This year’s Fulbright Association Annual Conference brought together hundreds of members and leaders from across the country, and one of the most inspiring moments of the event was our Chapter and Interest Group Awards Ceremony.
As Fiona Breslin, Assistant Director for Membership and Administration, shared in her opening remarks, “This is always one of my favorite moments of the conference – an opportunity to spotlight our incredible chapters and interest groups who, as many of you already know, are the lifeblood of our community.”
Before the conference began, more than 50 local chapter and online interest leaders gathered for a day of leadership training and connection, representing communities from Illinois to Wyoming, New Jersey to Texas, and even all the way from Hawaii. Their dedication and creativity are what make the Fulbright community thrive year after year.
As a token of appreciation, the Fulbright Association proudly recognized several chapters and interest groups, and their leaders, whose exceptional service, creativity, and advocacy have strengthened our shared mission.
Outstanding Leader Award
Mrinalini Watson, India Interest Group
Mrinalini Watson, President of the Fulbright India Interest Group, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication in her first year leading a fully virtual chapter.
Under her guidance, the group has achieved remarkable milestones – from the Fulbright Film Festival 2025 featuring nine Fulbrighter films, to the Women in Film 2025 program highlighting directors Aparna Sen and Deepa Mehta, with an in-person component in Mumbai.
Mrinalini’s foresight, creativity, and commitment to building a sustainable foundation for future leaders embody the Fulbright spirit of advancing mutual understanding.
Outstanding Former Leader Award
Dr. Sally Gregory Kohlstedt, Minnesota Chapter
Dr. Sally Gregory Kohlstedt, Professor Emerita at the University of Minnesota and former Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter, has spent decades advancing the Fulbright mission through her scholarship, mentorship, and service.
From her own fellowships in Australia and New Zealand to her years mentoring scholars and reviewing applications, Dr. Kohlstedt’s leadership has made a lasting impact. Within the Minnesota Chapter, she has spearheaded initiatives like the Fulbright Book Club, Friendsgiving, and the Ukraine Photo Exhibit, enriching chapter engagement and fostering community.
Her career exemplifies the Fulbright values of exchange, learning, and service.
(Award accepted on her behalf by Minnesota Board Member Mary Stanton.)
Program of the Year Award
“Harmony and Reflections”, Massachusetts Chapter
Hosted at the Harvard Musical Association, “Harmony and Reflections” was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression within the Fulbright community.
The spring concert and exhibition featured live music, visual art, photography, and storytelling, highlighting Fulbrighters’ global journeys and shared experiences. Attendees enjoyed cultural foods, networking, and inspiring performances that showcased the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange.
(Award accepted by Massachusetts Board Member Sema Aygar.)
Virtual Programming of the Year Award
Community Colleges Chapter
Launched less than two years ago, this remarkable network has already built a vibrant community of hundreds of members with representation across Maryland, Minnesota, Texas, Washington, D.C., Oregon, New York, and beyond.
Through initiatives like Fulbright in the Curriculum and the Alumni Spotlight Series, the group has created accessible, inclusive spaces that connect Fulbrighters worldwide. Their outreach to community colleges has further expanded awareness that Fulbright opportunities are truly open to all.
Excellence in Community Building Award
North Dakota Chapter
The North Dakota Chapter has strengthened connections between the Fulbright Association and the local community through an innovative K-12 educational outreach program in Grand Forks.
By engaging high school language and American Government students, the chapter introduced young people to the power of cultural exchange, citizen diplomacy, and Fulbright opportunities. These efforts have fostered meaningful community connections and inspired the next generation of globally minded leaders.
(Award accepted by North Dakota Board Member Divine Tarla.)
Excellence in Advocacy Award
Colorado Chapter
Despite the distance from Washington, D.C., the Colorado Chapter has excelled in advocacy, meeting with multiple members of Congress and engaging local Fulbrighters in meaningful policy outreach.
Their thoughtful, strategic, and inclusive approach has advanced Fulbright’s mission and inspired other chapters to embed advocacy into their culture.
(Award accepted by Colorado Board Member Lee Mottola.)
Excellence in Service Award
Greater Los Angeles Chapter
The Greater Los Angeles Chapter has shown exceptional dedication to community service and adaptability. When local fires disrupted their planned event to support a transitional housing shelter, they pivoted to assemble care packages for the Red Cross instead—demonstrating flexibility and compassion in action.
The chapter also organized multigenerational engagement events and collaborations with organizations like NoHo Home Alliance, reinforcing the Fulbright mission of service and understanding.
(Award accepted by Dr. Jill Humphries on behalf of the chapter.)
A Community That Inspires
In closing, Fiona shared:
“For those of you not yet connected to your chapter or interest group, I hope this inspired you to reach out and get involved. Not only do they keep our organization going at the local level, but they are such an important resource for learning, networking, connection – and, of course, fun – for so many Fulbrighters.”
The Fulbright Association extends heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and to every chapter, interest group, and leader working tirelessly to advance our shared mission of international understanding and collaboration.