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October 19-22, 2023 | Denver, Colorado
The 46th Annual Conference, themed “Our Responsibility for a Better World,” was a resounding success, drawing over 300 dedicated attendees. The event, held in Denver, Colorado, from October 19 to 22, 2023, showcased 130 enlightening presentations that spanned various formats, including roundtable discussions, poster presentations, general sessions, and impactful plenary sessions.
Fueled by the Fulbright spirit and a shared commitment to global betterment, the conference focused on critical issues. Delegates passionately addressed topics such as Climate Change & the Environment, Social Justice & Prejudice, Health & Education, and Food & Water Insecurity. These discussions aimed to contribute to ongoing global efforts to drive positive change in these vital areas.
Throughout the event, Fulbrighters from diverse backgrounds and experiences came together, sharing insights, research findings, and practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The collective dedication to making the world a better place was evident in every session and presentation.
The 46th Annual Conference not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also ignited a sense of shared responsibility among attendees. It served as a reminder that, as Fulbrighters on a continued mission, they have a crucial role to play in building a brighter and more equitable future for all.
View Photos and Watch all Plenaries
Julieanna L. Richardson has a diverse background in theatre, television production, and the cable television industry that created a unique path to founding the largest effort to record the African American experience since the WPA Slave Narratives of the 1930s. Founded in 2000, The HistoryMakers is a national, 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution headquartered in Chicago committed to preserving, developing and providing easy access to an internationally recognized, archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories.
Richardson discussed the importance of preserving Black history and the challenges faced in doing so. She highlighted the erasure of Black history and emphasized the need to tell diverse stories within the community. Richardson also touched on issues like colorism, the impact of critical race theory bans, and the importance of education in understanding the complexities of Black history. Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic about the potential for change. The keynote emphasized the richness of individual and community stories and the urgency of preserving and correcting historical narratives.
The panel, moderated by Heather Godsmark, discussed critical issues like climate change, food insecurity, and water insecurity. It featured participants – Counselor Clinton White from USAID, Erin Pulling, CEO of the Food Bank of the Rockies, Senator Michael Bennett, and Mike Krueger, President of the Colorado Solar Storage Association. Senator Bennett emphasized Colorado’s challenges due to droughts, wildfires, and climate change. He discussed the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act, a significant climate legislation, highlighting Colorado’s potential to lead in renewable energy. Mike Krueger added insights on the state’s solar industry. The panel expressed hope for a sustainable future.
Firstly, the panel stressed the significance of addressing food insecurity and supporting organizations like food banks. Secondly, they emphasized the importance of inspiring and involving young people in tackling current challenges, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Encouraging them to pursue careers in trades and green industries can have a significant impact on our transition to a more sustainable future. Lastly, they advocated for the promotion of trade education and the inclusion of community colleges in discussions about workforce development. Overall, the panel highlighted the need for empathy, community engagement, and a long-term perspective when addressing complex issues.
Visiting the Home Country of a Partner as a Fulbright Scholar
Eric Olson — Metropolitan State University of DenverWe built a secondary school in rural Uganda!
Judy Shepherd — Retired (University of Alaska Fairbanks, San Diego State University)How my Fulbright experience launched a green alternative protein company
Kathleen Hefferon — Cornell University
Humanitarian Disasters and the Power of Community Resilience in West Africa
Karen Barton — University of Northern ColoradoOffering a new perspective in Ireland during the #BlackLivesMatter movement
Kimberly Reyes — University of Nebraska–LincolnOtherness and Identification through the Fulbright Experience
Anne Crylen — DePaul University
The 2023 Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture celebrated the Selma Jean Cohen Fund for International Scholarship on Dance, honoring dance historian Selma Jean Cohen’s contributions. The fund, established in 2000, supports international dance endeavors, emphasizing Cohen’s experience in Russia. The lecture featured Tria Blu Wakpa, an assistant professor specializing in decolonizing dance studies at UCLA. Her research centers on indigenous peoples’ engagement with various movement forms. She discussed the significance of indigenous dance as a decolonial practice, its spiritual aspects, resistance, sovereignty, community building, and its role in nurturing relationships between humans and the natural world. The lecture emphasized the diverse and dynamic nature of native dances within the US.
In the second part of the lecture, the focus shifts to a workshop on North American hand talk, highlighting its international and decolonial significance. North American hand talk, often misunderstood as a sign language only used by indigenous people with disabilities, is actually a common language in Native America. It has served intertribal and intratribal communication purposes, bridging language barriers in diplomacy, trade, and more. The workshop emphasizes the inclusivity and cultural importance of hand talk. It also explores the historical context of Native American hand talk, exemplified by the silent film “Buffalo Dance,” where Lakota dancers incorporated hand talk into their performance. The lecture ends with a land acknowledgement in North American hand talk, promoting respect for indigenous lands, culture, and people.
The panel, moderated by Stacey Nickson, discussed social justice, health & education. It featured participants – Senadora Julie Gonzales, Senator for Senate Dist. 34, Lucille A. Echohawk, Advisor & Advocate for Denver’s Native Community, Dr. Kristin Deal, Assistant Vice Chancellor for DEI Partnerships & Operations, DU, and Tom Gonzales, MPH Public Health Director for Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE).
The panel discussed how Fulbrighters, with their diverse experiences, can bridge gaps in social justice, public health, and education. They should leverage their cross-cultural insights to foster global dialogue on equity issues. In public health, their international knowledge can address local disparities and advocate for evidence-based policies. In education, they can promote inclusive practices and cross-cultural understanding. Fulbrighters are catalysts for change, using their unique experiences to bridge divides, promote equity, and drive positive social change in their host communities and beyond.
