Designing for Change: Student Wins Levo Poster Competition

When most eighth graders are busy juggling homework and extracurriculars, Nina Mattamana was designing something that would spark awareness far beyond her classroom walls. Her poster for Levo’s “Impact by Design” campaign didn’t just win first place — it made people stop and think about one of the world’s most urgent challenges: food insecurity.

Levo, a nonprofit known for its global work fighting hunger through sustainable farming and community empowerment, launched the campaign during Hunger Action Month to invite young people to use creativity for impact. The goal? To show how thoughtful design can inspire action and empathy.

And Nina’s work did exactly that.

“Your poster was meticulously crafted, presented information clearly, and effectively showcased Levo’s efforts in addressing these issues,” Levo’s judges wrote in their congratulatory message.

Although Nina hadn’t worked with Levo before, the organization wasn’t entirely new to her. Her church had partnered with Levo in the past, and when her teachers sent her information about the poster contest, something clicked.

“I went to their site and read about what they do,” Nina said. “I was really inspired because they’re so global. They work in places like Haiti and help communities all over the world. That kind of sparked my kindness — this amazing work is really needed in the world today.”

That inspiration quickly turned into action. Nina began researching food insecurity — the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food — and discovered the term food deserts: areas where grocery options are limited and fresh produce is scarce. Levo actually has hydroponic farms in Hartford,  growing fresh food right in the city, which helps people get access to vegetables and fruits they couldn’t before. 

Once she had the facts, Nina’s creativity took over. Using Canva, a graphic design platform, she built her poster from the ground up — carefully selecting images, fonts, and colors that would tell a story. “I chose orange because that’s the color for Hunger Action Month,” she said. “I wanted the design to feel professional but still fun and approachable — something that would grab attention and also teach people something.”

Her design impressed the judges for its clarity and composition — a poster that guided the viewer’s eye naturally from one idea to the next. It wasn’t cluttered or chaotic. It was thoughtful, balanced, and deeply human — just like the cause it represented.

For her outstanding work, Nina received a $2,000 scholarship and a fellowship with Levo. But what she chose to do with her prize says even more about her character than the win itself. “I’m donating some of it back to Levo,” Nina shared with a smile. “And the rest is going into my college fund.” One of her Middle School teachers, Kyle Chapman, said he was very moved but not surprised by Nina’s thoughtfulness and generosity in thinking of the organization. When he heard that she was giving some of her winnings to Levo, Chapman said to her, “You entered their contest; you won it; and then you’re giving them money back. I think there’s nothing more boss than that.”

Her upcoming fellowship will provide her with the opportunity to collaborate directly with Levo on projects that tackle global hunger through innovation. Previous fellows have worked on hydroponics programs and community food initiatives around the world. “I’m really excited for the fellowship,” she said. “I want to learn more about how they’re helping feed people in need and hopefully get involved in projects that make a difference.”