AC Global Alumni

AC Global Alumni A community of American Councils’ alumni championing international education and understanding.

01/30/2025

American Councils for International Education is profoundly saddened by the tragic mid-air aviation accident over the Potomac River near Washington, DC. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.

As emergency responders continue their efforts, our hearts go out to the families, loved ones, and communities experiencing this tremendous loss, particularly our community here in Washington, DC. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.

With the support of a Grant, Ibrahim Lenguris '16 (Kenya) and his team empowered 76 girls in Lodokejek, Samburu, throu...
01/03/2025

With the support of a Grant, Ibrahim Lenguris '16 (Kenya) and his team empowered 76 girls in Lodokejek, Samburu, through a three-day workshop focusing on education and breaking harmful cultural norms. The girls left armed with knowledge to pursue personal growth and create lasting change in their communities. Read more here: https://www.yesprograms.org/stories/yes-alumni-grant-safeguard-samburu-girls-project

Congratulations to Ms. Laila Taik, TCLP alumna and cohort leader, for receiving the Leadership in Education & Innovation...
01/02/2025

Congratulations to Ms. Laila Taik, TCLP alumna and cohort leader, for receiving the Leadership in Education & Innovation Award from the Global Research Project! 🏆🌍 Laila presented her groundbreaking work on tech and sustainable development at the Singapore Conference in December '24.

On December 24, Neonila Lupu '24 (Moldova) spread holiday cheer by hosting a festive creative workshop for students wher...
12/30/2024

On December 24, Neonila Lupu '24 (Moldova) spread holiday cheer by hosting a festive creative workshop for students where participants designed holiday cards. They then shared who their cards were for and the meaningful stories behind them! Great work, Neonila, and happy holidays!

12/18/2024

In 2024, American Councils celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching the "50 Alumni for 50 Years" campaign, recognizing 50 of the most accomplished individuals from over 100,000 alumni of its administered programs. Among these distinguished alumni, American Councils proudly announces Ms. Elnura Osmonalieva, an alumna of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program, as an inaugural international recipient of the David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award.

Elnura has built a notable career as both an educator and filmmaker. She co-created and directs the Bilimkana Schools network, overseeing 14 schools across Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan that provide Western-style education.

Through her dual roles in education and filmmaking, Elnura shapes young minds and inspires others. Her journey exemplifies how a single experience, such as her exchange year with the FLEX Program, can lead to a lifetime of purpose and impact.

“When I was striving to earn the Freedom Support Act (FSA) FLEX scholarship in the late 1990s, I could never have imagined the incredible journey that awaited me,” Elnura reflected. “Looking back 25 years later, I can confidently say it has been a truly life-changing experience. I accept this award with heartfelt gratitude.”

In 2025, American Councils will support Elnura with personalized professional development programs in Washington, DC. Stay tuned on Monday when we announce the other David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Award winner of 2024.

American Councils for International Education Kyrgyzstan FLEX Alumni Program FLEX Program AC Global Alumni

12/18/2024

Christina M. Wilson Wilson, American Councils' Country Representative for Senegal, fell in love with West Africa through the African Flagship Language Initiative (AFLI). While spending a year in Senegal in 2016, Christina became fluent in French and learned several local languages. These language skills and the experience of being immersed in a different culture have greatly aided Christina in her professional roles.

As the Country Director for American Councils' office in Dakar, Christina oversees a portfolio of programs including the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program and YES Abroad. Her office brings U.S. students to Senegal through the YES Abroad program, providing high schoolers with a similar experience to what Christina had with AFLI.

When asked why she is proud to work at American Councils, Christina shared: “International exchange fosters mutual respect and understanding, it creates connections that last a lifetime, and helps us all to learn from each other, creating a stronger, more interconnected world.”

American Councils for International Education Senegal

12/18/2024

For Dr. Thomas Jesús Garza, American Councils programs have been a transformative force throughout his nearly forty-year career. His journey began in 1982 on a 10-month graduate program at Moscow’s Pushkin Institute—an experience that solidified his commitment to Russian language pedagogy in his future academic endeavors. This early in-country exposure led Dr. Garza to pursue a career in language and cultural studies.

Today, Dr. Garza is an Associate Professor of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies and UT Regents’ and University Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Texas Language Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

12/18/2024

In 2015, as a recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), Mycal Ford embarked on a transformative journey that has shaped both his professional and personal trajectory. Immersed in Chinese culture, Mycal achieved fluency in Mandarin and gained a nuanced understanding of the social, cultural, and geopolitical dynamics of the region. This engagement set the foundation for a career bridging global challenges with cultural and linguistic expertise.

