Founders of The Trust for the Americas Are Presented with The Trust/OAS 2022 Humanitarian Award

Washington, D.C. November 30, 2022.- The Trust for the Americas initiated its 25th Anniversary year by awarding on November 30th its Humanitarian Award to its founding Board of Directors members. The Humanitarian Award recognized Enrique Segura, June DeHart and Susan Benson for founding an institution devoted to promoting socio-economic inclusion of all people and reflect their faith everyone deserves an opportunity to excel.

The award was presented by Secretary General Luis Almagro Lemes in a ceremony at the Organization of American States headquarters in Washington DC.  In his speech, Almagro stated, “The Trust for the Americas is recognizing three exemplary individuals who have contributed in practical and important ways to improve opportunities for vulnerable and marginalized people and to increase sustainability of democracy in many countries of our hemisphere. I should add the work has not always been easy. To produce a beautiful building, you have to do a lot of digging and June, Susan and Enrique have been there with the staff of The Trust and other members of the Board of Directors shouldering the burdens.  The result of all their hard work is the noble edifice we now call The Trust for the Americas.  Millions of people are better off for the work they began in 1997”.

After the awards were presented, Dr Enrique Segura and Mrs. DeHart, on behalf of herself and Mrs. Benson, described their experiences in founding The Trust for the Americas and the work they fostered to promote social and economic inclusion for vulnerable communities in the Americas mobilizing public and private resources.  

Mrs. DeHart mentioned that “it has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the growth and success of The Trust, fostering hope and inclusion to millions of vulnerable and marginalized people in the Americas.  Linda Eddleman, CEO, and her very talented and able team at The Trust are all our heroes”.

Dr. Enrique Segura reaffirmed his commitment to The Trust.  As a well-known philanthropist, he recalled his support for The Trust and his early provision of “seed capital” and sponsorship of anti-corruption Summits.

Dr. Enrique Segura is the founder and majority stockholder for the ENSE Group, a group of companies with annual revenues of four billion dollars. Prior to his work at the ENSE Group, Dr. Segura had several diplomatic assignments. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Smithsonian Museum of American History and a member of the Advisory Board of the Smithsonian Institution.

June L. DeHart is a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.  Prior to joining the law firm in 1987, she served as Legislative Assistant/Counsel and a subcommittee Chief Counsel in the U.S. Senate.  A creative problem-solver for her clients, Ms. DeHart specializes in federal legislative and regulatory matters before the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and federal agencies.  She is Vice Chair of the Board for The Trust for the Americas; Vice Chair of the Board for the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES); and Member of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Mrs. Susan Shattuck Benson conceived The Trust for the Americas in 1997 based on her experience at the Organization of American States in the fields of information systems, library and community development and marketing of crafts.  Susan set the wheels of The Trust in motion with programs of technology for marginalized populations and for increased integrity in government, which evolved into today’s programs supporting increased access of marginalized populations to technology and the internet and improved governance. 

About The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. 

More information: www.trustfortheamericas.org  

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