Karen De Aquino Morales

Karen De Aquino (16), grew up in Puebla, Mexico, where girls and young people rarely get a say in public life. She started speaking up at just seven years old, determined to make sure children’s voices — especially around gender inequality — were heard in her community and beyond.

Since then, Karen has taken her advocacy to every level. She was one of five adolescents worldwide chosen to attend a UN meeting, where she pushed for free early childhood and secondary education. She testified before the IACHR for children with imprisoned family members, became the first girl to join an open town hall in her municipality, and founded the “Comptroller’s Squad,” where kids evaluate local government decisions themselves.

Through her “Creating Leaders” project, she also helps other girls build confidence and leadership skills to shape their own schools and communities.

With her family’s steady support, Karen has shown that when children are given a real seat at the table, they can change how entire communities work.