A 29-year-old Nepalese woman who advocates for the rights of children who live in jail with their incarcerated parents was named the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year Sunday.

Pushpa Basnet runs a nonprofit organization in Nepal that provides shelter, education, food, medical care and day care for children whose parents. Her organization has helped more than 140 children since it was founded in 2005.

Basnet, who received $250,000 to continue her work, was chosen from the top 10 finalists through a nine-week public vote.

Video of Anderson Cooper‘s interview with Basnet is after the jump.