The Opus Prize is given annually to recognize unsung heroes of any faith tradition, anywhere in the world, solving today’s most persistent social problems. This $1 million faith-based humanitarian award and two $100,000 awards are collectively one of the world’s largest faith-based, humanitarian awards for social innovation.
2024 Opus Prize Laureate
Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, HHCJ
Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI)
Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, HHCJ, who founded a center 25 years ago dedicated to the social, legal, and political equality of women in Nigeria, was selected as the 2024 Opus Prize Laureate. The selection of Sister Uti, founder of Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), was announced at a ceremony at Santa Clara University on November 14, 2024. As the winner of the annual faith-based humanitarian award, Sister Uti received the $1 Million prize that recognizes social entrepreneurship championing faith-filled change.
Accepting the award Sister Uti recalled how her father chose her name when she was born, which translates to “God’s blessings are greater,” and ensured that she and her two sisters were educated “in a time when the girl child’s education was often dismissed as unworthy.
MAKING AN IMPACT
and 34 finalists have been honored since the Opus Prize’s inception
Opus Prize recipients have made a global impact on 6 continents
Total amount awarded to Opus Prize recipients since 2004
INSPIRING OTHERS
"The Opus Prize is still impacting me, in my heart and mind, and how I see my vocation in the future. I've learned the value of paying attention to the intricacies of the people you're around, their character, and how they impact their community and the world.”
Jordan Glassman, Saint Louis University student
2024 OPUS PRIZE FINALISTS
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Fr. Zachariah Presutti, SJ
Founder and Executive Director of Thrive for Life Prison Project - New York & Wisconsin
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Cătălin and Bianca Albu
General Manager and Senior Manager for Programs
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) - Bucharest, Romania
TRANSFORMING LIVES
PAST LAUREATES
Opus Prize recipients may not be household names, but don't be fooled by their relative anonymity. The Opus Prize laureates are beating daunting odds to bring about lasting social change in their communities and countries.
PAST FINALISTS
Each year, a select group of finalists are nominated to receive the Opus Prize. Their work champions faith-filled change to transform lives and inspire others.
PARTNERS
The Opus Prize is awarded on Catholic university campuses, providing recipients an unparalleled opportunity to inspire the next generation of faith-based social entrepreneurs.