Introducing the 2026 McCarry Leadership Awardees
Madeline Keating
Senior Program Specialist, AFS-USA
Madeline Keating is a Senior Program Specialist at AFS-USA. In this role, she oversees recruitment, selection, and on-program participant support for the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program across a portfolio of counties in South and Southeast Asia. Since joining the organization as an intern in 2018, Madeline has contributed to many of AFS-USA’s international and domestic programs, including the Future Leaders Exchange and American Leadership Experience programs.
Madeline became passionate about international education through her participation in the U.S. Department of State’s Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program. She expanded her appreciation for intercultural learning while earning her BA in European and Mediterranean Studies from New York University in Italy, New York, and the Czech Republic.
“I am so honored to receive the McCarry Leadership Award, and I am grateful to the Alliance for this meaningful recognition. My own exchange experience transformed my worldview, and I feel so fortunate to play a role in creating impactful intercultural experiences for this generation of students. Working in the international exchange field has given me the opportunity to see the power of these experiences from a new perspective, and I am excited to continue learning, growing, and contributing to this field alongside my fellow McCarry Leadership Awardees.”
Shelbey Keegan
Associate Director, Center for Global Leadership, Meridian International Center
Shelbey Keegan is an Associate Director at Meridian International Center, where she oversees the Center for Global Leadership’s initiatives for multinational emerging and mid-career leaders, including the ECA Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) and U.S. Congress – ROK National Assembly Exchange Program. Her work focuses on building the capacity of rising global leaders to amplify their impact and creating pathways for sustained alumni engagement. With a decade of experience in globally focused nonprofits, Shelbey is grateful for the opportunity to learn from thousands of visitors from around the world and to collaborate with inspiring colleagues at Meridian, university partners, ECA, and other exchange organizations. Her own participation in international exchange as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan has shaped her belief that deeper understanding, and therefore stronger leadership, grows through human connection.
“I am deeply grateful to the Alliance and Meridian for their support and honored to be named a 2026 McCarry Leadership Award recipient. International exchange and education abroad have been instrumental in shaping my professional journey, and I am privileged to spend my day-to-day supporting emerging leaders at pivotal moments in their development while fostering meaningful community. I look forward to continuing to learn from the Alliance network, advocating for these important programs, and amplifying our collective impact.”
Gabby Stall
External Affairs Associate, Global Ties U.S.
Gabby Stall is an External Affairs Associate at Global Ties U.S., where she works with the 70+ member organizations of the Global Ties Network as they implement a wide variety of international exchange and public diplomacy programs. Her work supports Network advocacy, external events, and editorial content that highlight the positive impact of international exchange programs in communities across the United States and their role in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities. Gabby joined the Global Ties U.S. team full-time in 2025 after serving as a Communications Intern. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Gabby's connection to the Global Ties Network began as an intern with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member organization. Here she witnessed firsthand the impact of international exchange at the community level. She earned a master's degree in Global Communication from The George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of North Texas.
“It is an honor to be selected as a 2026 McCarry Leadership Award recipient. Having witnessed the impact of international exchange firsthand, from my local community to the global stage, I am continually inspired by its power to foster mutual understanding and strengthen relationships across cultures. I am excited for the opportunity to learn from my peers, further develop my skills as an exchange professional, and connect with others who share a deep commitment to the transformative impact of these programs.”
