Elena Milashina receiving the International Women of Courage Award from Secretary of State John Kerry and First Lady Michelle Obama Washington, DC — Elena Milashina, a FLEX program 1994 alumna, was recently recognized with the U.S. Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award for her bold work as a journalist and human rights activist. She is one of just nine women who received the award this year at a ceremony held on March 8, 2013.

"Elena Milashina is one of the most influential and respected journalists in Russia," said Secretary Kerry during the award ceremony. "She's built a career investigating drug trafficking, terrorism, military disasters, and the killings of fellow journalists... In the face of threats from her government, corporations, and even private citizens, Elena has continued to expose the truth and to combat negative influences in Russian society. She bears the scars of physical and verbal assaults, but she also carries the confidence of the many whose lives she has made better through her commitment."

"Women's issues, as we know, are more than just women's issues," said Secretary Kerry. "They're families' issues, they're economic issues, they're security issues, and they're justice issues."

"There is something each of us can still do to …build on the progress that we have made and to protect the health, the education, the welfare, and the human rights of women and girls all over this world. There is still something for everyone to do, even if you're somewhere that doesn't welcome you in the doing of it. And that is why it is called courage."

Established in 2007, the annual Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women's equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide. The honorees come to the United States on a special International Visitor Leadership Program that provides an opportunity to meet with Americans and make connections to continue to empower women in their countries. Read more about Elena and the other honorees on the Department of State’s IWOC website.