The International Baccalaureate (IB) is delighted to announce the winners of its inaugural IB Community Inspiration Award, recognising members of the IB community who have made extraordinary contributions to further amplify IB’s mission and values in their local communities.
The award celebrates individuals across three global regions: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, Europe & Middle East. Each winner demonstrates leadership, compassion, and innovative approaches to addressing educational and social challenges, inspiring their communities and the wider IB network.
In the Americas, Harold Molina Venegas, Diploma Programme (DP) Coordinator at Yorkín School (ADEC) in Costa Rica, received the award for strengthening IB connections nationally and internationally. Molina created discussion forums linking public and private IB World Schools, launched an accessible YouTube channel to support educators, promoted the IB Compass Foundation regionally, and coordinated the first virtual IB choir during the pandemic, uniting over 400 students from 80 countries in a shared message of hope.
Harold Molina Venegas commented on receiving the award, “Receiving the IB Community Inspiration Award is a profound honour and a reminder of the value of collaborative work and a commitment to life-changing education. I do not see this recognition as a personal achievement, but rather as a reflection of a community that believes in learning, in service, and in the power of education to create a positive and lasting impact.”
From the Asia-Pacific region, Kayana Monga, a student at Shiv Nadar School Noida, India, was recognised for founding Project Muskan, a rural mental health initiative reaching over 500 children and identifying more than 40 cases of suicide ideation. Beyond mental health, Monga contributed to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children report and led sustainability, MUN, and community service initiatives, demonstrating youth-led leadership with measurable impact.
Kayana Monga remarked, “To receive this award is to be reminded that awareness carries obligation, and that meaningful change begins when care deepens into responsibility.”
In the Africa, Europe & Middle East region, Dr. Tetiana Isakova, DP Mathematics Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator at Pechersk School International, Ukraine, was honoured for their nearly three decades of dedication to service learning and student wellbeing. Despite wartime disruptions and evacuation to Warsaw, Isakova maintained school-wide partnerships, raised over 1.5 million Ukrainian Hryvnia for community initiatives, and reimagined safe, student-led service programs in crisis conditions.
Dr Tetiana Isakova also spoke about what the award means to her, “Receiving the IB Community Inspiration Award means a lot for me and for our community. It is a heartfelt confirmation that our work truly matters. It serves as recognition of an entire community’s effort and brings deep satisfaction that we have lived true to our values. And what is the most important, it deeply supports the belief that our students carry the joy of service as an 'emotional footprint' on their future paths. This award is an opportunity to share our story and is considered by me as a sign point for new actions and developments, and a great inner inspiration for Pechersk School International and me.”
Isela Consuegra, President of the Mexican Association of IB World Schools (IBAMEX) and Head of School at Escuela Lomas Altas, Mexico City, reflected on her experience as part of the Awarding Committee, “Through my work on the review team, I had the privilege of witnessing the passion, talent, generosity, and commitment of remarkable educators, all working toward positive change and a better world under a shared educational mission. Truly inspiring!”
The Community Inspiration Award reflects the IB’s mission to nurture responsible, compassionate, and innovative leaders. These winners embody the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and service that lies at the heart of IB education, providing inspiration for educators and students around the globe.
 is delighted to announce the winners of its inaugural IB Community Inspiration Award, recognising members of the IB community who have made extraordinary contributions to further amplify IB’s mission and values in their local communities.){kind=icon}