Aurora Welcomes Anniversary Year with Gratitude and Hope
Welcome to the latest Aurora newsletter of 2025—our 10th anniversary year! As we?celebrate?this milestone, exciting developments are already unfolding, from major events on the horizon to new leadership shaping our?global?impact. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and ways to be part of this extraordinary journey.
In 2025, we?will?commemorate?our 10th anniversary with a series of landmark events, bringing together changemakers, supporters, and?Aurora Luminaries?to?spotlight?a decade of impact?and build momentum for our work going forward. Highlights include the Human Rights and Humanitarian Forum in Los Angeles in May, the announcement of the 2025 Aurora Humanitarians in New York in September, and the reveal of the 2025 Laureate during the Aurora Prize Ceremony at Ellis Island in November.
Thomas-Jensen?will lead efforts to support the initiative’s growing network of local humanitarians, including advocating for more effective, sustainable funding for individuals and local organizations that offer assistance and protection in communities with the greatest need. He joins Aurora from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he was the National Security Advisor to the USAID Administrator.
Last month, Aloe Blacc performed?“Shine (Aurora’s Anthem)”?on Good Morning America as part of the #SoCalStrong fundraising campaign, which raised $9.7 million to?support communities impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. In an interview beforehand, Aloe, a Los Angeles native,?spoke?about?his?personal connection to the tragedy, revealing that the fire had destroyed his children’s school. His moving rendition of?“Shine”?served as a powerful reminder of how music can inspire and bring people together, and we are?honored to have?this song?as our anthem.
Is there a humanitarian who has inspired you??Nominate them?for the 2025 Aurora Prize and earn the chance to stand alongside?your hero?and other remarkable changemakers at this year’s Ceremony.