The panel discussion explored challenges in the digital age, where traditional authority figures have lost influence, and civil society groups must adapt to engage in the information war. Senator Julie Gonzales highlighted the difficulty of open debate due to social media’s impact on politics. She emphasized fostering relationships and facilitating tough conversations. In education, she discussed the need to re-imagine higher education to promote diversity and critical thinking. Speakers advocated for inclusivity in schools and expanding voting rights for incarcerated individuals. The discussion urged attendees to engage in politics, consider policy outcomes, and prioritize justice and equity in policymaking.
Outstanding Chapter Leader Award
Julia Totskaya
South Florida Chapter
Outstanding Former Chapter Leader Award
Ruie Pritchard
North Carolina Chapter
Programming of the Year Award
Minnesota Chapter
Virtual Program of the Year Award
New Hampshire Chapter’s
Genocide Webinar Series
Excellence in Diversity Award
Fulbrighters with Disabilities Chapter
Excellence in Advocacy Award
Glen Harrison
Arkansas Chapter
Excellence in Service Award
Colorado Chapter
Autism Society of Colorado is a non-profit serving Autistic individuals and their support networks in Colorado. Through our online groups we provide people the opportunities to connect with others in a virtual environment. Our social meetup groups give people a chance to come together and build community with others while enjoying some fun at various locations. We have an information and referral line which connects people to different resources to allow them to live their best lives. We connect families and support networks through various sensory friendly events throughout the community. Our newest program invites people to take care of their medical needs through sensory sensitive vaccine clinics. All of this for free or low cost to our members and their support network. Want to get connected?
autismcolorado.org
The World Is Your Classroom
Business knows no boundaries and your Daniels education follows suit. You’re encouraged—in some degree programs, required—to explore the world in order to experience the complexities, challenges and rewards of global business firsthand.
https://daniels.du.edu
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public -private partnerships.
https://eca.state.gov/
Want to maximize your Fulbright local community impact? At Hivebrite our mission is to drive organic connections and create a positive impact for communities through a highly customizable community engagement platform.
Hivebrite is today hosting Fulbrighter – an exclusive online community including more than 30 000 Fulbright alumni and grantees from across the world. Come speak to us to learn how to amplify your engagement objectives!
Access the Fulbrighter App
https://hivebrite.io/
For over two centuries Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life’s moments. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well.
The company’s commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities, and the environment is reflected in Our Imprint and our 2025 sustainability targets.
https://www.molsoncoors.com/
Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. We are committed to high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art research and creative activity, and collaborative engagement with our local and global communities.
https://www.fiu.edu
The Power of Human Connection
The Peace Corps brings together skilled, committed Volunteers with welcoming host communities for service opportunities in more than 60 countries.
Volunteers live and work side by side with community members on locally prioritized projects, building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations.
https://www.peacecorps.gov/
Auburn has a special legacy in serving the community beyond campus through Outreach. For more than a century, Auburn University’s outreach and engagement mission has been partnering with communities, businesses, schools and government to help people meet their educational goals and to improve quality of life all across our state.
https://auburn.edu/outreach/
Rice Global provides strategic direction to Rice University on its global strategy and operations, furthers international research priorities and alliances, and contributes to a better world. Rice has developed a select number of international academic partnerships in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas that advance the frontiers of knowledge in key research areas. The new Rice Global Paris Center, located in Le Marais, acts as the hub of Rice in Europe.
https://global.rice.edu/
At United, we’re all about connecting people, uniting the world and serving our communities nonstop. Learn how we’re taking an active role in our global citizenship and how you can too.
Every Action Counts is our pledge to put our people and our planes to work for the greater good. From leading employee volunteer events to helping with relief efforts around the world, we’re there for the communities where we live, work and fly. Together, we can protect the environment, promote inclusion, give aid to communities in need and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
https://www.united.com
USF World leads the University of South Florida’s involvement in the international arena engaging with the world and in the world. Its goals work to promote a global culture at USF, globalize student success, enhance global initiatives within the university, and deepen global engagement.
https://www.usf.edu/world/
Have an idea to help solve a world problem? Or know students who do? Learn about Wege Prize: an international, team-based interdisciplinary design competition for college students based on the circular economy. Apply with a “wicked problem”, propose a circular solution, receive feedback from experts, and compete for the chance at a $65k cash prize pool.
https://www.wegeprize.org
Penn State World Campus provides an accessible, quality Penn State education online to address the needs of individuals who seek a higher education beyond the traditional campus experience. Access to adaptive curriculum, renowned faculty, a global student body, research opportunities, and the world’s largest alumni network allows our students to thrive in an online environment.
The Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the Harvard Graduate School of Education offer unrivaled opportunities for those passionate about education at all levels to make an impact on the field. Whether you work in a school, university, nonprofit, government or startup, HGSE has a program to prepare you to become the kind of leader education needs. Fulbright alumni can receive application fee waivers to most programs by introducing themselves here.
The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences enriches lives by promoting discovery, diversity, and inclusion, facilitating transformational experiences, and fostering peace through education.
Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs a professional school focused on training a new generation of leaders to tackle the world’s most daunting challenges by crafting thoughtful, evidence-based policy solutions. The school prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master’s program in public policy in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs, and undergraduate major in global affairs.
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