The Marlene M. Johnson Innovation Challenge for U.S.-Cuba, Caribbean, and Central American Academic Mobility was sponsored by NAFSA: Association of International Educators in recognition of Executive Director and CEO Marlene M. Johnson’s commitment and dedication to international education. Marlene’s public policy leadership resulted in NAFSA becoming a founding partner in the 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative and is marked by innovation and forward thinking about how to provide greater access and opportunities for international education to students around the world. This competition is a fitting tribute to her dedication to increasing and diversifying study abroad and her commitment to strengthening relations within the Americas through international education. Through her leadership, NAFSA has grown to be the world’s largest membership organization dedicated to international education with over 10,000 members worldwide and is a recognized leader on policy issues that impact the field.
“NAFSA is delighted to honor Marlene’s remarkable career in international education by doing our part to help strengthen vital partnerships between academic institutions in the Western Hemisphere. We have full confidence that these programs will help students gain the global competencies they need to reach across borders and become globally engaged leaders.”
– Esther D. Brimmer, NAFSA Executive Director and CEO
