The Global Ties U.S. Citizen Diplomat Award honors outstanding individuals and institutions in the United States who showcase American excellence and make a signature contribution to the powerful positive impact of exchange programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the United States. Awardees are recognized as exceptional citizen diplomats, who are motivated by a commitment to the exchange of ideas and expertise that strengthens U.S. communities and furthers the cause of international understanding.
Nominees may be drawn broadly from many areas of society, such as arts and culture; science and technology; government service; nonprofit leadership; business; and education.
Who can nominate: Any current or former staff member associated with the Global Ties Network -- CBM, NPA, the Office of International Visitors, as well as any Liaison / Interpreter working on IVLP projects -- are invited to nominate outstanding resources and volunteers from their communities supporting the IVLP. Representatives from Global Ties U.S. and the U.S. Department of State will select the awardee. Please note the selection criteria below.
Award Presentation: The awardee will be notified by mid-December 2025 of their selection. The award will be presented at the Global Ties U.S. 2026 National Meeting in Washington, D.C. The recipient will attend in person and be invited to give ~8-10 minute remarks, likely during the lunchtime plenary on Thursday, February 19.
Deadline for submissions: Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact NationalMeeting@GlobalTiesUS.org
Selection Criteria
As we recognize America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we want to especially celebrate U.S. citizens who work to build international connections for U.S. cities and communities and possess a strong sense of service. You should seek out Community-Based Member and National Program Agency resources and volunteers who:
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Showcase American excellence through their profession and in furthering the cause of international understanding and global engagement.
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Embody and reflect the values of service upheld by the Global Ties Network.
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Has had a demonstrable, positive impact within and beyond their local community.
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Will share an inspiring and positive message with the Global Ties Network and the broader international exchange and public diplomacy field during the 2026 National Meeting.
Please refrain from nominating individuals who work within the Global Ties Network for this category (i.e., at a CBM, NPA, or as an Interpreter or Liaison). Instead, please consider nominating them for a 2026 Global Ties Network Honor.
Past Citizen Diplomat Award Recipients
2025: Danie Van Sant, Director of Disability Policy at The Harkin Institute
2024: Rid-All Green Partnerships
2023: Justin Powell, Executive Director of the Salt Lake City youth humanitarian organization Youthlinc
2022 - Susan Sygall, CEO and co-founder, Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and Life Pieces to Masterpieces
2020 - Dave Fortier - President, One World Strong Foundation (OWS)
2019 - Arno Michaelis & Pardeep Singh Kaleka - Serve2Unite
2018 - Mohamed Amin Ahmed - Founder, Average Mohamed
2017 - Clifton L. Taulbert - CEO, The Freemount Corporation
2016 - Seth Goldman - Co-Founder and TeaEO Emeritus, Honest Tea
2015 - Richard C. Morais - Author, The Hundred-Foot Journey