In celebration of the success of the 2025 Global Leadership Awards Gala, the International Student House of Washington, DC gathered sponsors, Board Members, and diplomatic leaders for a Tribute Dinner graciously hosted by His Excellency Shigeo Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, at the Ambassador’s Residence.
The evening brought together the cross-sector Leadership that sustains the House. 2025 Gala Chairs Janet Eissenstat and Everett Eissenstat were joined by Melike Yetken Krilla of Google, Jeffrey Krilla of Kosmos Energy, Eric Melby of The Scowcroft Group, Lynda Webster of The Webster Group, and senior representatives from Boeing, including Matthew McCarthy and Thu Rajan. Leaders from Foreign Policy, CVS Health, Amgen, Meridian International Center, and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum were in attendance, alongside The Honorable John Tanner, Lawrence Dunham of the U.S. Department of State, Ambassador-at-Large Rafat Mahmood and Shaista Mahmood, the 2025 Global Philanthropist Awardees.
I-House DC Executive Director, Daniel Bremer-Wirtig, served as Master of Ceremonies, recognizing the sponsors and supporters whose leadership ensured the Gala’s success. In his remarks, Ambassador Yamada reflected on the House’s nearly century-long tradition of welcoming young people from around the world and building mutual understanding through daily life. He emphasized that Japan shares this commitment to friendship and trust, noting that “the strength of our relationship relies on trust and friendship.”
Referencing the cherry blossom tree gifted to the House garden in 2012, the Ambassador highlighted the enduring relationship between Japan and the House and shared that witnessing Residents embrace the mission as their own gave him “great encouragement.” The evening concluded with remarks from I-House DC Resident Sonia Porej, an MBA candidate at George Washington University, who spoke about the friendships formed across sixty countries and the global perspectives shaped within the House’s walls. Her reflections underscored what the evening represented: not only a successful Gala, but a community committed to fostering global leadership through personal connection.
The International Student House of Washington, DC extends its sincere appreciation to His Excellency Shigeo Yamada and the Embassy of Japan for their extraordinary hospitality, and to every sponsor and supporter whose commitment to our mission ensures the House continues to serve as a home for global talent in Washington, DC.
1. The Honorable John Tanner, Associate Committee Member Betty Ann Tanner, and Frank Islam
2. Lynda Webster
3. Robert Demers
4. His Excellency Shigeo Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, 2025 Gala Chairs Janet and Everett Eissenstat, and Deborah Dunham
5. His Excellency Shigeo Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, with Eric Melby and Pamela Tripp-Melby
