Kris Holloway Awarded as Winner of The Charlene Allen Award for Inspirational Leadership
LONDON, UK – Last week, the global education community gathered for an unforgettable evening at the 9th annual PIEoneer Awards, held at the iconic Guildhall in London. This annual celebration brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world to recognize outstanding achievements across 21 competitive categories. In addition to the winners, numerous individuals and organizations were named Highly Commended and Finalists for their significant impact and ongoing dedication to advancing international education.
Among the evening’s most exciting moments was the presentation of The Charlene Allen Award for Inspirational Leadership to our very own Kris Holloway, EVP of Partner Success at CEA CAPA / President of CIS Abroad. This distinguished award honors professionals who lead with integrity, inspire through action, and go beyond expectations to elevate the field of international education. Kris’s recognition reflects her tireless commitment to inclusive leadership, her ability to mentor and empower others, and her transformative vision that continues to shape the future of global learning.
Kris was joined at the gala by several of our CEA CAPA colleagues and international education leaders including Dr. Martha Johnson, Dr. Lou Berends, and Scott Tayloe, to celebrate this special milestone for our united organization, as well as the collective dedication and innovations of professionals across the field.
This recognition of Kris Holloway not only highlights her exemplary leadership in the field of international education but also stands as a testament to the power of empathy, vision, and advocacy in driving meaningful change in education worldwide.
In addition to Kris Holloway’s individual honor, CIS Abroad was also named a PIEoneer Awards Finalist for the Sustainability International Impact Award, recognizing the organization’s commitment to advancing environmental responsibility in global education. In the last year, CIS Abroad has strengthened its already deep commitment to sustainability by launching a dedicated Sustainability Champion role, aligning its operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and releasing its first Sustainability Roadmap. The organization also surveyed staff on sustainability awareness, redirected its NAFSA swag budget to support a local nonprofit, and showcased its progress through presentations at several international education conferences.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kris, as well as to all the winners and finalists recognized at the PIEoneer Awards. We also acknowledge the many international educators and initiatives that may go unrecognized but continue to make a profound impact on the field. To all who work tirelessly to advance global education - thank you for your dedication and influence around the world!
To hear a few words from Kris on this honor, please enjoy her interview straight from the PIEoneer Awards Green Carpet.
For a complete list of winners and highlights from the evening, visit the PIE News website.
