Washington, DC—Our nation’s capital celebrated innovation and global leadership on November 20 during the Atlas Corps 15th Anniversary Gala. The event recognized Atlas Corps in its 15th year of operation, which includes engaging 1,100 social change leaders from 110 countries in their leadership development programs. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2021 Atlas Corps Global Changemaker Award to Ms. Nina Vaca in recognition for her innovative leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and inspiration in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She was joined in the evening’s recognitions by Atlas Corps Founder Scott Beale, who launched the organization in 2006 and transitioned to the U.S. Peace Corps in February 2021 to become the Associate Director for Global Operations and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The Atlas Corps dedication to supporting global leaders in generating positive change is more crucial than ever before,” said Ms. Vaca, CEO of Pinnacle Group, an internationally recognized workforce solutions company. “I have deep gratitude for this recognition and for the opportunity to help others by sharing the power of applying a global perspective to entrepreneurial endeavors. Thinking globally and acting locally has been a guiding principle to Pinnacle Group’s success over the past 25 years. By leveraging innovative entrepreneurship, we create opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to thrive.”
Nina Vaca with Bidjan Nashat, Atlas Corps CEO, and Atlas Corps Fellows Kayode (Nigeria) and Pearl (Uganda)
The Atlas Corps Global Changemaker Award recognizes an impactful leader who has set the standard on enacting significant social change through entrepreneurship and paving new pathways to advance global diversity, equity, and inclusion. Past honorees include former Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine K. Albright (2020), author Dr. Rohini Anand (2019), entrepreneur Nathalie Molina Nino (2018), and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines (2017).
Crazy good – it is a phrase that aptly describes the talent of Ms. Nina Vaca. She is an energizer and a visionary. As an organization dedicated to opening the door of opportunity to international talent, Atlas Corps is inspired to recognize Ms. Nina Vaca. She continues to inspire with her ongoing innovations and her personal story is one that resonates well with our global community,” shared Bidjan Nashat, CEO, Atlas Corps.
Nina Vaca with Scott Beale, Atlas Corps Founder, and Bidjan Nashat, Atlas Corps CEO
The Atlas Corps 15th Anniversary Gala (15.atlascorps.org) was a hybrid event that took place on Saturday, November 20, at Eaton DC. In addition, to Ms. Nina Vaca, Atlas Corps recognized the 2021 Alumni Changemaker Gargi Saha, an Atlas Corps Class 1 Fellow from India who currently works for UNICEF in India and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Atlas Corps Founder Scott Beale who left the organization in February 2021 to become the Associate Director of Global Operations at the U.S. Peace Corps. Video and photo highlights are available at 15.atlascorps.org.
