Humphrey Fellows Class of 2023-2024 Celebrate a Year of Growth and Leadership

 
“...In many ways, the Humphrey year begins like a small stone dropped into a pool: the outward ripple effects of your actions, experiences and friendships become larger over time and continue to exert effects far into the future." PETER MORAN

The AUWCL community gathered in celebration to recognize the remarkable journey and achievements of the 2023-2024 cohort of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program. A memorable graduation ceremony marked their milestone year of transformation, personal development, and dedication to driving positive global change.

These distinguished professionals arrived in August 2023, ready to immerse themselves in a challenging and rewarding Fulbright experience. Through rigorous coursework at American University Washington College of Law, tailored professional development opportunities, alongside meaningful engagement within the local community, they have expanded their skills and forged lifelong connections.

The ceremony was filled with inspiring moments including remarks from Dean Fairfax of AUWCL, and Prof. Padideh Ala’i, the Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Program at AUWCL. Kelsi Ward from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the State Department, Amy Nemith from the Institute of International Education (IIE) and Anne Howard-Tristani, former President of Howard-Tristani International Consulting and niece of the late Senator Humphrey shared a few words with the graduating fellows. They encouraged the fellows to keep building upon the skills and connections they had fostered during their fellowship year.

Each of you will also play an important role as part of what I like to call Hubert Humphrey’s “Greatest Living Legacy”. In following Humphrey’s footsteps, I know you will continue to give hope and inspiration to others in your daily lives and work to promote social justice, civil rights, and human rights for all people. ANNE L. HOWARD-TRISTANI

Mehluli Malisa-Batakathi, a fellow from Zambia, who was chosen to speak on behalf of the 2023-24 cohort, recounted the past year and shared highlights of their experience on the program. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship honored Karl Wolf with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of fifteen years of outstanding service as a community host of the program. The fellows received certificates of completion signed by President Biden, to acknowledge the successful completion of their prestigious fellowship year.
 
The ceremony acknowledged the vital role played by the State Department, Institute of International Education (IIE), and the unwavering support of AUWCL leadership, faculty, and community hosts.

Guests delighted to the warm reception and a captivating musical performance by Luiz Silva, a fellow from Brazil.

The future is a promising one for these accomplished Fellows. They return home ready to promote justice and policy, human rights and strengthen their communities. This journey has honed their leadership talents, expanded their professional networks, and instilled a renewed commitment to service. Their influence will extend far beyond their own actions, creating a ripple effect of progress for generations to come."

Be inspired by the next generation of global leaders. Learn more about the Humphrey Fellowship Program and the transformative power of international exchange.

Humphrey Fellowship Program at Washington College of Law

2023-24 HHH Certificate Ceremony Photos
 

FELLOWS REFLECTIONS


"...The Fellowship year was one of the most impactful years in my life, personally, professionally, and culturally. My advice to future applicants; have a primary goal that you stick to as you evolve with time. The fellows were true leaders who I learnt a lot from, and I look forward to us working together to make the world a better place."
JUDGE AKTHAM ARABEYAT, Ph.D.

"...This experience has been fundamental in understanding how each of us, from our different areas of expertise, plays a relevant role in addressing and solving critical global problems, and how there are professionals and teams around the world, ready to make a significant difference for humanity."
YUDI VIVIANA QUINTERO
 
"...I realized that many cultures, from Native American, through Native Asian to Native African, have similarities when it comes to healing process, wisdom, and cohesion. I discovered how rich our cultures are and how keeping our cultural knowledge and values can help in fostering social cohesion in communities." CYRILLE BECHO