"Looking back, I realize that the CLS Program was a major steppingstone towards many of my professional achievements," Mycal reflects. "The CLS Program provided a rare opportunity for me to build deep cultural and linguistic expertise in a strategic global region, which ultimately set me apart from my peers."

Leveraging his newfound skills, Mycal launched his career at a risk intelligence data provider. There, he conducted research combatting illicit activities and transnational crimes. His fluency in Mandarin and regional expertise propelled him into public service as one of the top Sanctions Investigators with the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Currently, Mycal is a certified expert in anti-money laundering, regulatory compliance, and economic sanctions at one of the world's oldest and largest management consulting firms. Mycal leveraged his CLS experience as the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black professionals specializing in China-related issues. Mycal also serves on the American Councils Board of Trustees.

Mycal has been honored as an Aspen Fellow by the Aspen Institute, a Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Fellow by the Center for a New American Security, and a Black American National Security Next Generation Leader by the New America Foundation.

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program

12/13/2024

Klea Troka, a 2012 Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program alumna, has made an exceptional impact as a medical doctor and public health expert in the Republic of Albania.

As the Head of the Data Analysis & Statistics Sector at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, she leads a team dedicated to analyzing public health data to shape policy and improve healthcare across the country.

Reflecting on her exchange year with the YES program, Klea describes it as a pivotal experience. Shadowing an emergency doctor in the U.S. ignited her passion for healthcare and gave her a profound understanding of the value of helping others. “It was a journey of self-discovery,” she shares, “that taught me to trust myself and believe in all that I could achieve.” The resilience and determination Klea cultivated during her time abroad continue to inspire her professional path and commitment to service.

“Even now, as a professional analyzing health data and turning insights into recommendations to improve public health, I credit the YES program—and its continued support for alumni—for empowering me with confidence, public speaking skills, and a strong work ethic.”

In advising future participants of international exchange programs, Klea encourages youth participants to view their exchange experience as an opportunity for self-growth and discovery.

12/13/2024

Ndeye Maty Diop, a 2013 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program alumna and graduate of the African Leadership University, is leading change in her community through entrepreneurship and social impact initiatives.

As the Wekomkom Coordinating Manager at Concree, she leads a cross-functional team in developing innovative solutions for entrepreneurial support in . Through her role, she connects aspiring entrepreneurs to critical resources, helping them thrive and grow their ventures. In addition, Maty founded Leer Modest Wear, a clothing brand focused on promoting locally made products.

Looking back on her exchange year with the YES program, Maty speaks with gratitude. “My journey was filled with transformative opportunities, lifelong friendships, and invaluable mentors.” She credits the support of her mentors, her host mother and community in the US, and especially Nicole Dewing, whom she affectionately calls her “professional mom,” for inspiring her growth and belief in her abilities.

Beyond her professional roles, Maty has taken significant steps to foster open dialogue within her community. She initiated Taboo, a digital platform designed to address social issues often avoided in traditional discourse.

Maty also demonstrates her commitment to community impact through initiatives like the Ramadan Love, a campaign providing food kits and Iftar meals to vulnerable families in Dakar. The drive, which mobilized 20 alumni volunteers and raised over $1,000, distributed essential food supplies to families and served over 200 Iftars in the Medina Guounass area.


American Councils for International Education Senegal Youth Exchange and Study (YES) AC Global Alumni

12/13/2024

Kristin Hayden, an alumna of the ACTR, is a recognized social entrepreneur (Ashoka Fellow) and executive leader. For over 25 years, she has empowered youth to step into leadership roles on a global scale. As the founder of OneWorld Now!, a leadership program offering language, leadership, and study abroad opportunities to high school students, Kristin shares the transformative impact of international education with a new generation.

Kristin’s early international experiences shaped her career. She attended Macalester College for her undergraduate studies where she studied Russian just before the breakup of the Soviet Union. In 1990, Kristin participated in an ACTR program which immersed her in the Russian language and culture while living in Moscow. Her participation in an ACTR program paved the way for her first professional role, working with citizen diplomat Bob Walsh, the organizer of the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle, Washington.

“My experience studying abroad in Moscow definitely influenced my career,” Kristin shares. “My Russian language skills and experience in Moscow are what landed me that early professional opportunity.”

After living and working abroad in Moscow, Paris, London and Tbilisi for much of her 20s, Kristin returned to Seattle and founded OneWorld Now!. Her innovative approach to global education earned her recognition as an Ashoka Fellow. She then served as the Chief Partnership Officer at IGNITE and Interim CEO at ReflectUS.

Kristin continues to advocate for youth while serving as a Trustee on the Board of American Councils, completing a full circle in her journey.

AC Global Alumni

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Telephone

+12028337522

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AC Global Alumni posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to AC Global Alumni:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category