Carys Mihardja was only 14 years old when she started her mission of raising awareness for children with Down’s Syndrome, yet she’s already changed the lives of so many through her non-profit organisation Carys Cares.

The foundation aims to empower these children to be creative while raising awareness as well as funds. Through Carys Cares, kids with Down’s Syndrome are taught to paint. Their pieces of art are transformed into merchandise sold online and at outlet stores, with the money being donated back to POTADS (Association of Parents of Children Living with Down Syndrome, or Persatuan Orang Tua Anak Dengan Down Syndrom).

Recently, Muhardja was awarded a Special Prize for Social Impact in Society in the APEC BEST (Business Efficiency and Success Target) Awards 2020. She was also given the prestigious Diana Award 2021, a recognition given to young leaders creating social change named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales.