underrepresented in policy-making circles. This is a problem because it means that the voices of midwives and the people they serve are not being heard when important decisions are being made about maternal and child health." She dedicated her award to all midwives. Learn more about her work here.
Eden Tadesse speaks at the 2023 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards.
Photo by Mike Lawerence/Getty Images for Gates Archive
2023 Progress Award: Eden Tadesse
The Progress Award celebrates an individual who supports progress via a science, technology, digital, or business initiative. This year's award was presented to Eden Tadesse, an Ethiopian journalist, social entrepreneur, digital innovator, and human rights activist dedicated to helping refugees thrive. Tadesse founded the online global impact platform Invicta, which promotes digital financial inclusion, skills development and access to job opportunities for urban refugees. More than 35,000 people from 90 countries have registered on Invicta, 7,000 have completed online courses and more than 2,200 refugees have employment through the platform.
According to the UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency, 108.4 million people worldwide are currently forcibly displaced, and the majority of refugees are hosted by low-income countries. Refugees often face a mountain of obstacles as they resettle away from their countries of origin, from legal hurdles to access to education to finding work to prejudice and discrimination.
"I imagine a world where every refugee in every part of the world leads a meaningful, dignified life where they are economically empowered, safe and self-reliant," Tadesse says. Invicta is a one-stop tool for refugees to get connected with the educational, financial, mental health and other tools they need. Learn more about Invicta here.
The founders of The Farmlink Project, Ben Collier, James Kanoff and Aiden Reilly with Sabrina Elba at the 2023 Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards
Photo by Chris Farber/Getty Images for Gates Archive
2023 Campaign Award: The Farmlink Project
The Campaign Award celebrates a campaign that has raised awareness or built a community by inspiring action and creating change. This year's Campaign Award was presented to The Farmlink Project, founded by Aidan Reilly, Ben Collier, and James Kanoff, for its work advocating for and building community around food equity in the United States.
The Farmlink Project was started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its purpose is to connect people experiencing food insecurity with surplus produce that will otherwise go to waste.
"No one should have to go to bed hungry while perfectly viable produce goes to waste. This produce shouldn’t have to be 'rescued' from rotting in fields or being sent to the landfill, either; why were we ever letting this produce go to waste in the first place?" asks The Farmlink Project. "These are systemic issues that our society needs to address."
In a perfect world, The Farmlink Project says, their organization wouldn’t need to exist because "systems would be in place to streamline the supply chain so that zero percent, rather than 30 to 40 percent, of food grown in the United States went to waste." For now, though, it acts as a “link” connecting the broken supply chains.
"Our long-term goal is to set up infrastructure which will render our work obsolete," the organization shares on its website. "If there were no food waste, if there were no hungry people lining up outside understocked and underfunded food banks, there would be no need for The Farmlink Project. That’s the dream. We’ve got a lot of work to do before we get there, though. We need you to help us put ourselves out of business."
Through its network of more than 600 student fellows and 6,000 volunteers, The Farmlink Project has provided 83 million meals and transferred more than 130 million pounds of nutritious food to communities facing hunger. Learn more here.
We are at the halfway mark toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal deadline. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but if leaders like these Goalkeepers can inspire more of us to action, we'll be that much closer to reaching our collective targets for a more sustainable global society.
Photo via Rob Lopez/YouTube.
Photo via Rob Lopez/YouTube.
