Four U.S. government employees, all eligible family members or household members of U.S. Government employees serving abroad, are set to receive the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). The awards ceremony will occur on November 13 at the Department of State's Benjamin Franklin Room. Director General and Director of Global Talent Management Marcia S. Bernicat will present the awards.
The SOSA awards recognize individuals who have performed exceptional volunteer service in their communities, missions, or host countries, or provided outstanding assistance during emergencies. This year's recipients include Andrew Richley from Podgorica, Montenegro; Connie Pearson from Jerusalem, Israel; Kristin Factor from Mumbai, India; and Garrett Fraino from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Andrew Richley was instrumental in developing one of Europe's largest urban gardens in Montenegro. He established the Urbana Bašta Podgorica Food Forest and served as its manager. "Richley utilized his background as an arborist and forester to map and manage the orchard," contributing significantly to local food banks through monthly harvests.
Connie Pearson worked in Jerusalem to unite different communities following terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. She organized meals for embassy staff and IDF soldiers and assisted displaced Gazan families. "Pearson’s extraordinary service also included providing traumatized students with school supplies," among other contributions.
Kristin Factor dedicated her efforts in Mumbai to empowering young girls through art education at the Sharanam Shelter for Girls. "Factor built the program from scratch," offering lessons that fostered creativity and self-esteem among orphaned girls.
Garrett Fraino made a notable impact in Rio de Janeiro's favelas through Mais Caminhos organization by restructuring parts of it for better efficiency. His work included creating a new attendance tracking program and curriculum development plan.
In addition to SOSA awards, AAFSW will present other honors such as the Champions of Career Enhancement for Eligible Family Members Award to Joanna Parys from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Megan Kuhn will receive DACOR's Eleanor Dodson Tragen Award; Jenny Kocher is recognized with the Lesley Dorman Award for her service within AAFSW.
The award ceremony is open for press coverage with specific access requirements detailed by Public Affairs Officer Brenda Greenberg.
