On March 21, 2025, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., Her Excellency Catalina Crespo-Sancho, Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the United States, received the prestigious Washington Educational and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA) Ambassador of the Year award. WECAA presented the award during its annual Spring meeting, focused on the theme, “International Students: What to Expect in 2025?” which attracted a few Ambassadors, cultural and educational attachés, business leaders, media representatives, and other key stakeholders.
Joan Brammer , WECAA’s President and Cultural Attaché, Public Affairs and Culture Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Washington, D.C. presided over the award ceremony, honoring Crespo-Sancho for her “exemplary practice of WEECA’s mission; connecting people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, and promoting peaceful coexistence and cooperation among nations”.
The event also recognized Ambassador Hanene Tajouri Bessassi of Tunisia, who was the first recipient of the WECAA Ambassador of the Year award for her remarkable leadership in cultural diplomacy. Additionally, the ceremony included special farewells for Ambassador Sonia Guzman of the Dominican Republic as well as Ambassador Bessassi. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana of Rwanda to the United States and Dean of Women Ambassadors in the United States, was equally acknowledged for her influential leadership role.
The Spring meeting featured engaging discussions led by notable speakers, including Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, Executive Director of the International Student House of Washington, D.C.; Dr. Tonija Hope, Executive Director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University; and Graham S. Dudley, Director of the Enforcement Programs Division at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Ambassador Crespo-Sancho’s career reflects a deep commitment to human rights, education, and sustainable development. With over two decades of experience, she has served as the head of Costa Rica’s National Human Rights Institution and worked as a consultant for organizations like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Her academic expertise, including a PhD in Sociology of Education and a Master’s in International Education, has informed her work as a professor, researcher, and advocate for inclusive development.
Since becoming Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the United States in April 2023, Crespo-Sancho has prioritized strengthening bilateral ties through educational and cultural initiatives. Her efforts have supported international students and promoted cross-cultural dialogue, aligning seamlessly with WECAA’s mission to connect people from diverse backgrounds and build global understanding.
The ceremony also included special remarks by Carol Wick, an award-winning strategic management planner from Sharity Global, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges.
As Crespo-Sancho accepted the award, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing global cooperation. Her work continues to inspire those who believe in the power of education and dialogue to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
The WECAA Ambassador of the Year award not only celebrates Crespo-Sancho’s accomplishments but also reflects the vital role of cultural and educational diplomacy in shaping a brighter future for international students and global communities alike.
You can read more about Ambassador Catalina’s work in a recent interview she granted to the Diplomatic Watch recently via this link.
