Alia Whitney-Johnson

Alia Whitney-Johnson
short description for the scroller
Short Description: 

While studying in Sri Lanka, Alia met Medhani, an eleven year old girl who had just given birth to her father’s son. Alia created a program (Emerge Global) to enable Sri Lankan girls who have survived sexual violence or abuse to become jewelry

Winner/Finalist Info
Recipient's Age: 
23
Finalist or Winner: 
Finalist
State: 
MA
City: 
Cambridge
Describe what this winner does/did: 
While studying in Sri Lanka, Alia met Medhani, an eleven year old girl who had just given birth to her father’s son. Alia created a program (Emerge Global) to enable Sri Lankan girls who have survived sexual violence or abuse to become jewelry designers. Emerge Global utilizes a comprehensive program that not only teaches beading skills, but works to rebuild the girls confidence, while generating more than a year’s worth of savings for when they graduate the program. Emerge Global has supported 155 girls by selling over $60,000 of jewelry.
Year in which award/grant was awarded: 
2010