Leading Change in Global Internships Partner Awards
Authored By:
At the 14th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference held in Tallinn, Estonia, CIEE celebrated the organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond to expand access to transformative internships, foster cross-cultural understanding, and prepare the next generation of global leaders.
Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President of BridgeUSA Programs at CIEE, and Carye Duffin, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at CIEE, presented awards to outstanding CIEE partners for their support of BridgeUSA Internships.
"Every international exchange begins with a connection, a welcome, an opportunity to build bridges between cultures through partnership," said Duffin. "BridgeUSA brings people together through the power of cultural exchange. It opens doors to new ideas, new perspectives, and new possibilities. Our partners do more than create exchange opportunities, they help shape future leaders, global careers, and lifelong understanding."
Host Employer Award: Skanska, represented by Paul Pedini
Skanska was honored for its commitment to mentoring international interns and creating meaningful professional development opportunities through cultural exchange.
Host Employer Award: Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), represented by Geysha Gonzalez
CEPA was honored for providing impactful international internship experiences that strengthen global collaboration and foster emerging talent in policy and international affairs.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Jānis Kreics
Jānis Kreics was recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership and carrying forward the mission of cultural exchange through his professional achievements and community impact.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė
Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė was honored for exemplifying the lasting impact of cultural exchange through her leadership, innovation, and continued engagement in advancing international understanding.
BridgeUSA International Agent Award: Experience Abroad and founder Wing Salo.
Experience Abroad and its founder Wing Salo were recognized for the organization's exceptional work identifying, preparing, and supporting students for international internship opportunities, helping expand access to transformative global experiences.
Patrick Moran, Senior Vice President of College Study Abroad at CIEE, and Allison Moroney, Executive Director of Institutional Relations for College Study Abroad at CIEE, presented awards to outstanding CIEE partners for their support of global internships.
"Study Abroad begins with relationships, including trust and a shared vision," said Moran. "Our partners open the world to students through innovative academic programs, immersive real-world experiences, and greater access. We recognize those leading the way."
Top Innovator in Internships Award: University of Texas at Austin, represented by Cynthia Aguilar
UT Austin was recognized for its leadership in integrating global internship experiences into engineering education and creating new pathways for student engagement abroad.
Top Sender in Internships Award: Arizona State University, represented by Safali Patel
Arizona State University was recognized for its sustained commitment to expanding global internship opportunities and supporting student success through international experiential learning.
Top Host Employer Award: International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS), represented by Kadri Laar
ICDS was honored for providing high-level internship experiences in Estonia's defense and security sector, offering students valuable mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Distinguished Alumni Award: John Paul Martinez, University of Florida, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, CIEE Tallinn Alum
John Paul studied and interned in Tallinn where he had the opportunity to engage in a unique one on one mentorship and research opportunity with some of the most senior people in Estonia, focused on conducting intelligence and security research.