American University celebrated six dynamic changemakers who are leaders in their communities and their fields with its 2023 Alumni Awards. The awards were presented during a special event held at the American University’s Washington College of Law. This year’s awardees are passionate about their work and continue to bring positive change in the areas of foreign affairs, politics, business, education, public health, and economics.

Celebrating with nearly 300 guests, AU President Sylvia Burwell told the honorees: “Your lives, your journeys, and your incredible impact as changemakers, tell the story of who we are and where we’re going. Each one of you embodies the Eagle spirit – the impulse to do better and be better for the common good, to marshal our resources, our skills, and our passions in service to the world. It’s who we are.”

This year’s award winners include:

His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, SIS/BA ’99, SIS/MIS ’01, was inaugurated as the fifth President of the Republic of Sierra Leone in 2018. He began his public service career as a schoolteacher before joining the Sierra Leone Army. He previously served as Chief Secretary of State, Chief of Defense Staff, Minister of Information, Minister of Marine Resources, and Deputy Head of State. In his home country, Bio is popularly referred to as the “Father of Democracy” because of his contribution towards the restoration of democracy and attainment of peace.

Dr. Fanta Aw, Kogod/BSBA ’90, SPA/MA ’94, CAS/PhD ’11, CEO and Executive Director, NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The largest and most comprehensive international education association with more than 10,000 members, NAFSA is dedicated to international education and exchange with members around the world and throughout the U.S. Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Aw served for over 30 years in various roles at American University, most recently as Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life, and Inclusive Excellence

Anne Caprara, SPA/BA ’01, Chief of Staff, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, has managed and consulted with many prominent political candidates and elected officials. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Caprara was also the campaign manager for Pritzker’s successful gubernatorial campaign where he defeated the Republican incumbent by almost 16 points.

Dr. Katherine Grill, CAS/MA ’16, CAS/PhD ’17, CEO and Co-founder, Neolth, a technology company that provides personalized mental health support to teens through a self-guided platform. Prior to founding Neolth, she worked at Children's National Hospital conducting NIH research, co-founded a community health program for young adults, and was a university professor teaching courses in psychology and neuroscience at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Amy Lampert, SOC/BA ’94, Vice President and COO, Lampe, LP, manages multiple properties and investments and handles all daily operations. She is vice president of the American University Hillel Board. Lampert is a member of the American University School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Council, and she is an active admissions volunteer at American University.

Baroness of Knightsbridge Dr. Dambisa Moyo, CAS/BS ’91, Kogod/MBA ’92, Hon. DHL ’22, is a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords. She is a bestselling author and principal of Versaca Investments, a family office focused on growth investing globally. She also serves on several global corporate boards, including 3M Corporation, Chevron, Conde Nast, and the Oxford University Endowment investment committee. She was named to the 2009 TIME 100, a list of the world’s most influential people.