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Looking Back at 2025 and Moving Forward Together: A Letter from Our CEO

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on what your support has made possible at Cultural Vistas. Because of our alumni, partners, hosts, and friends, this past year was one of meaningful impact for individuals, industries, and communities.

Time and again, we saw the power of bringing people together across borders and professions to learn from one another. That spirit of exchange continues to guide everything we do.

Highlights from 2025

Almost 4,000 individuals gained professional experience, leadership expertise, and global perspectives that will help them grow into impactful global leaders in their respective fields, participating in our 22 programs around the world.

3,500 new alumni were welcomed into our network, providing them with invaluable professional and personal connections, as well as access to unique experiences to lead, mentor, and continue their own global education.

More than 400 host companies benefited from onboarding global talent to their teams. They welcomed early-career interns and trainees, as well as research scholars and specialists who make their organizations stronger and more competitive.

Through bilateral learning and exchange, our Citizen Ambassador Program strengthened public health and public safety in communities worldwide. In Brazil, professional delegations strengthened collaboration following the devastating 2024 wildfires. In Cuba, emergency room nurses exchanged knowledge with Cuban health professionals, gaining insight into community-centered models of care. These exchanges are a powerful reminder that dialogue builds understanding, and understanding builds stronger systems.

people gathered for the STEM Connect seminar in Washington, D.C.
STEM & Enterprise LAUNCH Program End-of-Year Seminar in Washington, D.C.

What’s Ahead

Looking ahead to 2026, our work is needed now more than ever. Furthering peace, mutual respect, and understanding in many corners of the globe is increasingly important. Industry innovation that solves problems across technology, healthcare, energy, and other critical sectors is paramount. Pathways to careers that allow individuals to prosper while contributing to society are essential.

It can feel overwhelming at times. Yet hope and progress are present.

The 160,000 alumni strengthening our Cultural Vistas community give me reason for optimism every day. This year, we are making a deeper investment in our alumni by expanding opportunities to develop as leaders, network widely, and participate in our mission. This includes the recently announced launch of the Atlas Corps Leadership Institute for alumni as a first step.

We are also expanding our presence and impact in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. We are excited to share that we are implementing our first European Commission project supporting the people of Ukraine. In Southeast Asia, we are advancing new initiatives focused on peace and reconciliation across the region.

Moving Forward Together

As we look ahead, I feel both grounded in our mission and energized by what is possible. None of this happens without our community. The engagement and partnership of our alumni, hosts, and supporters in developing the next generation of leaders, advancing industry innovation, and fostering peace through global exchange make this work real and impactful.

Thank you for standing with Cultural Vistas. Your ongoing support fuels this work, and I am confident that together we will continue to create lasting impact in the year ahead.

With gratitude,
Jennifer Clinton
President & CEO, Cultural Vistas