Fellowship, Leadership, Legacy — The 2024–2025 Humphrey Fellows
AUWCL Honors 2024–2025 Humphrey Fellows at Certificate Ceremony
On April 17, 2025, the American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) hosted the Certificate Ceremony for the 2024–2025 cohort of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, marking the culmination of a powerful year of academic enrichment, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange.
Held in Claudio Grossman Hall, the event honored ten exceptional mid-career professionals from nine countries, who spent the past academic year at AUWCL deepening their expertise in law, human rights, leadership development, and governance under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Professor Padideh Ala’i, Director of the Humphrey Fellowship Program. She reflected on the fellows’ resilience, intellectual generosity, and collaborative spirit over the past year, noting that their work had left a lasting impression on the AUWCL community.
Following this, Kelsi Ward, Branch Chief of the Humphrey Fellowship and Institutional Linkages at the U.S. Department of State, delivered remarks that recognized the Fellows as powerful change agents and thanked them for their courage, curiosity, and commitment to public service.
“The strength of this program lies not only in what you learn academically, but in what you teach us through your presence, your advocacy, and your lived experience,” she said. “You are the global leaders who will shape justice, policy, and peace across borders.”
Her remarks served as a reminder that the Humphrey Fellowship is not just a professional development initiative, but a living exchange—one that transforms both the Humphrey Fellows and the communities they engage in. Kelsi’s words reinforced the idea that the program's real power lies in mutual growth and the enduring relationships it cultivates.
Tributes and Program Reflections
Professor Rebecca Hamilton, who served as Acting Program Director during the first half of the academic year in Professor Ala’i’s Fall 2024 semester sabbatical, offered personal reflections and read a moving tribute from Anne Howard-Tristani, niece of the late Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey.
“You are all agents of change, and this program is a tribute to those who believe that global peace and progress come through exchange, understanding, and bold leadership,” Anne wrote in her message.
Rebecca Hamilton echoed this sentiment in her own remarks, noting that the Fellows brought not only professional excellence, but human connection, moral clarity, and a shared sense of purpose to AUWCL. Her words highlighted the spirit of community that the Fellows created together and reminded the audience that impact begins with relationships.
Amy Nemith, Program Manager for the Humphrey Fellowship Program at the Institute of International Education (IIE), also shared remarks, offering congratulations and encouraging the fellows to remain engaged with the global alumni network of over 6,000 leaders.
A Voice for the Cohort
The highlight of the afternoon came as Claude-Winnie Pefolé of Cameroon delivered a moving speech on behalf of her cohort. A magistrate and human rights advocate, Claude-Winnie reflected on the year’s challenges and triumphs, speaking with eloquence, vulnerability, and strength.
“Justice is not built by rules alone, but also by empathy,” she said. “We were a constellation of souls—each shining in our own way, yet brighter together.”
She paid tribute to the unique bonds formed within the cohort and the unwavering support from faculty, professional affiliation hosts, community mentors, and program staff reflecting on the year they had shared, saying:
“We were immersed in research, advocacy, and the pursuit of justice—not only in classrooms, but in courtrooms, communities, and conversations that challenged us to grow.”
She closed by reminding her peers:
“Our worth must never be defined by others, because what is given freely can often cost us the most.”
Awarding of Certificates and Recognition
Professor Ala’i then led the awarding of certificates, recognizing each Fellow for their leadership, academic excellence, and contributions to the AUWCL and Washington, D.C. communities. Families, faculty, and friends joined in celebration as each Fellow took the stage.
Special recognition was given to Assistant Program Director Ms. Karin Edwards and Program Assistant Naana Bruce for their outstanding support throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
As the Fellows return to Brazil, Cameroon, China, Georgia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Serbia, and Slovakia, they leave with more than just certificates. They carry the values of justice, empathy, and shared purpose – and join a global community committed to building more just and humane societies.
“This is not only an ending, but also a beginning,” Claude-Winnie said. “It is now our responsibility to become messengers of humanity.”
The AUWCL community is proud to have accompanied these extraordinary leaders on their journey and looks forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make across the world.