Congratulations Sarah Lance – Opus Prize 2016 Winner!

Congratulations to Sarah Lance, who won the 2016 Opus Prize last night at the annual Opus Prize event, held this year at Creighton University! Sarah is the co-founder of Sari Bari, an organization based in Kolkata, India. Sari Bari provides dozens of women who had been ensnared in the sex trade with new jobs in design and sewing through which they gain income, health care and access to education. Read more about last night’s Opus Prize event, and the two runners-up, here.

Opus Prize

The Opus Prize recognizes unsung heroes who are conquering the world’s most persistent social problems.

From the Opus Prize website:

“The Opus Prize is an annual faith-based humanitarian award, recognizing leaders and organizations that develop creative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. The Prize is awarded in partnership with Catholic universities, providing new opportunities to inspire the next generation of servant leaders. From improving education in Afghanistan to supporting the families of incarcerated women in New York City, Opus Prize laureates are motivated by remarkable faith to create new opportunities for transformation.

The Opus Prize is more than just an award. It’s a promise to inspire students poised to impact the future. It’s when faith takes root and innovation happens. It’s an opportunity to champion change and be changed.”

Mano a Mano Co-Founder was an Opus Prize Finalist in 2012

The Opus Prize is a special award for Mano a Mano, since our co-founder Segundo Velasquez was a finalist for the 2012 Opus Prize, which was held at St. Kate’s on November 8, 2012. The Finalist award included a $100,000 prize for Mano a Mano (the Star Tribune wrote an article about Mano a Mano and the award, as well as the Pioneer Press).

Segundo Velasquez in Bolivia as part of the Opus trip in 2012.

Segundo Velasquez in Bolivia as part of the Opus trip in 2012.

Segundo’s Acceptance Speech at the Opus Prize Ceremony at St. Kate’s