We are thrilled to share that Diya Abdo, founder of Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR) and Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College, has been awarded the  prestigious inaugural WES Values Award. This recognition, presented by World Education Services (WES) as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, highlights ECAR’s  transformative work in making U.S. college campuses sanctuaries for refugee families.

The WES Values Award celebrates individuals who advance the educational, economic, and social inclusion of international students, immigrants, and refugees. Dr. Abdo’s work is a testament to this vision, alongside Syed Hussan, Executive Director of Canada’s Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, who also received this honor for his leadership in advocating for migrant worker rights.

In addition to honoring these changemakers, WES announced a new scholarship initiative that will support over 20 refugee students through partnerships with organizations such as the Community Sponsorship Hub and Southern New Hampshire University. The scholarships will provide essential resources like tuition, books, and housing, furthering access to higher education for displaced individuals.

We are proud of Diya’s ongoing impact and the recognition that ECAR’s mission continues to receive. As we look to the future, ECAR remains committed to expanding its network of campuses welcoming refugees and advocating for policies that promote the inclusion and empowerment of displaced individuals.

To learn more about this award and WES’s impactful work, visit World Education Services.

Thank you for being part of our community and supporting the ECAR mission. Together, we can continue to transform campuses into havens of hope and opportunity.