Inter-America
Award
WHAT DO WE RECOGNIZE?
LEADERSHIP
Exceptional trajectories that, through a transformative vision and sustained commitment, have contributed to the strengthening and evolution of higher education in the Americas.
COOPERATION
Initiatives and actions that have promoted dialogue, collaboration and the building of lasting links between institutions, communities and countries of the continent.
EDUCATION
Outstanding contributions that have expanded learning opportunities, promoted knowledge, and generated new perspectives for the development of education and society.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Actions that transcend the academic sphere and generate significant changes in communities, promoting development, inclusion and well-being through knowledge and education.
RECOGNIZING A CAREER IS ALSO INSPIRE THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO TRANSFORM THE FUTURE.
AWARD WINNERS
INTER-AMERICA
SANDRA ALBA CAUFFMAN - CAEI 2025
A Costa Rican-American engineer with a distinguished career in space exploration and scientific management. At NASA, she has contributed to important Earth and space observation programs and missions. Her leadership inspires new generations, especially Latin American women and youth, in science and technology.
STACEY MONTOOTH - CAEI 2023
An Indigenous leader and citizen of the Walker River Paiute Nation, she is recognized for her commitment to Native American communities. Her work promotes representation, education, and new opportunities for Indigenous peoples, strengthening intercultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and building more inclusive communities.
CHIHUAILAF ELICURE - CAEI 2021
A Chilean Mapuche poet, writer, and oral storyteller, he is recognized as a fundamental voice in contemporary Indigenous literature. His work in Mapudungun and Spanish preserves and projects the memory and worldview of the Mapuche people, building bridges between cultures and generations and promoting the recognition of ancestral identity and knowledge.
CARLOS GABRIEL GÓMEZ - CAEI 2019
A Colombian educator and Lasallian leader with extensive experience in higher education and university administration. His academic and administrative work promotes education as an instrument for social transformation, inclusion, and human development. His commitment to communities and the formation of new generations has solidified his internationally recognized educational leadership.
ROBERTA JAMIESON - CAEI 2017
A Canadian lawyer and Indigenous leader from the Six Nations of the Grand River, she is a pioneer in Canadian public life. She has dedicated her career to promoting education, leadership, and opportunities for Indigenous communities. Her work strengthens intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and reconciliation, with national and international impact.
IGNACIO ELLACURÍA - CAEI 2015
A philosopher, theologian, academic, and Jesuit priest committed to social justice and the transformative role of the university. As rector of the Central American University José Simeón Cañas, he championed an education connected to reality and the most vulnerable communities. His thought continues to inspire the defense of human dignity and social transformation.
LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA - CAEI 2013
A Brazilian political leader whose career began in the labor movement and culminated in his presidency. His leadership has been characterized by social inclusion and the expansion of educational opportunities. The Inter-American Prize recognized his commitment to dialogue, regional cooperation, and education as a tool for development and inclusion.
CARLOS FUENTES - CAEI 2012
A Mexican writer, essayist, and diplomat, he is considered a pivotal figure in contemporary Latin American literature. His work explored the identity, history, and cultural transformations of Mexico and the Americas. His thinking promoted dialogue, solidarity, and the recognition of the continent's roots—core values of the Inter-American Prize.
Recognizing those who are transforming higher education in the Americas
The Inter-American Award was incorporated into the CAEI in 2012 as a distinction intended to recognize the leadership, innovation, and commitment of individuals who have contributed to the development of higher education and inter-American cooperation. Since then, it has become one of the Congress's most prestigious awards.