I won a prize.
Here's what it means to me.
August 3, 2025
A couple of months ago something happened that gave me much-needed pause, a moment to step back and reflect not just on a professional milestone, but on a much longer and more personal journey.
I was deeply honored to receive NAFSA’s inaugural John and Anne Hudzik Prize for Sustained Leadership in Higher Education Internationalization, an award that recognizes those who have introduced bold and impactful new ideas to our field. I am profoundly grateful, not only for the recognition, but for what it means at this stage of my life and career.
John Hudzik is a visionary in our field who championed the idea of comprehensive internationalization well before it became a widely adopted goal. His contributions have shaped the very way institutions think about global engagement. To be associated with his legacy, and with the generosity that he and Anne Hudzik have shown in making this prize possible, means a lot to me. I’m also aware that it is daunting to receive a prize named after John as there might be great expectations of my work to come! Read this terrific interview with John to learn about his vision for the award.
For those who’ve been part of my journey, you know that I spent many years working within institutions—nonprofits, research organizations, and institutions—helping to shape evidence and narratives around international higher education, international students, and the immigrant experience. I loved that work and I still do. But a few years ago, I made the leap into independent life: no office, no fancy organizational title, no trappings of the executive life, just me and a belief that I could still make a difference. It was thrilling, yet terrifying.
If I’m honest, there were many moments where I questioned that decision. Could I still have influence without the platform and heft of a well-known organization? Would my voice carry weight? Would my work be taken seriously? For so many of us our identities are often intertwined with our organizations. Letting go of that support system required me to redefine my work and myself.
Independent work is not “giving up.” It’s an opportunity to deepen one’s voice and mission.
Receiving the Hudzik Prize has felt like an answer to those questions and a validation of sorts. It’s a recognition that innovation, impact, and influence doesn’t always come from inside the walls of large entities and that it will take all of us acting together—be it institutions, organizations, or individuals--to advance and defend the important work of international education, especially at a moment in time when our efforts are needed more than ever. We have to, quite simply, pull our weight individually and collectively.
With Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA; John and Anne Hudzik; and Ahmad Ezzeddine, President of NAFSA. Photo Courtesy: NAFSA
With Fanta, dear colleague and friend of many years. I love this photo as it captures a special moment between us. Photo courtesy: NAFSA
I received the award at the annual NAFSA conference in San Diego in May, but it has taken me a while to share these reflections as this honor came during a time of personal loss for me, which made the recognition feel all the more poignant and bittersweet. It was a reminder that professional achievements don’t exist in a vacuum and are accompanied by the reality of life in all its messiness, grief, and grace. That complexity doesn’t diminish the meaning of the moment. It simply deepens it.
This award also feels especially meaningful because it honors a vision of international education that is inclusive, expansive, and evolving. Through my writing, my podcast, and the coaching and mentoring I now offer, I’ve tried to widen the lens on who gets to lead, whose stories matter, and how knowledge flows across borders—not just through students and scholars, but through lived experience.
As I reflect on my journey that began as an international student from India some three decades ago, there are two mentors whom I want to acknowledge. I know for a fact that if it weren’t for Peggy Blumenthal, former COO of IIE and an exceptional leader, I wouldn’t be where I am. Peggy took a chance on me two decades ago and opened the door to the wide, wondrous world of international education. And Jane Polin, astute guide, friend, and philanthropic advisor extraordinaire who has taught me the heart and skill of working on my own terms—always with creativity and improvisation.
𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Combining the Rigor of Data With the Art of Storytelling
After years of writing for global audiences—whether research and impact reports, briefing papers, op-eds, or books—I’m excited to offer strategic writing and editorial services to help organizations and leaders amplify their voice and ideas. In just the past two years, Rajika Bhandari Advisors LLC has produced 18 publications with a range of partners. If you or your organization are working on big questions—policy, equity, global education, philanthropy—but need help turning research and ideas into readable, resonant content, let’s collaborate.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫:
📄 Research & Impact Reports
📘 Position & Briefing Papers
🗞️ Thought Leadership Content
✏️ Strategic editing, content review & book coaching
Let’s shape your insight into influence—one powerful publication at a time.
🔗 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Get your copy of America Calling
Signed copies (for sale in the U.S. only)
