2025 BridgeUSA Champion Awards
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CIEE is in America's heartland, kicking off our summerlong celebration of the U.S. Department of State's BridgeUSA international exchange programs that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. This week, we're in Ohio and Kentucky celebrating the local champions who make BridgeUSA programs possible, alongside the international participants who bring these programs to life.
On Monday at Cedar Point Amusement Park, we held the first BridgeUSA Roundtable, where leadership from all levels at Cedar Point and Six Flags joined public officials, community leaders, and BridgeUSA participants from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Russia to talk about the impact of BridgeUSA on American businesses and communities.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2025 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the success of the program.
Cedar Point was honored as a platinum-standard host employer in recognition of its dedication to providing international students with meaningful work and cultural experiences. Amy Therien, Vice President of People Operations for Six Flags, accepted the award on behalf of Cedar Point.
Kaitlin Wattrick of Cedar Point received an individual award for going above and beyond every day to make sure our participants have the best experience possible. Nichole Wade, Engagement Director at Shores and Islands Ohio, was also recognized for her exceptional efforts to foster community connection and participant support.
“BridgeUSA is more than a program—it’s a strategic investment in America’s future, one that builds bridges between nations, one student, one job, and one summer at a time," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE, at the launch of the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour. "If this program didn’t exist, we’d need to invent it. It’s that essential."
Later in the week, the CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour visited Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, where we bestowed more 2025 CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Awards. Kings Island was honored as a platinum-standard host employer, recognized for its outstanding commitment to cultural exchange and participant support.
Amy Therien, Vice President of People Operations at Six Flags, accepted the award on behalf of Kings Island. Individual awards were presented to Ryan Nance, Manager of Talent Acquisition at Kings Island, and Gianna Fontanella, Area Manager of Human Resources at Kings Island—two standout team members who play key roles in recruitment and ensuring BridgeUSA participants have a meaningful experience.
A special CIEE BridgeUSA Champion Award for community leadership was also presented to Congressman Greg Landsman and accepted by Nikko Griffin on his behalf, recognizing the Congressman’s support for international exchange and youth diplomacy.