2024 Nielson Grant Recipients Focus on Social Justice & Community Wellbeing

Two students each received $5K for projects in social justice and racial equity as funded by the Nielson Social Change Innovation Grant, working with communities in Portland and Costa Rica.

Students Índigo Araya and Nichole Champion implemented projects in their communities to address Trans & non-binary discrimination and supporting students in their social justice efforts through a holistic wellness initiative, respectively.

Transflorar

Trans and Non-binary Anti-discrimination Training Project: Facilitadores Trans Sensibilizando Servicios Públicos en Costa Rica

By Índigo Araya

Araya launched Transflorar, a project that drew its inspiration from the ongoing struggles of the trans and non-binary community, as well as from the resilience and advocacy of local activists in Costa Rica. The project name, “Transflorar,” symbolizes growth and transformation, which reflects the journey of creating a more inclusive society.

The project partnered with various organizations such as No-Binarie Costa Rica, Prof. Mar Fournier, Keyra Martinez from TransVida, Soraya Vallejos from ASODIVERSIDAD, Emmeril Morales from No-Binarie, and lawyer and independent activist Jota Vargas. Public institutions like the University of Costa Rica (UCR) also partnered with Transflorar.

Transflorar was implemented across various regions of Costa Rica, focusing primarily on urban centers like San José, where public institutions and services intersect with a highly concentrated and diverse population. San José, as the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, provided a central hub for engaging with the public service professionals that serve thousands of citizens every day.

“Through Transflorar’s progress , I witnessed firsthand how education could be used to dismantle discrimination and build bridges of understanding. Seeing participants from such diverse backgrounds—some just starting their journeys at 18 and others finding new hope in their 50s—connect, grow, and regain their passion for advocacy has been profoundly inspiring. This project reminded me that even in the face of political challenges, meaningful change is not only possible but also deeply empowering for individuals and communities alike.”

This project has achieved remarkable success in fostering inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment among Costa Rica’s trans and non-binary communities. By equipping participants with tools to advocate for themselves and their communities, the project has created a ripple effect of positive change. 

As the initiative concluded, its impact was evident not only in the skills gained by individuals but also in the strengthened solidarity across diverse communities, paving the way for continued advocacy and hope for a more inclusive future. This project developed a foundation that has reached various groups within Costa Rica who look to champion its message and bring their communities closer together.

Índigo Araya graduated from Lewis and Clark in 2024, majoring in Hispanic Studies/ Ethnic Studies. They then took their developed social justice advocacy skills and experiences into their post-college professional settings.

The Center for Social Change would like to thank and honor Índigo Araya’s contributions and hard work in enacting social change. Thank you!

Holistic Wellness Initiative for Inquiry for Justice

By: Nichole Champion

Nichole Champion launched the Holistic Wellness Initiative (HWI) In partnership with Portland State University’s Inquiry for Justice program, which made a significant impact on underserved high school students in Multnomah County by blending wellness practices with social justice education that addresses the systemic challenges that disenfranchised communities face.

“Through the Holistic Wellness Initiative, we have empowered students to transform their experiences of systemic oppression into resilience and leadership by fostering wellness, equity, and community engagement. This program has proven that when we nurture the mind, body, and spirit, we not only create healthier individuals but also inspire a generation of compassionate changemakers equipped to build a more just and inclusive world.”

HWI achieved remarkable success in empowering 29 disenfranchised high school students from the Multnomah Educational District by providing them tools to manage the emotional toll of systemic oppression. Through activities such as yoga, art therapy, nature walks, and mental health workshops, students experienced improved mental and emotional well-being.

The program also enhanced awareness of social justice issues, particularly food justice, as students connected these lessons to their own communities during field trips and discussions to places like Black Futures Farm. Feedback from parents and faculty highlighted the students’ growth in leadership and advocacy, with many participants expressing interest in continuing community work after having participated.

The program’s culminating showcase celebrated students’ accomplishments with faculty noting the joy and confidence students displayed. HWI’s mission has had a significant impact on fostering empathy, community engagement, and empowerment among historically marginalized youth, setting a foundation for the program’s expansion to other schools in Portland Oregon.

Nichole Champion is a student at Lewis & Clark College anticipating graduation in 2025. Nichole is majoring in Psychology. She’s aiming to attend graduate school and to start an official nonprofit off of her Social Change Project.

The Center for Social Change would like to thank and honor Nichole Champion’s contributions and hard work in enacting social change. Thank you!