Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu Honored with APUS’s Highest Leadership Award at 2025 Commencement
Date 05.12.2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 12, 2025
— Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, an acclaimed international human rights advocate and founder of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award by the American Public University System (APUS).
The award, APUS’s highest honor recognizing outstanding leadership, was presented during the Awards Brunch Ceremony on May 9 as part of the 2025 Commencement Weekend held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Dr. Vladoiu received the award in person from APUS President Dr. Nuno Fernandes, known for his visionary leadership in advancing the university’s global digital transformation.
Each year, the Dr. Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award is bestowed upon a student, alumnus, faculty member, administrator, or partner who demonstrates exceptional leadership and impact in their community, profession, or the world. Dr. Vladoiu was honored for her transformative contributions to human rights education, diplomacy, and nonprofit leadership.
Having recently completed her Doctorate in Global Security after nearly five years of academic study, Dr. Vladoiu was recognized for her tireless efforts through USIDHR — a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that has trained more than 20,000 individuals in 137 countries on topics such as human rights, diplomacy, and international development.
Several distinguished academic figures attended the ceremony to celebrate Dr. Vladoiu’s achievement, including Dr. Julie Rougé, Dean of the School of Security and Global Studies; Dr. Elise Rainer, her doctoral chair; and faculty mentors Dr. Kate Brannum, Dr. Michelle Watts, Dr. James Burch, and Dr. Andreas Slonopas.
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Vladoiu stated:
"To be recognized among so many brilliant educators and students is deeply humbling. This award is not just a personal milestone — it’s a testament to the transformative power of education to change lives and empower communities."
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To be recognized among so many brilliant educators and students is deeply humbling. This award is not just a personal milestone — it’s a testament to the transformative power of education to change lives and empower communities.
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-Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu, USIDHR Founder
Dr. Vladoiu’s leadership has previously been recognized at the national level with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Donald Trump.
This latest accolade reaffirms her role as a global changemaker — bridging academic excellence with real-world impact to promote human rights, peace, and sustainable development worldwide.
About Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu:
Dr. Isabelle Vladoiu is a human rights specialist, legal scholar, and founder of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights. She holds a Doctorate in Global Security, a Juris Doctor, and an LL.M. in International Human Rights Law. Her work has taken her across more than 130 countries, where she has advised governments, spoken at global conferences, and led groundbreaking education initiatives focused on diplomacy, leadership, and human rights.
For more information about the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), please visit
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