Luiza Vilanova (2025, MSc Comparative and International Education) has been named this year’s winner of the Katie Richards Prize for Volunteering Excellence, in recognition of her work to support children and young people in Brazil and beyond.
Principal Christine Gerrard and Luiza Vilanova
In 2017, at 15, Luiza created Gotinhas do Bem, a social project focused on socio-emotional learning in public schools and prompted by her own experience of bullying. As CEO, she expanded the initiative to reach 8,000 children across more than 15 Brazilian states and seven other countries.
While an undergraduate at Columbia University, Luiza also founded Tocando em Frente, an organisation working to reduce school dropout rates in rural communities in Brazil. She now leads 140 volunteers and says the project impacts over 14,200 students
In 2024, Luiza graduated Magna Cum Laude in Political Science and Education from Columbia University, while working with UNICEF as a Youth Ambassador. She has since been named a Rhodes Scholar (as was Katie Richards) to study comparative education at Oxford.
Lady Margaret Hall has long upheld a tradition of philanthropy, justice and social progress, exemplified since its inception by its dedication to women’s education, humanitarian work of many members, and its historic association with the LMH Settlement. The Katie Richards Volunteering prize celebrates students who have contributed meaningfully to volunteer initiatives, fostering an ethos of service and leadership, inspiring future generations to engage in philanthropy and social responsibility. From Englantyne Jebb (1895, History), whose founding of Save the Children helped transform child welfare advocacy, to Malala Yousafzai (2017, PPE), whose campaigning for girls’ education has inspired millions, LMH has long been home to figures committed to public good.
Named in memory of Katie Richards (1984, PPE), the prize awards £350 per year to an undergraduate or graduate student at LMH who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to volunteering and social impact. Katie was a Rhodes Scholar, an LMH alumna and an avid volunteer. She met her husband John Roome (1984, MSc Applied Sciences), also a Rhodes Scholar, at LMH. In her obituary, John describes a life of active service across a wide range of causes. At Oxford, and later in London and Washington, she volunteered as a suicide hotline counsellor. She was also involved in consumer protection, church leadership, LGBTQ advocacy, gun safety campaigning and election work. The award, in memory of Katie, is intended to help foster the next generation of volunteers.
Due to the strength of this year’s applications, two other students were also named as runners-up: Freddie Emms (2024, Modern Languages) and Charlotte Walker (2022, Classics).
Freddie said: “I love volunteering across a range of youth advocacy roles and environmental organisations, where I work to amplify youth voices and drive change in climate, nature and education policy. From serving on the RSPB Youth Council and campaigning for climate education with Teach the Future, to co-founding the youth-led community and podcast Generation Nature, I hope to engage diverse communities with nature and inspire tangible, interdisciplinary action. Alongside my language studies at LMH, I speak at conferences and festivals, facilitate events, and lead projects like a recent performance at Tate Modern, a petition hand-in at Downing Street, and a keynote speech at an education conference
"For me, the power of volunteering is not simply in the work itself, but in the hope and energy gained from a wonderful like-minded community, many of whom have become lifelong friends. Volunteering is my lifeblood, my solace, and my anchor, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world."
Charlotte said: “During my time at LMH I have worked as a volunteer with both Food Rescuers and the Companions of the Order of Malta, delivering hot meals, drinks and pastries to those in need. I am so glad to know that organisations such as these and the wonderful centre at the Gatehouse which they support exist to give the homeless community in Oxford not only a chance to have a hot meal and get in from the cold, but also conversation, companionship and a link to vital resources.”
She added: “I enjoy chatting with those who use our services and think that it has really opened my eyes to the ease with which it is possible to fall into extreme poverty and the importance of community in helping to get people back on their feet.”
Together, the three students reflect the breadth of volunteering across the College community, from local service in Oxford to work with national and international reach.
