At 17, Florida student builds global project sending messages of hope to prisoners in 105 countries

Megan Markus launched the Paper Wings Project to connect with incarcerated individuals across the world through letter-writing. Having distributed over 5,200 letters since its inception, the initiative fosters dialogue by encouraging participants to reply.

Additionally, she founded Chrysalis Review, a literary magazine promoting the voices of incarcerated writers. Through these endeavors, Markus highlights the need for human connection and reinforces the inherent dignity of those in prison.