A Global Honor for Agents of Transformational Change

The Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton Standard of Excellence Award, commissioned by iChange Nations (ICN), is a prestigious honor created to celebrate individuals whose lives reflect a commitment to global peace, civility, humanitarian service, and transformative leadership. As the first Regent University faculty member to have an award named in her honor, Dr. Boone-Thornton’s legacy is immortalized through this distinction.

The award has been presented in seven African nations—Kenya, Zambia, Liberia, Gabon, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana—and is a beacon for those embodying faith-driven, justice-centered global leadership. It is not merely a personal milestone—it is a clarion call for faith-based transformation, affirming the power of leadership, education, and emotional wellness to uplift and heal across cultures.

Honoring Global Excellence

The award recognizes extraordinary individuals across sectors who use their platforms to serve and elevate others. Honorees include:

• Her Excellency Annie Chrystel Limbourg Iwenga (Gabon) – Recognized in December 2024 at the Gabonese Embassy in Washington, D.C., for her distinguished diplomatic service.

• Maureen Mwanawasa (Zambia) – Former First Lady, honored for her leadership in HIV/AIDS advocacy

• Pastor Sofe Manyuru (Kenya) – Spiritual leader devoted to empowering single mothers and the underserved

• Laura Pettie (Tanzania) – Disability rights champion and founder of the Hard of Hearing Association of Tanzania

• Millard Ayo (Tanzania) – Social media thought leader and civic engagement advocate

• Linda Karim-Creevey (Liberia) – Honored November 26, 2024, in Monrovia for her global business leadership, school-building initiatives, and ambassadorial service with the President of Liberia.

These honorees exemplify courage, integrity, and the pursuit of meaningful impact through service and innovation.

Led by a Life of Purpose

Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton, known globally as The UnMasking Guru, is a champion of emotional wellness, trauma-informed care, and servant leadership. As an international speaker, professor, and founder of The Ambassador Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton Foundation, she leads initiatives in both the U.S. and Africa focused on:

• Mental Health First Aid instructor training with ICOPS and Kenyatta University (Kenya)

• Medical and empowerment programs through the Royal Care Foundation (Kisii, Kenya)

• Ongoing support for orphaned children at Casaupendo Orphanage (Kitale, Kenya)

• Literacy and healing initiatives for youth and underserved communities globally.

Her role as World Civility Ambassador underscores her dedication to diplomacy, reconciliation, and fostering global networks for peace.

Vision for Global Peace

Dr. Boone-Thornton is a Founding Member of Friends for Collaborative Global Peace, and in 2025, she will co-host the first Global Peace Networking Reception on February 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., bringing together 170 embassies and diplomatic missions. This will culminate in a Global Peace March in 2026, continuing the award’s legacy as a bridge for unity and healing.

Nominate a Changemaker

The award is moving toward a fully digital nomination process. Soon, nominators will access an online form or QR code to submit candidates. Submissions will be reviewed by the board and voted on based on service, vision, and impact. This ensures continued transparency and broad inclusion across nations.