Guerline Jozef, co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, is set to receive the 2026 Wallenberg Medal at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 in Rackham Auditorium. Known for her impactful work in human rights advocacy, Jozef will deliver a lecture drawing from her personal experiences to emphasize the power of individual action. The Wallenberg Medal, presented by the Donia Human Rights Center, is awarded to those whose actions reflect Raoul Wallenberg’s humanitarian legacy and courage.
Jozef is a globally recognized human rights advocate and strategist, leading the Haitian Bridge Alliance, an organization focused on supporting immigrants, particularly Black immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her work has reshaped discussions on migration, race, and justice. She has co-founded initiatives like the Black Immigrants Bail Fund and the Cameroon Advocacy Network, advocating for marginalized communities.
Her influence is well acknowledged, with recognition from various prestigious organizations. She was included in Washingtonian’s 500 Most Influential People of 2025 and Politico’s 40 Most Influential People on Race, Politics, and Policy of 2021. Jozef has received numerous awards, including the 2025 Afro-Caribbean Diaspora IMPACT Award, the 2021 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, and the 2024 Haitian Impact Awards.
MORE INFORMATION
- Wallenberg Medalists 1990-2025
- About Raoul Wallenberg
- Tickets are not required. The Wallenberg Medal and Lecture ceremony is free and open to the public. For inquiries and accommodations, contact wallenberglecture@umich.edu or 734-936-3973.
Jozef has appeared in major publications such as Forbes and The New York Times and testified before the United Nations and U.S. Congress. Her advocacy was spotlighted at the IV International Forum of Parliamentarians in Colombia. “Guerline Jozef is a powerful advocate for the dignity and rights of migrants,” said Sioban Harlow, chair of the Wallenberg Medal Executive Committee.
Recent Wallenberg Medal recipients include Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian politician and former political prisoner (2025), and Nnimmo Bassey, environmental activist (2024). Over the past 30 years, the award has honored influential figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.
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