Fellows in the News
Summer 2026 Newsletter
AI Salon, a global network of startups, builders, founders and investors shaping the future of artificial intelligence, has officially launched in Kigali. Led by Emery Rubagenga (Rwanda 2022 ), the new AI Salon Kigali chapter aims to position the city at the center of global conversations on AI, entrepreneurship and investment while strengthening connections between Rwanda’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem and international tech leaders.
Conservationist, scientist and educator Krithi Karanth (India 2020) was named the 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. The award is reserved for individuals whose work demonstrates a profound impact on the preservation of our planet and Krithi is being honored for her commitment to protecting India’s vulnerable wildlife and wild places.
Natalia Bayona (Colombia 2020) is named on the Forbes Spain Women ‘50 Latinas to Watch 2026’ list. Natalia, the Executive Director of UN Tourism is the highest-ranking Colombian woman in the United Nations system and has positioned tourism as an engine of innovation and investment through public-private partnerships.
Andwele Jolly (USA 2018) was recognized with the 2026 WashU Medicine Physical Therapy Alumni Achievement Award.
Eimear Cotter (Ireland 2019) is appointed New Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Laurence Lien (Singapore 2010) has been named to the 2026 TIME 100 Philanthropy list.
The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, led by Jennifer Hashley (USA 2016), received the Northeast Regional “Outstanding Project Award” from the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education program. New Entry works regionally, and across the country to strengthen local food systems by supporting new farmers.
Negocios Now has recognized Amilcar Guzman (USA 2025) in the newest class of Latinos 40 Under 40™. The award honors emerging Latino leaders across the Chicago metropolitan area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional achievement and dedication to their communities.
Consultant obstetrician and gynecologist Rhona Mahony (Ireland 2014) has been honored in a set of stamps celebrating Irish women medics past and present. From 2012 – 2018, she was first woman master of Ireland’s National Maternity Hospital.
The Forum of Young Global Leaders welcomed Leo Ryu (South Korea 2024), Kadijah Amoah (Ghana 2022) and Steven Wongsoredjo (Indonesia 2025) to their Class of 2026.
Neil Boyden Tanner (USA 2013) has been named His Majesty’s Honorary Consul to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the United Kingdom.
Eisenhower Fellowships Trustee Samaila Zubairu (Nigeria 2006) shares his thoughts on Africa’s requirements for long-term prosperity.
Global Executive honored Shahd Attar (Saudi Arabia 2017) for her exemplary leadership in technology and media investments, sovereign wealth management, and strategic partnership development.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Nate Engle (USA 2025) to the Oakland University Board of Trustees.
Eisenhower Fellow Vishal Talreja (India 2013) received the 2025 Changemaker of the Year Award in Education at the Better India Showcase.
Eisenhower Fellow José Morey (USA 2024) is selected as one of the 101 most influential Latinos in science by Latino Leaders Magazine.
Eisenhower Fellow Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (Nigeria 2022), President and CEO of The ONE Campaign, is appointed as a Champion of the African Development Fund.
No fewer than seven Eisenhower Fellows and Trustees appear in Philadelphia Magazine’s ‘150 Most Influential People in Philadelphia’. From the city’s mayor and managing director, to entrepreneurs, non-profit and education leaders, Eisenhower Fellowships is leading the way! Cherelle Parker (2010), Adam Thiel (2018), Della Clark (2002), Pedro Ramos (2000), Loree Jones Brown (2007), Donna Frisby-Greenwood (2003), Reginald Streater (2022).
Eisenhower Fellow Maryanne Gichanga (Kenya 2025) was honored with a Global Citizen 2025 Waislitz Award for her dedication to ending extreme poverty
Eisenhower Fellow Carol Hibbard (USA 2012) is named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Massachusetts for 2025 by Women We Admire.
Eisenhower Fellow Jocelle Batapa-Sigue (Philippines 2012) was named Leader of the Year for the private sector at the Block Awards 2025.
The Slum2School Africa Green Academy, founded by Eisenhower Fellow Orondaam Otto (Nigeria 2025) bridges education gaps for children in slums and underserved communities. Volunteer-driven, the organization is transforming society with quality education, entrepreneurial skills, and psychosocial support to enable these children to realize their full potential.
On September 17, Eisenhower Fellow Milène Guermont (France 2020) will be officially elevated to Knight of the National Order of Merit by Agnès Pannier Runacher, French Minister of Ecological Transition. The ceremony, with speeches by Minister Runacher and Katherine E. Fleming, President & CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, celebrates Guermont’s artistic and scientific achievements.
Women’s International Foundation, founded and chaired by Seroshi Nandasiri (Sri Lanka 2024), was officially recognized and inducted into the United Nations Population Fund Equity 2030 Alliance. This honor was facilitated through EF’s Global Network, which connected Seroshi with the UNFPA headquarters in New York.
Alfonso Vegara (Spain 1987), Elizabeth Añaños (Peru 2025), Emil Rodriguez Garabot (Dominican Republic 2025), Angel Cardenas Sosa (Venezuela 2019) and Natalia Bayona (Colombia 2020) presented at the “Iberoamérica 500+: Cities with a Legacy for the Future” conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, organized by CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe.
Eisenhower Fellow, Rhonda Broussard (USA 2014) has been recognized for her lifelong dedication to French education and advocacy, receiving the Ordre des Palmes Académiques, one of the highest honors awarded by the French government for contributions to education.
Eisenhower Fellow Krithi Karanth (India 2020) was awarded the 2025 John P. McNulty Prize for her leadership at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, joining a global network of 57 changemakers tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
Nevindaree (Nevi) Premarathne (2025) and Heminda Jayaweera (2021) join the newly formed board of advisors for Women in Tech®Sri Lanka. The board will mentor early-career talent, advise on curriculum and skills programs, and open pathways for women to enter and scale in technology sectors.
Fellows in the News
2025 Spring Newsletter
The Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH) for Mhaga Homes for the Elderly is a 2025 World Habitat Gold Award Winner. TAWAH was founded by Eisenhower Fellow, Victoria Marwa Heilman
(Tanzania 2016).
Mariana Villamizar (Colombia 2014) received the Civil Order of Merit from Bogotá City Council. The award highlights the efforts of citizens whose work contributes to the growth and strengthening of Colombia’s
capital city.
Rama Kayyali (Jordan 2017) was an Impact Awardee at this year’s Cartier Women’s Initiative Impact Awards Ceremony. The awards, launched in 2006, support entrepreneurs working to solve global challenges through sustainable social and environmental impact.
Amish Tripathi (India 2014) was named to the Top 20 Famous Authors of India 2025 list by HindustanMetro. Among the fastest-selling authors in Indian publishing history, his books have sold more than seven million copies and have been translated into 20 languages since 2010.
Stuart Brotman (USA 2000) has been named the first Digital Media Laureate by The Media Institute.
Aija Mayrock (USA 2024) was named to Forbes 30 under 30 media list.
Emma Miloyo (Kenya 2015) was recognized as one of 50 Influential African Women Architects by Africans Column.
Enrique Penalosa (Colombia 2001) was the recipient of the Lawrence C. Nussdorf Urban Leadership award.
Director of UN Tourism Natalia Bayona (Colombia 2020) was named to Forbes Women 50 most influential women in Latin America.
Amelia Kelly, (Ireland 2024) was named as one of Ireland’s Top 100 Most Powerful People in Tech in the Business Post.
EF Trustee and Fellow Samaila Zubairu (Nigeria 2006) and Fellow Ndidi Nweneli (Nigeria 2022) were named two of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African Magazine.