In partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International Center proudly announces the third cohort of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Awards Initiative. This year, 120 distinguished IVLP alumni from 101 countries have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to addressing global challenges through innovative community impact projects.
These awardees are spearheading initiatives that reflect the core values of IVLP—fostering global collaboration and tackling critical issues such as women’s empowerment, global entrepreneurship, countering violent extremism, combating disinformation, cybersecurity, environmental sustainability, strengthening democracies, and advancing STEM education. Awardees receive up to $5,000 USD in funding to bring their projects to life.
Impact
Since its inception in 2022, the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative has supported nearly 600 alumni worldwide, enabling them to implement projects that leverage the knowledge and connections gained during their U.S. exchange experience. These projects have strengthened the global IVLP network and driven lasting changes in communities across the globe.
This year, Global Ties Sacramento is proud to celebrate the achievements of seven IVLP alumni who have been honored with the 2024 Impact Awards. Here are their inspiring projects:
Meet Our 2024 IVLP Impact Awardees
Yohanan Yokamo (Ethiopia)
IVLP: Developing University Partnerships: Connecting African Universities with HBCUs (October 2023)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Strengthening Democracy and Promotion of Good Governance Bootcamp for Selected Young Leaders in Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia
Yohanan is leading a series of workshops on democratic governance in Ethiopia, aimed at educating youth leaders about democratic practices and human rights.
Osazee Isonarae (Nigeria)
IVLP: Advancing an Open, Reliable, and Secure Digital Economy (November 2023)
IVLP Impact Award Project: SafeCyber Community Initiative
Osazee is spearheading a cybersafety initiative in Nigeria, promoting cybersecurity and digital literacy for youth and small businesses through workshops and training sessions.
Valentina Battista (Italy)
IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Women Innovation Forum
Valentina is leading the Women Innovation Forum, a project designed to enhance female entrepreneurship by connecting women entrepreneurs with industry leaders and investors through a unique networking format.
Ivanovic (Croatia)
IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Future Crossroads: Youth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Ivan is running a youth entrepreneurship bootcamp in Croatia, helping high school students connect with mentors to develop and launch their own startups.
Jussi Leponiemi (Finland)
IVLP: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (January 2024)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Accelerating Technology Transfer from Research to Business in Northern Finland
Jussi is leading a project focused on tech transfer in Finland, bridging the gap between successful research and commercialization to foster innovation.
Lella Violet Halloum (United Kingdom)
IVLP: Promoting Inclusivity in STEAM (February 2024)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Full STEAM Ahead: Spark, Connect, Rise
Lella, a professional at IBM, is working to boost STEAM awareness and engagement in underserved UK communities through workshops, meetings, and roundtable discussions.
Anastasiia Klonova (Sweden)
IVLP: Promoting Inclusivity in STEAM (February 2024)
IVLP Impact Award Project: Spark – Empowering Youth in Underserved Communities through STEAM Workshops
Anastasiia is empowering underserved youth and refugee women in Sweden by providing STEAM-focused education through newsletters and after-school workshops.
These exceptional alumni are a testament to the power of international exchange and the lasting impact of the IVLP. Their work embodies the vision of the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative, creating solutions that inspire positive change worldwide.
