EDIIE Awards

“AFS is energized and committed to make education more accessible for marginalized young people worldwide. Through collaboration with our global network of organizations and volunteers, our funder bp, and our colleagues at SPARK, we will continue to make the Accelerators accessible to young people that are often excluded from these opportunities, and who need them the most. It’s encouraging to hear from the scholars directly how much this opportunity has impacted them already. With their passion, perseverance, and the skills they are developing, they are sure to become future innovators and changemakers.” 

– Sean Reilly, Director of Program Development, AFS Intercultural Programs

“My Madrid-based team and I are honored to receive this prestigious EDIIE award and the recognition it brings. DEIJ practices and resources are critical to the support, growth and development of our students, and this award inspires us keep improving and growing, to better serve our increasingly diverse student body, and to inspire others in the global education field to do the same.” 

– Susan Sánchez Casal, PhD, Director, Tufts in Madrid

“The Office of International Services at North Carolina State University is thrilled to accept the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion in International Education Award under the category of International Student Success. The presence of international students and scholars on U.S. college campuses brings such rich diversity that benefits U.S. Higher Education. We are honored to be recognized for our focus on programming that cultivates international students’ own achievements and sense of belonging so that they are equally benefitting from the U.S. campus experience.” 

– Elizabeth James, Director, Office of International Services at NC State University. 

North Carolina State University Office of International Services was recognized for their work during the annual Awards Gala & Dinner at Global Inclusion 2022, the 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.

“I receive this award on behalf of a fantastic team of staff members who work hard to provide an enriching experience for students who come to Ghana looking to test preconceived notions. We do our best to ensure that all students feel included and welcome, so we are both humbled and honored to have been awarded this prestigious award. It is my hope that African countries and programs will continue to be recognized for the work we do in improving notions of diversity and inclusion.” 

– Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang, Academic Director, SIT Ghana 

Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang is the Academic Director for The School for International Training’s study abroad program in Ghana (SIT Ghana). He has directed SIT’s program in Ghana since 2018, and has students from both American and Ghanaian universities embark on experiential learning in meaningful ways.  Dr. Kwabena was recognized for his work during the annual Awards Gala & Dinner at Global Inclusion 2022, the 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.

“What an honor it is to be recognized as a trailblazer, for displaying excellence in diversity, equity and inclusion in international education.  I am blessed to be surrounded by a community of colleagues who continue to embolden and challenge me to make the greatest impact.  As an international educator it is important for me to encourage my students to embrace diversity defined by their own uniqueness, while being supported in a globally inclusive environment. I will continue to inspire future students by being intentional in my DEI efforts as I prepare them to become global citizens.”

–Marisa A. Gray, Morgan State University

Marisa was the former Director of the Office of Study Abroad, Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. While she has worked in other areas of higher education (student affairs and enrollment management), the past 10 years has seen her focused on the field of international education. Marisa was recognized for her work during the annual Awards Gala & Dinner at Global Inclusion 2022, the 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.

“I’m beyond grateful to receive this recognition and do not take it lightly. I will add this as part of the fuel that keeps me going and working towards expanding inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and social justice.” – Amaris (Ami) Vazquez Vargas, Program Coordinator

Amaris (Ami) Vázquez Vargas is a Program Coordinator for Faculty-led Programs in Education Abroad at Texas A&M University. Ami was recognized for their work during the annual Awards Gala & Dinner at Global Inclusion 2022, the 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.

“I am so happy to receive this award. My work with The Study Abroad Office at UIC has been a life changing experience. I continue to hope that we push for more diversity in our study abroad students, as well as hearing more about their own individual stories which are so imperative and unique.” 

 – Nick Jones, Undergraduate Student, University of Illinois- Chicago

 

Nick is  a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Political Science.  He has served as an intern in the university’s Study Abroad Office and has been an instrumental part of their strategic goal of expanding access to education abroad for the campus’ diverse student body. Nick was recognized for his work during the annual Awards Gala & Dinner at Global Inclusion 2022, the 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.