2022 winner
Rena Kawasaki
Japan
Rena is a Social Justice activist living in Japan who is passionate about political representation and molding societal and political systems that do not discriminate against minorities. For her Rise project, Rena hosted discussion events that brought together high school students and their local political representatives as a means of effectively reducing negative perceptions that youth in her country have towards politics and politicians. She also developed a digital community called “Polichat” that allows youth to ask questions directly and frankly to politicians. This digital platform provides access to college student mentors on how to effectively prepare to vote and be politically conscious. Rena is the youngest CFO in history for biotech company Euglena co, Ltd. and the director and founder of Earth Guardians Japan. Rena plans to study sociology in university to learn how to implement effective societal models to give a voice to minorities in different agencies.