Young Filmmaker Wins Top Honors in Prudential Emerging Visionaries Initiative

Mark Leschinsky, a 16-year-old from Mahwah, New Jersey, has been selected as one of 25 recipients in the 2023 Prudential Emerging Visionaries program, earning recognition for his innovative approach to creating equitable opportunities in filmmaking. The award carries a $5,000 grant and an invitation to an exclusive three-day summit at Prudential’s Newark headquarters in April.

Breaking Barriers in the Film Industry

At the heart of Leschinsky’s achievement is the “Student World Impact Film Festival,” a platform he founded to challenge systemic inequities in the film festival circuit. Young filmmakers from underserved communities often face substantial submission fees and discrimination when entering traditional competitions. His initiative directly addresses these obstacles by providing a more accessible pathway for emerging storytellers.

“A story can’t exist without a storyteller,” Leschinsky explains. “Building a more inclusive, culturally accepting and equitable society requires that we amplify perspectives from historically marginalized communities, especially youth voices.” This philosophy has resonated widely—the festival has attracted more than 8,000 submissions, demonstrating significant demand for accessible creative platforms.

What the Prudential Emerging Visionaries Program Offers

The Prudential Emerging Visionaries initiative identifies young people between 14 and 18 years old who combine innovative thinking with solutions to financial and societal challenges. Beyond the monetary award, selected honorees gain access to leadership development, professional coaching, and networking with Prudential executives and fellow young leaders during the April summit.

During the summit (April 22-25, 2023), five participants will compete in a pitch competition for an additional $10,000 grand prize. Prudential employees will also vote to recognize an Employees’ Choice Award winner, who receives an extra $5,000 in funding.

Program Background and Support Network

Developed in collaboration between Prudential Financial and Ashoka—a global network supporting social entrepreneurs—the Prudential Emerging Visionaries program represents an evolution of the company’s long-running Spirit of Community Awards. Over 26 years, that legacy initiative recognized more than 150,000 youth volunteers. The Financial Health Network provides additional support, strengthening the program’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges.

Mark’s selection underscores a broader mission outlined by Prudential’s leadership: leveraging young innovators’ perspectives to solve real-world problems and create more resilient communities.