Anna Park

Anna is the founder of Down to Work, a non-profit that helps individuals with disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome secure jobs and redefine public perception through inclusive hiring and creativity. Her work began after the stillbirth of her younger brother – blamed on his Down syndrome by their abusive father and a harmful cultural myth. Rather than accept silence, she built systems of dignity.

Down to Work has supported 10,000+ job-seekers and partnered with 15+ businesses across 2 countries. She launched an online gallery where over 1,000 works were published where disabled artists reinterpret harmful myths through creative expression—while also gaining opportunities for recognition and compensation.

She also founded Angels’ Science Research Initiative, mentoring over 100 students to conduct and publish independent research. Despite growing up in shelters and serving as a full-time caregiver, she’s earned numerous academic honors and is now a student research assistant for a professor at Harvard University.

If awarded the Global Student Prize, she plans to expand her platforms by making disability resources accessible worldwide and launching global fellowships for disabled individuals.

Anna believes no one should be told their existence is a mistake – and she’s building a global coalition to prove that every story, every body, and every voice deserves a future.