2025 Education Awards Recipients
Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2025 FAWCO Foundation Education Awards!
Academic Awards
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Arts Award - $5,000 sponsored in part by the family and friends in memory of Jessie Rodell, former President of AWC The Hague, and her son, Quinn Rodell
Samuel WittSon of Susan Stanley-Witt, AWC Hamburg
Samuel studies focus on how art shapes society and fosters dialogue between creators, audiences, and institutions. His background includes a BA in sculpture, curatorial work, and gallery management, blending theory and practice in the arts. This award will be used to explore modern and contemporary art history, critical theory, and curatorial practice, with a focus on using curatorial strategies to address social issues and support emerging artists. The program Samuel will attend is an internship at a leading London institution which aligns with his goal of gaining international experience.
Humanities Award - $5,000 sponsored in part by AAWE Paris, in memory of Gertrude de Gallaix
Elle ChassinDaughter of Alison Chassin, AWC Amsterdam
Elle plans to major in International Relations at Tufts University to become an informed and engaged global citizen. Growing up in a household where international events were widely discussed, her understanding deepened when the Russo-Ukrainian War directly impacted their community. Through Tufts’ interdisciplinary curriculum, she aims to explore courses like Sociology of War and Language and Mind to examine how social dynamics and consciousness influence international affairs. Elle seeks to use this knowledge to contribute to human rights and justice efforts both during and after her education.
Sciences Award - $5,000 sponsored in part by AIWC Genoa and the Bacigalupo Family, in memory of Dr. Frieda Bacigalupo Natali
Alisa KennanDaughter of Didem Kennan, AIWC Frankfurt
Alisa developed an early fascination with regenerative medicine after learning about the axolotl’s ability to regrow limbs in fifth grade. In tenth grade, she secured an internship with the same researcher, solidifying her decision to pursue Medical Sciences and Engineering. Now in the third year of her integrated Master’s program, she is studying biochemical engineering and regenerative medicine while researching liver fibrosis modeling with hydrogels. Next year, she will focus on advanced cell and gene therapies and complete her master’s thesis. Alisa aims to pursue a PhD and contribute to regenerative medicine by bridging scientific research and large-scale manufacturing.
Women in STEM - $5,000 sponsored in part by Tharien van Eck, AWC Antwerp
Ciara HadleyDaughter of Deborah Hadley, AIWC Düsseldorf
Ciara began her Bachelor of Medicine in 2024 and has quickly affirmed her passion for the field. Drawn to medicine by a lifelong fascination with human physiology, her enthusiasm has only grown through her studies. The program provides a comprehensive foundation, covering bioscience, psychology, and medical ethics while incorporating hands-on experiences such as taking vitals, medical histories, and dissections. In the second year, she will continue exploring various medical professions before transitioning to clinical placements for practical training. This rigorous program has strengthened her commitment to a medical career, fueling her curiosity and dedication to the field.
Open Learning Award Jackie Isler Memorial Award - $5,000
Nicolas RegnaultGrandson of Georgia Regnault, AWC The Hague
Driven by a deep curiosity about how things work, Nicolasl is pursuing Aerospace Engineering. From an early age, he was fascinated by structures and mechanical devices, dismantling a computer at eight and later repairing iPhones, building a micro engine, a t-shirt cannon, a blacksmithing furnace, and a motorized bike. During the pandemic, he rewired his family home when an electrician was unavailable. His passion for engineering led him to study physics, chemistry, and aerodynamics through textbooks and online resources. Exploring the physics of sailing further deepened his understanding of aerodynamics and kinematics. Nicolas aspires to apply his skills at university to develop innovative solutions with a meaningful impact.
Non-University Award
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Non-University and Technical Training Award - $5,000
sponsored by Whitney Edwards AWC London, in memory of Dr. John H. Hoagland & Carolyn Hoagland
Shannon ConnellyDaughter of Helen Sahin Connelly, AAWE Paris
Shannon studies the body-mind connection as a tool for personal and collective empowerment. During her Psychology degree, she noticed a lack of focus on the body, which became more apparent during a nine-month dance training where movement, trust, and vulnerability played a crucial role. Recognizing the challenges of embodying daily life and trauma, they seek to deepen their understanding of healing. Shannon’s aim is to enroll in a three-month massage therapy training to explore its physical and psychological benefits, building on her academic background and dance experience. This certification would serve as a foundation for further studies in bodywork and critical psychology with a focus on social justice.
