Jessica Posner Given Top Honor at The Do Something Awards on Vh1 for her Work Combating Gender Inequality and Poverty in Africa’s Largest Slum
Los Angeles, CA (July 20, 2010)– DoSomething.org, the largest organization in the US for young people and social change, announced Jessica Posner, 24, as the 2010 Do Something Award and $100,000 grant winner during the star-studded “Do Something Awards” Live on Vh1. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 2-hr awards show July 19th by its host, comedic genius and "Glee" star Jane Lynch.
Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation’s best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for social change, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue – making a significant impact on a large and small scale.
This year’s grand prize winner Jessica Posner, age 24 (Denver, CO) co-founded Shining Hope for Communities to combat gender inequity and poverty in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. Through the Kibera School for Girls, the first free school in Kibera, and the Shining Hope Community Center, Jessica has helped over 5,700 residents gain access to the most essential services unavailable elsewhere, like education and employment. As the 2010 Do Something Award winner, Jessica will receive a $100,000 grant from DoSomething.org to continue her efforts in Kibera.
"I am so honored to be this year's Do Something Award Winner,” said Jessica, “The $100,000 will allow us to expand our school and health care to save lives, and provide clean water to thousands. This grant will literally give thousands of people a chance at a better life.” “When I first met Jessica, she told me about a 6-yr-old girl named Lucy who she met in Kibera” said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org, “Lucy had been trading sex for food. At 6-years-old! But Jessica wouldn’t stand for it – She decided to do something about it, and in 3 short years she’s made a huge impact in the Kibera community.”In addition to revealing the Award shows’ top honor during the live telecast, DoSomething.org and Vh1 also honored celebrities and entertainment who are making a difference for social change. Winners include Leonardo DiCaprio, Glee, Kathy Griffin, Jonas Brothers, and more. For more information about the Do Something Awards, please visit www.DoSomething.org/Awards.
About DoSomething.org DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.
About Shining Hope for Communities Shining Hope for Communities is a non-profit that combats gender inequity and poverty in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. In August 2009 Jessica Posner and Kennedy Odede founded The Kibera School for Girls, the first entirely free school in Kibera. Next to the school they started a community center that provides essential social services not available elsewhere to the community including a health clinic, sanitary toilets, sustainable gardening skills and supplies, a library/literacy classes, computer center, and job skills. Their innovative model is the first of its kind world-wide. By investing in parent and communal health and economic success through a school for girls, Shining Hope for Communities demonstrates that benefiting women benefits the whole community.
