Impact begins with individuals who lead with heart, courage, and conviction. At Barry University, those individuals are often found across campus and sometimes, on the front lines of human rights advocacy. Our very own Dr. Lisa Konczal, Professor of Sociology, was recently recognized by Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) for her extraordinary volunteer work supporting asylum seekers.

The People Power Awards, hosted annually by AIUSA, celebrate the leaders and activist groups behind the organization’s grassroots movement. This year’s ceremony, held in Detroit, MI, recognized Dr. Lisa Konczal with a special award applauding her commitment to this important cause.

Dr. Konczal has been a Country Specialist for Nicaragua with AIUSA for the past 12 years. Her work focuses on helping asylum seekers and refugees, often individuals fleeing violence, persecution, and grave human rights violations. Over the years, she’s worked on more than 60 asylum cases, including 20 cases in the past year alone.

For Dr. Konczal, the work extends far beyond the courtroom. It’s a deeply personal mission that she brings into her role as an educator. “Working with Amnesty International and asylum-seekers has given me a great opportunity to bring human rights advocacy to the classroom and get students involved in meaningful, justice-driven work,” she shared. “The Asylum Award is a huge honor, however the impact on students and the lives we support mean the most.”

One of her earliest and most impactful experiences involved a case in Stewart Detention Center, a high-security facility in Georgia known for its harsh conditions. Partnering with human rights attorney Marty Rosenbluth, Dr. Konczal helped a Nicaraguan asylum seeker who had been detained for a year. Through their persistent efforts, the individual was granted a hearing and ultimately, asylum. Today, that person is one of many Nicaraguan exiles who are using their voices to advocate for freedom and justice.

Dr. Konczal’s story is a powerful reminder of how academic knowledge, when paired with compassion and action, can create real change. Her volunteer work is a beacon of hope for those in crisis and is a living example of Barry’s mission in action.

We extend our congratulations to Dr. Lisa Konczal on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for inspiring our Barry community to serve where the need is greatest.