The Leadership for the Americas Awards Gala celebrates individuals and organizations committed to advancing democratic governance, social equity, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. The annual event brings together top world leaders whose exceptional contributions have been instrumental in addressing the most pressing challenges facing our region. Previous honorees or program participants include Nobel Laureate and President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos, former President of the Government of Spain Felipe González, BMW Group, Mexican entrepreneur Daniel Chávez Morán, President of CAF-Development Bank of Latin America Enrique García, US Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Jacobson, US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon, US Senator Tim Kaine, Brazilian pediatric neurologist Dr. Vanessa Van Der Linden Mota, Guatemalan philanthropist Salvador Paiz, and former World Bank President Robert Zoellick. More than 400 dignitaries attend each year.
HONOREES
S.E. FERNANDO HENRIQUE CARDOSO
Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award
Former President of Brazil
Chair Emeritus, Inter-American Dialogue
H.E. LUIS ALBERTO MORENO
Distinguished Leadership Award for Social Equity
President, Inter-American Development Bank
MR. ROBERTO MURRAY MEZA
Distinguished Leadership Award for Civic Engagement
Chairman, Grupo AGRISAL and Founding President, FUNDEMAS
Member, Inter-American Dialogue
Dr. Luis von Ahn
Distinguished Leadership Award for Innovation and Social Impact
Co-Founder and CEO, reCAPTCHA and Duolingo
Computer Science Professor at Carnegie Mellon University
Ms. Lydia Cacho
Distinguished Leadership Award for the Defense of Human Rights
Journalist, Writer and Human Rights Activist
