SIT’s Dr. Sora Friedman honored for her dedication to international education at NAFSA

Announcement Date: May 27, 2024   |   Uncategorized

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School for International Training is pleased to announce that NAFSA: Association of International Educators has selected SIT's Dr. Sora Friedman, chair and professor of international and global education, as the recipient of the prestigious NAFSA Award for Leadership and Collaboration for 2024.  

“Sora has demonstrated exceptional leadership over her career,” said Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA. “Through her collaborative efforts on campus, including shaping SIT’s graduate degree programs, and her active involvement in NAFSA at the regional and national level, Sora demonstrates the essential qualities represented by this award. Her acumen, initiative, and vision have combined to make a lasting impact on international educators of today and tomorrow.”

The NAFSA International Education Award for Leadership and Collaboration, given in honor of Cassandra Pyle, honors the contributions of an international educator to international exchange on a global scale. Receiving this award acknowledges Friedman’s lengthy commitment to the field, as demonstrated by leadership positions in and significant contributions to organizations that foster international exchange. This includes leading the creation and implementation of two new SIT programs: the global master’s in international education and the doctoral degree in global education.

“I am deeply honored to receive NASFA’s 2024 Award for Leadership and Collaboration. This carries special meaning, and I want to thank those who, over the years, have allowed me space and grace to practice leadership and collaboration in our amazing field. Both are only possible when experienced within a collective. So in many ways, this award also honors my students and my colleagues at SIT, with NAFSA, and in the broader field,” said Friedman.

Friedman will be recognized for this achievement during the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference and Expo May 27-31 in New Orleans.

NAFSA is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. The association believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. The complete list of NAFSA awardees is available at www.nafsa.org/awards.