mccary leadership award

As the international exchange field continues to evolve, supporting its emerging leaders is essential for its growth and success. The McCarry Leadership Award promotes the professional development of emerging leaders in the U.S. exchange community by recognizing their contributions so far and creating new opportunities for them to gain leadership experience and build relationships.

Supporting Emerging Leaders in the Exchange Community

The award honors former Alliance Executive Director Michael McCarry’s commitment to opening doors for early career exchange professionals. Throughout his career, Michael has supported emerging leaders by providing opportunities to develop important skills, build connections, and advance in their careers. By recognizing individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and dedication to the field each year, the Alliance continues Michael’s commitment to developing the next generation of international exchange leaders.

2025 award cycle

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 McCarry Leadership Award! Each year, the Alliance selects three awardees who show promise in the international education and exchange field and demonstrate a desire to be an active community leader. Awardee candidates must work for an Alliance member organization and be nominated by their employer.

More information about award eligibility and requirements, as well as forms to submit a nomination package, is accessible through the Alliance Member Corner.

The deadline to submit a nomination package is Monday, August 11. Please reach out to info@alliance-exchange.org with any questions.

learn more and submit a nomination

What people are saying

Elizabeth Azeizat, In One Peace LLC

I found that those in the international education and exchange field are driven by the motivation to bridge gaps and foster connections locally and internationally. The McCarry Award serves as recognition, celebration, and endorsement of emerging leaders whose impactful contributions help shape the field. It encourages ongoing investment and development in these change-makers to further their impact.
Mallory Burton, Cultural Exchange Network (Cenet)

The McCarry Leadership Award is significant in our field because it recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting cultural exchange and international understanding. Awards like this highlight the importance of leadership in cultural exchanges, which play a crucial role in promoting global cooperation, and building bridges between cultures. Such recognition encourages others in the field to strive for excellence and innovation in their efforts to enhance cultural exchange programs worldwide.
Alison Gold, Gold Advisory

The McCarry Leadership Award deeply connected me to the industry I call home. When I received the award as a young professional, I had a much more limited view of the field— a small sliver of programming which my role focused on. After receiving the award and through continued attendance at the Alliance conference, I’ve developed a better understanding of the importance and value of the work we do. As a result of receiving the McCarry Leadership Award, I feel deeply committed to the field and inspired by its leaders, working toward a more peaceful world.
Kate Sanders, Meridian International Center

The McCarry Award was a moment of recognition from my organization, and the broader exchanges field, that helped me position myself as a leader. It allowed me to demonstrate my commitment to the work we do and my desire to grow (eventually taking on more responsibility as a director on my team).