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The J. David Edwards

POWER OF ADVOCACY AWARD

ABOUT THE AWARD

Sponsored by Avant Assessment

 

The J. David Edwards Power of Advocacy Award is an annually sponsored award presented at JNCL-NCLIS Language Advocacy Days. Each year, JNCL-NCLIS recognizes one language advocate who has demonstrated excellence in grassroots advocacy.

 

The recipient demonstrates leadership and resilience through designing and executing inclusive advocacy initiatives at the local, state, or federal level. Honorees inspire stakeholders and directly engage decision-makers to advance the JNCL-NCLIS mission: ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language.

2026 Recipient: Maria Cristina Ladas

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JNCL-NCLIS proudly recognizes Maria Cristina Ladas for her outstanding grassroots leadership advancing multilingual and dual language education in Arizona.

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Through her dedicated advocacy, Maria Cristina has worked to expand access to high-quality dual language programs and elevate the importance of multilingual education within her community and across the state. Her leadership demonstrates the powerful impact that committed advocates can have in shaping policies, programs, and opportunities that support language learning.

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Maria Cristina Ladas exemplifies the spirit of the Power of Advocacy Award, showing how grassroots advocacy can create meaningful and lasting change for language learners.

The Inspiration

J. David Edwards was the founding and long-time Executive Director
of JNCL-NCLIS, serving the organization for 31 years. During his tenure,
he guided the language and international education community through
major legislative developments, including the passage of the Foreign
Language Assistance Program (FLAP) and the development of the
National Security Education Program (NSEP).

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Although trained as a political scientist rather than a language educator,
Dave dedicated his career to advancing the language enterprise in the
United States. Through deep relationships with policymakers and a vast
understanding of political culture and history, he helped generations of
educators and advocates make a legislative impact.

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His leadership helped JNCL-NCLIS grow into a powerful national voice for multilingualism and language education advocacy. Dave’s model of relationship-building and consensus-driven advocacy continues to guide the work of JNCL-NCLIS today.

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Dr. J. David Edwards

Purpose

 

This award recognizes extraordinary advocacy efforts carried out at the individual, local, state, regional, national, or international level that contribute to the JNCL-NCLIS mission and expand access to languages other than English.

 

The award highlights exemplary advocacy initiatives and inspires others to pursue meaningful advocacy for language education.

 

Eligibility

 

A nominee must:

 

  • Be a member of a JNCL-NCLIS member organization iin good financial standing (annual dues paid by September 1).

  • Commit to participate in the Language Advocacy Awards presentation during Language Advocacy Days.

  • Be nominated in writing by the leadership of a JNCL-NCLIS member organization through the online nomination form.

 

Current JNCL-NCLIS Board Members are not eligible for the award.

 

Selection Criteria

 

Nominees are evaluated based on documented contributions in the following areas.

 

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Demonstrates a relationship with their congressional delegation or staff at the local, state, or federal level.

  • Has contacted policymakers to advance JNCL public policy priorities.

 

Grassroots Awareness and Action

 

  • Encourages colleagues within their organization to participate in advocacy work.

  • Raises awareness about the importance of the language enterprise and its economic and social benefits.

  • Shares expertise through speaking or writing opportunities.

  • Leads or participates in successful advocacy initiatives.

  • Nominees do not need to have achieved legislation or policy change. For example, defending a language program from closure or preventing harmful legislation may qualify.

 

Selection Process

  • The nomination period opens in mid-July and closes in September.

  • The Awards Committee, appointed by the President of the Board of Directors, reviews all nominations.

  • The committee consists of three Board members (excluding the President) and two JNCL staff members.

  • Finalists are selected by the committee and presented to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.

  • The selection process takes place from September through November.

 

The Award Includes

 

The sponsored award includes:

  • An award plaque and recognition during the
    Language Advocacy Awards presentation at
    Language Advocacy Days.

  • Complimentary registration to Language Advocacy Days.

  • A travel stipend and two nights of lodging (for in-person events).

  • A spotlight profile on the JNCL-NCLIS awards webpage.

 

Generous funding for this award is provided by Avant Assessment.

Generous funding for this award comes from our partners at Avant Assessment

jdeaward submission
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Online Nominations

Only JNCL-NCLIS member organizations in good financial standing may submit nominations.

 

  • The nominator must provide:

  • One official letter of recommendation (maximum two pages)

  • The nominee’s current résumé or CV

  • Optional: the nominee’s personal advocacy statement (maximum two pages)

 

All documents should be combined into one file for upload.

After submission, JNCL-NCLIS will contact the nominee to confirm participation.

past recipients

2025 - Cheri Garrett, Dallastown Area High School

2024 - Krista Chambless

2023 - Marie J. Campanaro 

2022 - Michele Anciaux Aoki, National Council of State Supervisors for Languages (NCSSFL)

2021– Lorena Ortiz Schneider, Ortiz Schneider Interpreting & Translation; CoPTIC

2020– Toni Theisen, Thompson School District

2019 – Linda Markley, Florida Foreign Language Association (FFLA)

Past Recipients
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