Djamila Ribeiro and Jaime Pumarejo to receive prestigious Inter-American Dialogue Leadership Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2023
Contact: Inter-American Dialogue
press@thedialogue.org
Washington, DC – On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Inter-American Dialogue will host its VIII Annual Leadership for the Americas Awards Gala. Awards are given to individuals or organizations committed to the Dialogue’s mission of advancing democratic governance, social equity, and shared prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. This annual event brings together diverse leaders from across the Americas whose exceptional contributions have been instrumental in addressing the most pressing challenges facing our region.
Djamila Ribeiro, a renowned Brazilian Black feminist philosopher and journalist, will receive the Gender Equality and Racial Inclusion Award in recognition of her pivotal role in advancing equality and justice, both in Brazil and on the global stage. Ribeiro is a leading voice on intersectionality and racial issues. With a master’s in political philosophy, she coordinates the Plural Feminisms Institute, contributing to literature in Brazil. Ribeiro’s global influence includes recognition from the BBC as one of the 100 Most Influential Women, the 2019 Prince Claus Prize, and being the first Brazilian honored by the BET Awards in 2021.
Jaime Pumarejo Heins, mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia, will receive the Migrant Empowerment and Inclusive Communities Award, a testament to his advocacy for socioeconomic inclusion initiatives. Barranquilla’s mayor since 2019, Pumarejo champions migrant inclusion and spearheads urban revitalization efforts. His pioneering “BiodiverCity” initiative focuses on sustainability and connects urban and rural areas, involving citizens in conservation projects. With a profound commitment to positive change, Pumarejo is driving Barranquilla toward a greener and more equitable future.
Laura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica and co-chair of the Inter-American Dialogue, along with Thomas A. Shannon, former under secretary of state for political affairs and co-chair of the Inter-American Dialogue, will present the awards. Ribeiro and Pumarejo will be joined by President-elect of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, who will deliver keynote remarks at the event.
“We are honored to recognize two inspiring individuals whose work on gender, race, and migrant inclusion helps forge a more equitable and inclusive hemisphere,” said Inter-American Dialogue President & CEO, Rebecca Bill Chavez.
Notes to Editors
The Inter-American Dialogue engages our network of global leaders to foster democratic governance, shared prosperity, and social equity in Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we shape policy debate, devise solutions, and enhance cooperation within the Western Hemisphere.
For information regarding the VIII Annual Leadership for the Americas Awards Gala please contact gala@thedialogue.org or +1-202-822-9002.
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