Maria Clara Brum, Grade 12 student, has been named one of the Top 100 Emerging Innovators Worldwide

Nations student recognised for community-driven leadership and service in the first phase of the 2026 Emerging Innovator Awards

School of the Nations is proud to announce that Grade 12 student, Maria Clara Brum, has been selected as one of the Top 100 high school students worldwide in the 2026 Emerging Innovator Awards. Chosen from applicants across 29 countries and 25 US states, the award recognises young leaders who are making meaningful contributions to their communities through innovative service initiatives. Maria Clara now advances to the next stage of the competition and has been invited to the Limitless World Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, in April 2026.

Projects that Strengthen Communities

At the heart of Maria Clara’s recognition is her long-standing commitment to community-based initiatives rooted in service, education, and social responsibility. In her application, Maria Clara described several initiatives she supports—each grounded in the belief that small, consistent actions can create meaningful change.

One of Maria Clara’s ongoing commitments is volunteering in community-based summer programs organised by the Bahá’í community in Brasilia. These programs offer a safe and nurturing environment for children in vulnerable areas during school recess. Volunteers lead activities focused on virtues such as patience, compassion, and unity.

Maria Clara usually serves in the Mangueiral Program, one of four programs currently operating across the Federal District. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Helping others is about small actions that make a difference we don’t always notice. But you show up, and you try—that’s what matters.”

She also contributes to a college-preparation initiative designed to support youth who aspire to higher education. Working alongside Nations teachers, she helped curate academic content, prepare lessons, and mentor students as they advanced through their studies. Seeing students achieve their goals, especially those who became the first in their families to enter university, was particularly meaningful for her.

Recognition Rooted in Service

Maria Clara learned about her nomination through our Moral Education Coordinator, Anis Sami, who submitted her name after witnessing her consistent dedication to community-based work.

“It was very surprising because I didn’t know anything about it,” she recalled. Having previously been nominated by Anis for another competition—and winning—she decided to embrace the opportunity once again. When she researched the award and discovered that it recognises students who “work hard to make a difference in their community,” she immediately felt aligned with its purpose.

For Anis, his reasons for nominating Maria Clara were clear. He explained that she embodies many attributes of our Nations Profile and reflects our school’s commitment to integrating service into the educational experience. He has followed her involvement both inside and outside of school, highlighting the sincerity with which she serves. “She demonstrates leadership, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the community. She believes that service is what she can genuinely offer to the world around her,” he noted.

Inspiring a New Generation

When asked what she would say to young people considering their first steps in community service, Maria Clara offered a powerful reminder:

“People forget that when you help the community, you’re also part of that community. You’re improving the place where you live. Even if a problem doesn’t affect you directly, it affects the country you live in, and if we want a better country, the change has to start with us.”

What is next?

Maria Clara’s recognition in the Emerging Innovator Awards marks the first phase of the competition. In the coming months, she will continue advancing in the program while preparing to participate in the Limitless World Summit, where she will meet other young changemakers from around the world. Meet this year’s Top 100 Emerging Innovators here.

School of the Nations celebrates this meaningful achievement and looks forward to the continued impact Maria Clara will make within our community and beyond.