A Bronx woman has been named one of five winners of the 2nd annual Peace First Prize at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
The prize recognizes “youth peacemakers” responsible for making a lasting social change in their community.
Amanda Matos, 23, founded The WomanHOOD Project, an organization that teaches high school girls the skills to become social and political activists.
“The WomanHOOD project is an after-school mentorship program for young women of color where we cultivate and develop leadership development skills, media literacy skills and discuss women of color feminism with the intention that these young women will emerge into leadership positions and run for office,” Matos said.
All five winners receive a two-year $25,000 fellowship to further their work.
“It feels incredible,” Matos said. “It’s a great moment that not only am I recognized, but my community is recognized as well.”
Matos, who graduated from Columbia University last year, said she plans to attend grad school in a few years and eventually run for office herself.
