American University Washington College of Law hosted a special certificate ceremony recognizing the remarkable achievements of the 2024-2025 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows. These accomplished mid-career professionals from across the globe have spent the past academic year at AUWCL strengthening their leadership skills, deepening their legal expertise, and forging powerful international partnerships.

The event featured warm and inspiring remarks from Professor Padideh Ala’i, director of the Humphrey Fellowship Program at AUWCL, who emphasized the fellows’ impact on the campus community and their dedication to justice, human rights, and inclusive development.

Additional speakers included Kelsi Word, branch chief at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Professor Rebecca Hamilton, who also read a moving congratulatory letter from Anne Howard-Tristani, niece of the late Senator Hubert H. Humphrey; and Amy Nemith, program manager with the Institute of International Education. Their messages collectively underscored the global importance of legal exchange and collaborative leadership.

Representing the cohort, Claude-Winnie Pefole of Cameroon offered heartfelt reflections on the transformative journey the Fellows experienced—highlighting themes of empowerment, human rights, shared learning, and professional growth.

AUWCL is proud to host the only human rights law-focused Humphrey Fellowship Program in the United States. The 2024-2025 cohort includes professionals from Brazil, Cameroon, China, Georgia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Serbia, and Slovakia—each of whom brought a unique perspective to the study and advancement human rights and of the rule of law.

As the Fellows return to their home countries, they carry forward a shared mission of justice, equity, and cross-cultural understanding that embodies the spirit of the Humphrey Fellowship.

See event photos here.