A big congratulations to the 2025 GoAbroad Innovation Award winners and thank you for your innovative work in the field of international education.
As the premier resource for meaningful travel, GoAbroad is proud to host our annual Innovation Awards, which recognize excellence and creativity in the field of international education. Each year, winners are selected by the esteemed Innovation Awards Academy and celebrated at GoAbroad’s reception during the NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference. This year’s event took place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in San Diego, California.
These awards honor the individuals, organizations, and institutions that are pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating lasting global impact through their programs, partnerships, and leadership. We are proud to spotlight the 2025 winners for their remarkable contributions to international education.
Click here to read more about this year’s winners!
Special 2025 Humanitarian Award
This year, we were pleased to present a Special Humanitarian Award from the GoAbroad Foundation to two extraordinary individuals whose work has significantly impacted communities both locally and globally, Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza and Marie-Odile Savarit of the African Education Program (AEP).
Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the African Education Program. What began as a high school project in Radnor, Pennsylvania has grown into a community-led organization in Kafue, Zambia. Under her leadership, AEP’s Amos Youth Centre now reaches over 750 children, youth, and women each day through education, health, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs. Julie-Anne’s long-standing connection to the community has helped shape the organization’s direction. She’s recognized for leading with honesty, staying grounded in purpose, and building change through genuine collaboration.
Marie-Odile Savarit, PhD, is a board member of AEP and serves as Director of Development for North America at the American Business School of Paris. In Kafue, she’s affectionately known as “Momma Mario,” a reflection of the care and encouragement she brings to her work. She recently joined in celebrating 39 women graduating from AEP’s Women’s Business Training program, many of whom were experiencing a graduation ceremony for the first time. Her steady involvement continues to strengthen AEP’s programs and supports a culture rooted in community, confidence, and shared growth.
Congratulations to Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza and Marie-Odile Savarit. Thank you for the work you do and the care you show every step of the way. Your commitment to community and lasting change is something we can all learn from.