2008 National Awards For Citizen Diplomacy Honorees

On February 12, 2008, the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy presented its first National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy. This event was held in conjunction with the 2008 National Summit on Citizen Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. The 2008 Summit was co-sponsored by the Coalition for Citizen Diplomacy and the U.S. Center.

"It is not only the right, but the responsibility of every American to be a citizen diplomat, of the highest quality, for our communities and our country," said Harriet Mayor Fulbright, board member for the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy and the President of the J. William and Harriet Fulbright Center.

Recognition and engagement of citizen diplomats are two of the overarching goals of the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy. The National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy "expands the face" of Americans by refining America’s perception of a citizen diplomat, and is an opportunity to encourage and inspire others, as well as to recognize, honor, and benchmark exemplary work in the field.

2008 National Awards for Citizen Diplomacy Honorees

Anjali Bhatia, Kinnelon, New Jersey, founded Discover Worlds at the age of 16.The student-run non-profit organization sets up programs promoting relations between the U.S. and Rwanda. Now 19, Bhatia continues to work with at-risk youth and set up programs in Rwanda. Learn more about Anjali Bhatia.

Tarik Daoud, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a leader in business and philanthropy who promotes cross-cultural understanding through the International Visitor’s Council of Detroit. Daoud has led international delegations and demonstrated a commitment to community service and diplomacy overseas. Learn more about Tarik Daoud

Khris Nedam, Livonia, Michigan, is an elementary school teacher in Michigan who has taught in France, Turkey and Afghanistan. Nedam emphasizes world class citizenship and encourages students to research and investigate different cultures through cross-country collaborations. Learn more about Khris Nedam.

Greg Mortenson, Bozeman, Montana, is the co-founder of the Central Asia Institute and "Pennies for Peace." Mortenson has raised funds to build 64 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan and has helped 25,000 children. He is co-author of The New York Times best seller, "Three Cups of Tea." Learn more about Greg Mortenson.

Jillian H. Poole, Arlington, Virginia, is the founder of the Fund for Arts and Culture which provides assistance in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and assistance to international arts and cultural institutions supporting efforts to adjust to the free-market economy. Learn more about Jillian H. Poole.

Donna Tabor, Granada, Nicaragua, works with Building New Hope, a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together they’ve raised funds to start a school. Tabor has rallied volunteers and opened her home to street children in Nicaragua feeding them, teaching them to read and providing medical care when needed. Learn more about Donna Tabor.