Manuela Testolini has a deep, impact-driven history in the philanthropic space. Manuela believes that kids have the power to change the world, and created In a Perfect World to help provide them with the tools to do so. Under her leadership, In A Perfect World has created programs that provide education, mentoring and artistic expression to undeserved and at-risk youth around the world in places including Mali, Malawi, Senegal, Haiti, Nicaragua, Nepal, among others, and also in the U.S. from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and beyond, directly impacting more than 38,000 children worldwide. In addition to In A Perfect World’s work of building schools, providing grants to inner city classrooms in need, and helping to facilitate youth-driven moments of service, Manuela has created a unique Youth Ambassador Program in which she trains young people to be philanthropists and community leaders themselves.

Manuela has been involved with several nonprofit organizations and philanthropic projects including Love4One Another, Free Arts Minnesota, and the Young Women’s Empowerment Network. From this work, experience, and passion, In A Perfect World was born, and has since been widely recognized with honors including the Award of Service from United Communities Against Poverty, the GuideStar Platinum Seal Award, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Fearless Leader Award, and a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Voice of Humanity honor.

Interestingly, Manuela is also the former wife of rock legend Prince.