Introducing the 2021 SOSA Winners and Honorable Mentions
2021 Winners
AF Keri E. Dziuban, Windhoek
EAP Sean P. Doyle, Shenyang
NEA Heidenreich and Murphy, Kuwait
SCA Muliani Lyng, Nur-Sultan
WHA Janeth Pena-Heredia, Rio
2021 Honorable Mentions
AF Ian Arzeni, Dar es Salaam
EAP Jennie Linton, Shanghai
NEA Team Vaccine, Amman
WHA Amy Duchamel, Bogota
AF Keri E. Dziuban, Windhoek
As a volunteer member of the Windhoek International School Board, Eligible Family Member Kari E. Dziuban led a complete turnaround of the school’s curriculum, finances, hiring and security, positively impacting the quality of education for current and future students as well as the quality of life at post.
EAP Sean P. Doyle, Shenyang
As a “citizen diplomat” volunteering in Shenyang, Eligible Family Member Sean P. Doyle created and implemented innovative and effective cultural outreach initiatives to the Chinese public, including social media campaigns, in-person events and videos, such as a livestreamed Thanksgiving cooking demonstration that reached nearly one million viewers.
NEA Magnuson and Murphy, Kuwait
As Eligible Family Members in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, Sara E. Magnuson and Layla S. Murphy volunteered with the organization Da Bold to combat trafficking in persons and labor exploitation by carrying out research, fundraising and social media campaigns, as well as working directly with migrant workers in the Gulf region to document and publicize their stories and provide needed support.
SCA Muliani Lyng, Nur-Sultan
Eligible Family Member Muliani T. Lyng undertook a broad range of highly impactful efforts during three years in Nur-Sultan, including supporting Embassy families during the pandemic; helping operate a soup kitchen for the needy and summer camps for local children; supporting a fledgling animal shelter; and providing much-needed support to autistic children and their parents at a rehabilitation center.
WHA Janeth Pena-Heredia, Rio
In Sao Paulo and Rio, consular officer Janeth B. Pena-Heredia recruited, trained and led volunteers to establish ongoing no-cost English language programs for local guards and facilities staff with far-reaching impact, including improved communication with U.S. staff; expanded job opportunities; more meaningful dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion; and volunteer contributions by these skilled workers to renovate an orphanage.
2021 Honorable Mentions
AF Ian Arzeni, Dar es Salaam
Honorable Mention winner Ian Arzeni organized a skateboarding program for Tanzanian youth, including volunteer teachers, donated equipment and shoes, and a new concrete ramp at a local recreation center.
EAP Jennie Linton, Shanghai
Facing restrictions on local NGO efforts in Shanghai, Honorable Mention winner Jennifer Linton organized Consulate volunteers to create and deliver nearly 120 reusable hygiene kits to help girls attend school in India and Kenya.
NEA Team Vaccine, Amman
Honorable Mention for the NEA Bureau was awarded to Embassy Amman for its outstanding Vaccine Task Force, in which over 70 volunteers, trained over the weekend, vaccinated more than 1,000 mission personnel against COVID-19 in just 1.5 days.
WHA Amy Duhamel, Bogota
Honorable Mention winner Amy J. Duhamel founded the volunteer group “Giving Hearts” in Bogota, involving her fellow EFMs and local volunteers in assisting Venezuelan migrants and Colombian families in need during the pandemic.
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