2025 International Exchange Conference Award Winners
The second annual CIEE International Education Conference (IEC), held this week in Washington, D.C., brought together global exchange leaders to share ideas and celebrate how BridgeUSA makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Tuesday, an awards ceremony honored individuals and organizations across the global BridgeUSA community whose excellence, innovation, and impact make these important public diplomacy programs possible.
Below are this year’s honorees.
CIEE BridgeUSA Vision & Impact Award

Winner: Marie Royce, Former Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Celebrated for her visionary leadership in launching the BridgeUSA brand and expanding global exchange initiatives, including the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs—now active in more than 100 countries.
CIEE BridgeUSA Bridge Builder Award

Winner: Rick Ruth, Former Senior Advisor, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Awarded for decades of service advancing the BridgeUSA mission and shaping the foundation of international exchange. His enduring leadership and advocacy have protected and strengthened BridgeUSA for generations to come.
CIEE BridgeUSA Alumni Impact Award

Winner: Daniel Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
Honored for exemplifying the lifelong impact of international exchange. Ambassador Mulhall attributes his distinguished diplomatic career to a BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program that first brought him to the United States at the age of 19.
CIEE BridgeUSA Growth & Partnership Award

Winner: WEUSA
Honored for more than 20 years of steadfast partnership and dedication, helping thousands of participants experience cultural exchange while maintaining an unwavering commitment to program excellence.
CIEE BridgeUSA Participant Preparation Champion Award

Winner: OFIT: Oficina de Turismo e Intercambio Cultural
Recognized for outstanding participant preparation through in-person engagement, orientations, and ongoing support that ensures every BridgeUSA participant begins their journey informed, confident, and ready to thrive.
CIEE BridgeUSA High School Host Award

Winner: Hannah Brizuela and Lee’s Summit North High School
Recognized for their exceptional commitment to cultural exchange, welcoming more than 30 international students over the past five years and enriching their school community in the process.
CIEE BridgeUSA Cultural Connector Award

Winner: YouAbroad
Awarded for expanding access to the High School USA program across Italy, Spain, and Mexico, demonstrating deep dedication to student success and intercultural understanding.
CIEE BridgeUSA Legacy of Exchange Award

Winners: USIT Colours Bulgaria & GTS Romania
Honored for a decade-long partnership built on trust, collaboration, and shared values, together providing thousands of life-changing international exchange opportunities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Public Diplomacy Partner Award

Winner: Lockheed Martin
Recognized for leadership in leveraging BridgeUSA to advance mutual understanding through professional exchange. Lockheed Martin has hosted more than 125 interns through CIEE, strengthening cross-cultural ties within the aerospace and defense industries.
CIEE BridgeUSA Local Community Support Award

Winner: Kathy Winfree, Summer Work Travel Community Liaison, Myrtle Beach Community Support Group
Celebrated for her tireless efforts to make Myrtle Beach a welcoming home for international students—connecting community leaders, coordinating safety orientations, and organizing cultural events.
CIEE BridgeUSA Leadership Award

Winner: Matt Eckert, President & CEO, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (accepted by Brandon McGuiggan on his behalf)
Recognized for building a model host program that exemplifies leadership, hospitality, and cultural enrichment.
CIEE BridgeUSA Cultural Development Award

Winner: Old Orchard Beach Collection, Lafayette Hotel Group
Honored for fostering inclusivity and meaningful cultural programming, including innovative partnerships and community initiatives that deepen participants’ connection to place and purpose.
CIEE BridgeUSA Individual Contributor Champion Award

Winner: Amy Therien, Vice President, People Operations, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Recognized for her exceptional personal leadership and advocacy for BridgeUSA—speaking at national events, mentoring participants, and ensuring exceptional exchange experiences across multiple properties.
CIEE BridgeUSA Democracy at Work Video Award

Winner: Carol Cecilia
Recognized for her inspiring video that captures the spirit of democracy and cultural exchange in action through the BridgeUSA experience