Hinrich foundation alumni association

Alumni Impact Award

We created the Hinrich Foundation Alumni Impact Award to recognize one outstanding alumnus each year whose work exemplifies the Hinrich Foundation’s mission through tangible, real-world impact.

The Award honors an alumnus who has demonstrated meaningful leadership in global trade by delivering measurable outcomes that may include: strengthening communities, driving innovation, creating jobs and economic opportunity, improving governance and policy and fostering cooperation across borders.

2026 Alumni Impact Award Winner

Celebrating Alumni Impact: Opening Remarks by Merle A. Hinrich

Merle A. Hinrich, Founder and Chairman of the Hinrich Foundation, introduces the Alumni Impact Award and reflects on the role of alumni with an acceptance speech from the Alumni Impact Award recipient, Mai Nguyen, reflecting on her journey.

Meet Our Winner

Congratulations to Mai Nguyen, the recipient of the first-ever Alumni Impact Award! Mai’s journey from a Hinrich Foundation scholar to her impactful trade and development work at RT4D exemplifies the spirit of this award.

Read Mai’s full story

How to be Nominated?

All Hinrich Foundation alumni in good standing may be nominated by fellow alumni
Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged
Self-nominations must include endorsement from one additional alumnus

Nominees should demonstrate clear, meaningful impact in one or more of these areas: Inclusive Growth / Innovation / Trade Governance / Knowledge & Insight / Leadership and Community

Learn more about the full Award Criteria & Selection Process

Hinrich foundation alumni association

Alumni Impact Award

2026 Alumni Impact Award Winner

GLOBAL CONNECT GALLERY