Representing 19 countries and selected from a pool of over 2,000 applicants, the 22 selected McCain Global Leaders will begin program designed to strengthen leadership skills to advance democracy and human rights.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 23, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) is proud to announce the 2025 McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) cohort, comprised of 22 leaders from 19 countries and five continents. These highly accomplished mid- to senior-career professionals will participate in a 12-month fellowship designed to empower the next generation of character-driven leaders inspired by the life and legacy of Senator John McCain.
This year’s global theme of advancing democracy and human rights will provide MGLs with a look into the ever-changing and complex global landscape as it relates to great-power competitions, the spread of authoritarianism, threats to democracy, abuse of human rights, and growing challenges to the health of our planet driven by climate change.
The 2025 participants were selected in accordance with respective regional themes, uniting leaders across different industries such as public policy, technology, journalism, intelligence, and social justice.
Cohort members will focus on four core themes, varying by region:
- Western Hemisphere: Bringing together community leaders and policy experts working to eliminate the conflict and poverty which fuel migration, and to protect the human rights of migrants.
- Europe and Eurasia: Countering the spread of authoritarianism by looking at the internal and external threats to democracy posed by disinformation, disregard for state sovereignty, and rising nationalism and extremism.
- Africa and Middle East: Building the foundations for conflict resolution through examining the factors driving conflict, the humanitarian consequences, and what steps can be done to pave a path towards resolution and reconciliation.
- Asia and Oceania: Managing the great power competition in the Asia-Pacific by examining the various threats to economic and political stability that persist throughout the region and how advancing democracy and human rights can counter the instability created by the great power competition.
Organizations represented by the 2025 McCain Global Leaders cohort include the World Liberty Congress, United States Coast Guard, Ukrainian Parliament, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, among others.
“The McCain Institute is excited to welcome these 22 character-driven leaders into the McCain Global Leaders Community,” said Ambassador Cindy Dyer, chief program officer at the McCain Institute. “Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these leaders are already making a difference in their home communities, and we are proud to support and amplify their efforts as they carry forward Senator McCain’s legacy in the advancement of democracy and human rights.”
The 2025 McCain Global Leaders are:
- Tamara Bajčić, Serbia – CEO, Demostat
- Tara Grace Connolly, Ireland – Engagement and Communications Officer, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
- Adriana Cordón, Guatemala – Chief of Staff, Ministry of the Interior
- James Eggers, United States – Military Officer, United States Coast Guard
- Menghun Kaing, Cambodia – Public Policy Professional
- Anaïse Kanimba, Rwanda – Founding Member, World Liberty Congress
- Paul Katigbak, Philippines – Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees, International Planned Parenthood Federation & Resource Mobilization Manager, Wagayway Equality Inc.
- Herman Kelomees, Estonia – Politics Editor, Delfi
- Vira Konstantynova, Ukraine – Foreign Policy Advisor, Ukrainian Parliament
- Ajay Krishnan, India – Senior Consultant, RAIN Defense+ AI
- Channing Lee, United States – Associate Director for Foreign Policy, Special Competitive Studies Project
- Maung Shing Min Nyo, Myanmar – Co-Founder, CARES Program, Lan Pya
- Ana Mojica, Colombia – CEO and Co-Founder, Fundación M&M
- Saje Miguel Molato, Philippines – Founder and CEO, Siklab
- Noor Mousa, Iraq – Humanitarian Advocacy Specialist
- Andréa Ngombet, Republic of Congo – Executive Director, Sassoufit Collective
- Gbenga Oni, Nigeria – Chief Growth & Training Specialist, The Makor Consulting
- Fabiola Zambrana Pardo, Bolivia – Representative, Regulatory Institute for Central and South America
- Cecilia Polizzi, Italy – Founder and CEO, Next Wave
- Mary Taylor, United States – Director of Government Affairs, Combined Arms
- Sara Soto Velasco, Spain – Senior Advisor, Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility
- Julien Vikemba, Democratic Republic of Congo – Executive Director, SOTE PAMOJA RDC
“Each year, I’m struck by the passion and courage these leaders bring to the fight for democracy, human rights, and freedom in their home countries and around the globe,” said McCain Global Leaders Advisory Council Member James McCain. “The 2025 McCain Global Leaders represent the very ideals my father spent his life defending: integrity, service above self, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to shape a better future.”
Learn more about the McCain Institute’s McCain Global Leaders program here.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.