In honour of International Women’s Day, Häagen-Dazs revealed the five winners of the Rose Project, a competition with a $100,000 USD cash prize.
The Rose Project was founded in recognition of Häagen-Dazs' female co-founder, Rose Mattus, and congratulates women from around the globe for their commendable achievements and societal contributions.
After 50 women were shortlisted, five winners were chosen. Each received an equal share of the $100,000 prize as a monetary grant to help unleash their potential and fund their selected mission.
"As a brand proudly co-founded by a woman, Häagen-Dazs is committed to honouring this legacy to support and empower women at all levels," said Aurélie Lory, global managing director and judging panellist at Häagen-Dazs.
"We hope this year's incredible winners inspire other talented and unsung women to share their own story or put others forward in this year's nominations."
The Class of 2023 winners include Eunice Maia from Portugal, Jennifer Seifert and Karol Ivanna Aceves Flores from Mexico, Sarah Kandolo from South Africa, and Yarrett Piñeiro from Puerto Rico. The awarded $100,000 cash prize from Häagen-Dazs will be split five ways into $20,000 USD each.
The winners' missions range from topics that target issues within their countries to incentives that can help globally.
Maia spreads awareness about the global issues facing food systems, pioneering a 100 percent organic bulk grocery store in Lisbon. The store is designed as a sensory experience to teach customers about the products they buy and is dedicated to promoting healthy eating and sustainability.
Seifert started a movement in Mexico to protect women and children against coercive control and post-separation abuse. Her group has grown to over 3,850 women and works alongside local authorities and national senators.
Aceves Flores founded a project that provides sexual education for people aged 10-24. She has helped inform over 2,000 people and has been selected as a youth ambassador.
Activist Kandolo co-founded #TalkAboutHer, an African-based project encouraging women to take leadership roles within their communities. This aimed to highlight the critical role that African women play in the long-term viability of communities.
As a deaf woman, Piñeiro is an activist for the deaf community in Puerto Rico and has founded the company Advancement in Sign Language Education and Services (ASLES).
Alongside the $100,000 cash prize award, Häagen-Dazs continued to support International Women's Day by offering a global free scoop giveaway in stores and running special promotions for its 'Founders Favourite' vanilla ice cream in selected shops.
