b'2022 BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY FOUNDATIONCHAMPION AWARD RECIPIENTMARISTELA RAPOMaristela was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in a very impoverished community. With that came many challenges. There were times she could not participate in certain activities because her family simply could not afford it. It was very difficult to be left out, as many of her friends were lucky enough to be able to afford these privileges. When Maristela was 18, she left Brazil and moved to Europe, whereher passion for fashion was officially born! She is the former proprietor of two high-end boutiques: Wolford, and Giuseppe Zanotti. After years in the fashion industry, Maristela finally found a way touse her fashion expertise to make a difference and give back toall communities!Boston Arts Academy Foundation is proud to present Maristela with the BAA Foundation Champion Award in recognition of her community service, including her work as Founder and President of Giving The Glam. This organization covers the cost of all attire and accessories for students who couldnt otherwise afford to participate in their prom. Students attend the prom in style, which makes a positive impacton their self-esteem and confidence.Maristela Rapo, Giving The Glam Founder and President, left, and Boston International High School student Yorsalem Brhane, 18, pose for a photo while gettingready for prom at Giving The Glam in Norwood, MA on May 22, 2019. (Photo by Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)'