MIAMI – The Grammy-winning artist, Lizzo, known for her electrifying music and effervescent personality, was recently presented with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award by The Elevate Prize Foundation. The honor was bestowed upon her at the inaugural Make Good Famous Summit. This groundbreaking two-day event convened global leaders in media, philanthropy, and social impact to reimagine culture as a catalyst for positive change.
The Power of the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award
The award, carrying an unrestricted fund of $250,000, recognizes individuals of influence who inspire global social action. Past recipients include renowned personalities like Malala Yousafzai for her work with the Malala Fund, power couple Amal and George Clooney for their efforts with The Clooney Foundation for Justice, and comedian Trevor Noah for his impact through The Trevor Noah Foundation.
Lizzo, in accepting the honor, said, “I’m so honored to be receiving the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award.” The singer and actress, known for her commitment to social justice, amplified the excitement by pledging the entirety of the award to her 4th annual Juneteenth giveback. The initiative supports grassroots Black organizations that make significant contributions to their communities.
Energized by the recognition, Lizzo affirmed, “We’ve had three really successful years and this is going to be the greatest year yet!” This gesture not only reinforces Lizzo’s commitment to social justice but also highlights the practical and potent impact of the award.
Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of The Elevate Prize Foundation, commended Lizzo for her selfless efforts. “She is a shining example of how culture and creativity can challenge the status quo and catalyze progress,” she said. In Jayaram’s eyes, Lizzo personifies the summit’s theme of “Reimagining Culture to Power Change.”
Reimagining Culture at the Make Good Famous Summit
The Make Good Famous Summit, which concluded on May 19, was a forum to discuss wide-ranging topics, such as the creation of cultural movements, insights from Gen Z changemakers, and the crucial role of philanthropic investment in media and storytelling. The Summit’s final panel, titled “Reimagining Philanthropy: Investing in Visibility and Media to Power Change,” was made accessible to a broader audience through a live stream.
Among the key speakers was a constellation of leaders from various fields. Nicholas Suplina, Senior Vice President for Law & Policy of Everytown for Gun Safety, shared insights from his field. Emiliana Guereca, President of the Women’s March Foundation, brought perspectives from her vast experience in women’s rights. Mona Sinha further enriched the conversation, Global Executive Director of Equality Now, Shaniqua McClendon, Vice President of Politics at Crooked Media, and Suzanne Kianpour, Foreign Affairs & Political Journalist at the BBC.
Moreover, the summit was graced by the presence of representatives from high-profile organizations such as CNN, Google, MIT, National Endowment for the Arts, Knight Foundation, and Water.org, among others. They were joined by Elevate Prize winners like Kaushik Kappagantulu, Co-founder and CEO of Kheyti, an agri-tech start-up.
The Impact of the Elevate Prize Foundation
The Elevate Prize Foundation, established in 2019 by businessman and philanthropist Joseph Deitch, aims to serve as an engine for social good. The Foundation supports social entrepreneurs and activists by giving them the resources they need to amplify their impact. This mission is accomplished through programs such as the annual Elevate Prize, the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, and the Elevate GET LOUD Award, a monthly grant to fuel grassroots movements.
The Elevate GET LOUD Award was launched in 2022 to further reinforce the Foundation’s commitment to empowering movements and organizers committed to collective action and building power among communities.
The Foundation’s success stories include 2021 Elevate Prize recipient Kaushik Kappagantulu, co-founder and CEO of the agri-tech startup Kheyti, and recent winner of The Earthshot Prize, an esteemed award presented by Prince William and The Royal Foundation.
In addition, members of the 2022 Elevate Prize cohort attended the summit, including Rachel Silverstein, who leads Miami Waterkeeper, a nonprofit that uses science, advocacy, and outreach to protect South Florida’s waterways from pollution and combat climate change.
Culture as a Conduit for Positive Change
One key takeaway from the inaugural Make Good Famous Summit was the powerful role that culture can play in catalyzing change. Lizzo’s award, and her commitment to dedicating the prize money to a cause she champions, offer a compelling testament to this truth. It is through the influence and dedication of such individuals that culture can be harnessed to drive societal evolution.
As a cultural icon, Lizzo’s work goes beyond music and acting. She consistently uses her platform to inspire her fans, championing social causes and encouraging others to do the same. The Elevate Prize Catalyst Award highlights this side of her, further shining a spotlight on the intersections of culture, activism, and social impact.
The summit’s emphasis on “Reimagining Culture to Power Change” not only encapsulates the mission of The Elevate Prize Foundation but also stands as a testament to the transformative power of culture. As a powerful tool for communication and persuasion, culture can, and indeed must, be channeled toward the betterment of society.
In conclusion, The Elevate Prize Foundation’s Make Good Famous Summit and the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award serve as potent reminders of the role of culture and philanthropy in effecting change. As we look toward the future, one can only hope that more individuals and organizations follow suit, leveraging their influence to foster a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
For more information about The Elevate Prize Foundation and its various programs, interested individuals and organizations can visit www.elevateprize.org and follow @ElevatePrize on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The site provides further information about the Foundation’s vision, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. As the Foundation continues to work towards its goal of igniting a global movement for change, it welcomes all who wish to join in its mission to “Make Good Famous.”
