At just 18 years old, Bella Hanson '27 already has a deep passion for social justice, activism and mental health awareness. 

A sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying English and Africana studies, Hanson created “I Matter,” a platform that empowers youth voices and promotes social justice. She’ll fly to Washington, D.C. in December to accept a Youth Civic Solutions award from The Institute for Citizens and Scholars for her work. The initiative is aimed at empowering individuals across the U.S. to develop innovative ideas that enhance civic knowledge and engagement.

The inspiration for “I Matter” began four years ago, when the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the eruption of nationwide protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Hanson said. She said the surge of outrage, online activism and social unrest motivated her to channel her feelings of helplessness into creative expression. "Poetry and artwork were my ways of processing the world around me. It gave me an outlet, and I realized that others needed a space to share their stories too," she said.

Read the full story on The College of Arts & Sciences website.