We are pleased to announce the recipient of the Global Ties U.S. 2025 IVLP Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change: Bianka Siwinska, Ph.D., of Poland for her work to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We also recognize as an honorable mention Christian Achaleke of Cameroon for his commitment to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and youth engagement.
Bianka Siwinska, Ph.D., is a scientist, activist, and community leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in STEM through her leadership of the Perspektywy Education Foundation. In 2015, she participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Women in STEM Fields” to learn about STEM education, initiatives, and opportunities in the United States. Her IVLP exchange was developed by the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with Graduate School USA, GlobalAustin, Global Ties San Francisco, WorldChicago, and World Affairs Council – Seattle.
Bianka credits her IVLP with “igniting her ambition” to create platforms that empower women to expand their expertise, develop leadership skills, and foster global networks. Her flagship initiative, the “Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit,” was inspired by her IVLP and the inaugural event featured several experts she’d met in Texas during her exchange.
With an emphasis on inclusion, mentorship, and impact, the Summit has since grown into the largest event for women in technology, science, and innovation in Europe and Asia, attracting 14,000 participants from 104 countries in 2024, and serving as a critical hub for collaboration and innovation. It has spawned countless initiatives, projects, and collaborations, creating an unparalleled network of women capable of thinking big and achieving anything, including professional contacts she met through IVLP.
Beyond the Summit, Bianka has piloted several youth programs, including “Girls go Engineering!” and “IT for SHE,” which have inspired more than 250,000 young women to pursue technical careers, contributing to a 10% rise in female enrollment at Poland’s technical universities. She has also supported Ukrainian refugees through her “Incubating Freedom” program, which has provided 1,000 scholarships and extensive IT training to 3,000 Ukrainian women adapting to life in Poland.
“Participating in IVLP, having people believe in me, and experiencing leadership-building sessions inspired me to step up and take responsibility where others wouldn’t,” Bianka said, reflecting on her IVLP journey.
In addition to her groundbreaking initiatives, Bianka has championed equality through efforts like the “Women to Vote” campaign, which helped drive historic female voter turnout in Poland, and her work advocating for LGBT+ inclusion, earning the Equality Crowns Award in 2024. As the Head of the Quantum Technologies Task Force at Poland’s Ministry of Digitalization, she is shaping the nation’s quantum technology strategy while continuing to champion social innovation.
“Bianka Siwinska exemplifies the transformative power of innovation and advocacy to create lasting social change,” said the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, which nominated her for this award.
The Honorable Mention goes to Christian Achaleke, Executive Director of Local Youth Corner Cameroon. Christian participated in the 2016 “Youth Empowerment and Community Conflict Resolution,” IVLP exchange. His program was developed by the U.S. Department of State, in partnership with the Insitute of International Education, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global New Orleans, and Northern Nevada International Center.
According to Christian, participating in the IVLP was “one of the most transformative moments in his 16-year career,” as it introduced him to experts who validated and helped him to expand his peacebuilding efforts. In Los Angeles, CA, Christian visited Homeboy Industries, which inspired his creation of the Creative Skills for Peace Project in Cameroon, a groundbreaking initiative that rehabilitates young offenders through vocational training and civic education. Initially launched in two juvenile centers, the project has expanded to eight prisons and established more than 20 vocational centers benefiting upwards of 5,000 individuals. Many participants have become successful entrepreneurs, including Tajuige Michel, a formerly incarcerated individual whose fashion collection, Healing Through Fashion, has garnered international acclaim.
His visit to Search for Common Ground (SFCG) in Washington, DC also informed a lasting collaboration with Saji Prelis, SFCG’s Director of Children and Youth. Since connecting in 2016, they’ve worked together on three projects in Cameroon; expanded SFCG’s presence to Cameroon; and collaborated with Cameroon’s Ministry of Youth Affairs on a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security. Christian also remains in contact with the mediation team at the United States Institute of Peace, with whom he is working to develop a continent-wide program advancing youth participation in mediation efforts.
Today, Christian is recognized as a leading figure in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. His work has been honored with the Luxembourg Peace Prize, UNESCO RealLife Hero recognition, and inclusion among CNN’s African Voices Changemakers. His efforts have also been featured at the UN Security Council and African Union Peace and Security Council.
For their demonstrated impact on their communities and effective application of their IVLP experiences to drive meaningful change locally and globally, we are honored to recognize Bianka Siwinska and Christian Achaleke at the Global Ties U.S. 2025 National Meeting with our IVLP Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change. Both will deliver remarks on Wednesday, February 19 at our Stronger Alliances plenary.
Registration for the Global Ties U.S. 2025 National Meeting: Stronger Alliances, Stronger Communities, is open to the public and available until February 7. The National Meeting is the premier annual gathering of international exchange leaders and public diplomacy supporters and brings together more than 600 representatives from government agencies, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and academia. Learn more and RSVP.
About the Award
The Global Ties U.S. IVLP Alumni Award for Social Innovation and Change recognizes alumni of the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program for outstanding achievements in driving social change through innovation in their home communities. The award is sponsored by Global Ties U.S. Advisory Council member and IVLP alumnus Vicente López-Ibor Mayor and presented annually at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting.