AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Some of the awards and recognition received over the years through the work of Catalytic Communities and the networks we facilitate.
2026
Paul Singer Solidarity Economy Diploma from Rio de Janeiro State Assembly
The Sustainable Favela Network was recognized for initiatives committed to building a just, collective, solidarity-based economy.
2025
Silver Anthem Award for “Favela Climate Memory”
Silver award in the Sustainability, Environment and Climate category, among the Best Local Awareness Programs worldwide.
2023
RioOnWatch Among Anti-Racist Communicators Recognized by Rio City Council
On November 27, 2023, RioOnWatch received two honors from the City Council’s Special Commission to Combat Racism: one recognizing the portal for favela narratives, and another recognizing the series “Rooting Anti-Racism in Favelas: Deconstructing Social Narratives about Racism in Rio de Janeiro.”
2022
ComCat Recognized by the National Federation of Architects and Urbanists
Recognition for contributions to Brazilian cities.
Silver Anthem Award for “Rooting Anti-Racism in Favelas”
Silver award in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category, among the Best Local Awareness Programs worldwide.
“Rooting Anti-Racism in Favelas” Receives Megafone Prize
Inaugural Megafone Prize for activism and independent investigative journalism.
2018
American Society of Rio Award for Contributions to the City
Theresa Williamson received the Ralph N. Greenberg Prize for altruistic contributions to improving the Rio de Janeiro community.
2016
RioOnWatch Receives Honorable Mention in the Webby Awards
Recognized in the Best Communities category, among the top 20% of voted websites.
2012
International Award from NAHRO, USA
Theresa Williamson received the International John D. Lange Prize for exceptional contributions to international housing debate.
Best Medium-Length Film at Cine Periferia Pai D’Égua
For “Favela as a Sustainable Model,” produced for the Rio+20 People’s Summit.
2006
Casa ComCat Recognized as an Actionable Idea for Urban Sustainability
Recognized by UN-Habitat as one of 70 Actionable Ideas for urban sustainability.
Tech Award from the Museum of Technological Innovation of Silicon Valley
For the Community Solutions Database, launched in 2001, an online repository documenting community-led solutions worldwide.
2005
Best International Planning Doctoral Dissertation from ACSP, USA
Theresa Williamson received the Gill-Chin Lim Prize for documenting the organization’s first three years and introducing Protagonist Action Research.
Honorable Mention in Digital Communities at Prix Ars Electronica
Recognition for work building digital communities from 2000 to 2005.