2026 International Exchange Conference Award Winners
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Great exchange experiences don’t just happen. They’re made possible by people and organizations committed to making BridgeUSA the best it can be.
This week, global exchange leaders came together in Washington, D.C., for the 3rd annual CIEE International Education Conference (IEC) to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the impact of BridgeUSA. On Tuesday, the IEC Awards put a well-deserved spotlight on members of the global BridgeUSA community whose excellence, innovation, and impact help make these programs possible.
Meet this year’s honorees.
CIEE BridgeUSA Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Karen Ward of Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State
Recognized for 35 years of service with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), she is a true thought leader who has helped shape the BridgeUSA program into the impactful program it is today.
CIEE BridgeUSA Public Diplomacy Partner Award
Winner: Big Cedar Lodge (MO), accepted by Julia Garcia and Mariah Ingle
Honored for creating meaningful professional and cultural experiences that help CIEE participants feel welcomed, supported, and connected to their communities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Legacy of Exchange Award
Winner: Travelingua, accepted by Patrick Martinez
Recognized for more than 20 years of expanding opportunity, building cross-cultural understanding, and helping thousands of young people experience international exchange.
CIEE BridgeUSA Growth & Partnership Award
Winner: CTI Group Worldwide Services, accepted by Robert Upchurch and Eduardo Ferraz
Commended for driving growth in the CIEE BridgeUSA Intern program and connecting high-quality participants with valuable professional opportunities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Crossroads Champion Award
Winner: Hollywood Pictures LLC, accepted by Olga Smith
Celebrated for using One World Crossroads more than any other host to expand work opportunities for Summer Work Travel participants.
CIEE BridgeUSA Participant Quality & Success Award
Winner: Speedwing Asia, accepted by Marina Seet
Recognized for more than two decades of excellence, building strong university partnerships and creating successful exchange experiences for participants, hosts, and communities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Leadership Award
Winner: Stein Collection (UT), accepted by Jackie Adragna
Celebrated for a long-standing commitment to helping BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel and Intern participants learn, grow, and thrive in luxury hospitality.
CIEE BridgeUSA Leadership Award
Winner: The Broadmoor (CO), accepted by Alex Gaviño and Maggie Gaudio
Recognized for setting the standard in international hospitality training, creating world-class learning opportunities for Summer Work Travel and Internship participants.
CIEE BridgeUSA Community Impact Award
Winner: Laurel Sapp, High School Local Coordinator (ID)
Honored for more than 20 years of bringing people together through cultural exchange, placing more than 240 participants and building welcoming communities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Cultural Development Award
Winner: Aramark Destinations, accepted by Amanda Young and Patrick McLoone
Recognized for bringing cultural exchange beyond the workplace through activities that connect participants with their community and surroundings.
CIEE BridgeUSA Individual Contributor Champion Award
Winner: Maggie Zeman of Wilderness Resort (WI)
Celebrated for creating cultural and community experiences that help BridgeUSA participants connect, explore, and experience life beyond the workplace.
CIEE BridgeUSA Cultural Connector Award
Winner: Experiment e.V., accepted by Bettina Wiedmann
Celebrated for helping students arrive prepared, engaged, and ready to build meaningful connections with their host families, schools, and communities.
CIEE BridgeUSA Alumni Impact Award
Winner: Pinar Caglar, Türkiye, BridgeUSA High School Participant
Commended for turning challenges into opportunities and using her global experiences to champion inclusion, accessibility, and cultural exchange.
CIEE BridgeUSA “Democracy at Work” Video Contest Award
Winner: Chun-Lin Lin, Taiwan, BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Participant with ExplorUS Crater Lake
Celebrated for creative, authentic storytelling that captured the friendships, discoveries, and everyday moments that make an experience abroad unforgettable.