Dual Cultural Award
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Dual Cultural Award - $4,000
sponsored in part by AWC Bern and Donna Erismann in memory of Susanne Erismann
Alice HamermanDaughter of Jennifer Hamerman, AAWE Paris
Alice has been accepted into Vogue’s Pre-College Summer School course in Fashion Business in New York City, starting on July 6, 2025. This two-week program introduces fashion business strategy, marketing, branding, and promotion, including a team project on brand design and insights from industry experts. Upon completion, she will earn a Pre-College Certificate in Fashion Business from Vogue. Motivated by a passion for design and a career in fashion, she looks forward to gaining industry knowledge and participating in extracurricular activities such as art and fashion exhibitions. Having grown up in Paris, Alice sees this program as a valuable opportunity to immerse herself in the U.S. fashion industry.
FAWCO Member Awards
To recognize the diverse lives of our members, their achievements, and their never-ending quest for knowledge and self-improvement.
Shirley Kearney AWC Basel University Study Degree Award - $5,000
Agnes FernandesAWBS
Agnes is pursuing an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Chichester (Sept 2024–Dec 2025), focusing on her next novel. A screenwriter transitioning to novel writing, her films have screened at major festivals like Berlinale and the New York International Film Festival. Notable works include S.O.S. Love! (2007), Lovemakers (2011), and ITILY (2019). Originally from Hungary and raised in Austria, Agnes studied screenwriting at UCLA Extension and began self-publishing the Elizabeth Ascot novel series during the 2020 lockdown.
The FAWCO Foundation Skills Enhancement Award - $5,000
Natalie MalisAWC The Hague
Natalie initially pursued academia but built a 25-year career in business across various industries. A coaching relationship in 2018 sparked her interest in self-mastery, leading her to leadership development. Managing ADHD with coaching, she shifted focus to neuro-inclusive coaching. By 2022, she completed extensive training and earned ICF accreditation. Now, Natalie aims to support neurodiverse individuals, furthering her expertise through specialized certification, informed by personal experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD adult and a mother of an autistic teenager.
FAUSA Skills Enhancement Award - $5,000
Alexandra VoFAUSA
Like many FAWCO members who followed their spouses abroad, Alexandra became a skilled project manager, handling various responsibilities. Through FAWCO, she pursued environmental and human rights activism, later becoming UN Liaison in 2022 to boost engagement and sustain FAWCO’s UN presence. Her efforts significantly increased participation, particularly with AWA Kenya, along with her workload. Now transitioning back to the workforce while managing global duties, Alexandra seeks formal managerial training through Harvard Extension School’s “Micro Certificate in Project Management Methodologies,” aiming to complete it by 2026 with a B or higher.
Fine Arts - $5,000
sponsored by AIWC Frankfurt, Taunus, Rhein-Main, in memory of Barbara Merlino
Erin HuebscherAWC Hamburg
Erin holds a Master’s in Creative Writing, which has provided a strong foundation in crafting impactful narratives. While she enjoyed her career as a creative copywriter, she felt increasingly drawn to telling deeper, more expansive stories beyond the limitations of short-form content. This interest has led her to pursue screenwriting, which offers a dynamic way to explore complex themes and characters. By attending this retreat, Erin aims to refine her skills in structure, dialogue, and character development, ultimately broadening her creative horizons.
Continuing Education Award - $5,000
sponsored by Mary Stewart Burgher of AWC Denmark, in memory of Pauline "Pete" Arnold Schweppe
Tamara RigaudAAWE
Tamara plays a vital role in managing workplace health emergencies, conducting employee health screenings, and ensuring a safe work environment. Her goal is to minimize work-related injuries and sick leave while supporting employees throughout their careers. Neurodivergent young adults, such as those with autism, may face workplace challenges despite unique strengths like 3D visualization or advanced mathematical skills. To address this, Tamara proposes developing a workplace health program tailored to employees with mental health challenges. She is currently enrolled in a 240-hour Certificate Program at the University of Paris School of Medicine (October 2024–July 2025) and seeks a grant to complete it. Findings will be presented to 125 professionals and shared through various newsletters.
