Denise Medeiros Honored with the 2025 Martha Fitch Trigonis Award
On March 7, Denise Medeiros received the 2025 North Carolina Association of International Educators (NCAIE) Martha Fitch Trigonis Award, recognizing her 30-year commitment to international education. This award honors individuals for their exceptional dedication and impactful contributions to international education at the state, regional, and national levels.
Denise has served as Associate Director of the Office of International Programs’ International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) for 22 years, supporting thousands of international students and scholars. Before joining UNC Charlotte, she worked in international student advising at Cornell University and taught ESL at SUNY Buffalo and in Brazil. Having lived in Germany and Finland, she is fluent in Swedish, German, Portuguese, and Spanish—all learned after the age of 18.
A student-centered professional, Denise not only advises with integrity but also mentors generations of UNC Charlotte’s international students. Her ability to simplify complex immigration policies has helped students navigate their academic and personal journeys with confidence. Denise currently supports international scholars at UNC Charlotte, making a meaningful impact and helping them achieve their goals.
Beyond immigration advising, Denise has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community. She launched UNC Charlotte’s International Coffee Hour in 2003, a longstanding tradition that brings together 125 attendees twice a month, and introduced the International Women’s Day celebration to campus in 2006.
As a leader, Denise has played a key role in adapting to the university’s growing international student population, which surged from 700 in 2002 to 2,100 in 2023. She has also been a trusted advocate, collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators to support international students and ensure compliance with regulations.Denise’s impact extends beyond campus. She has served as an NCAIE board member, F-1 visa workshop trainer, and conference presenter since 2003. Regionally, she has been a NAFSA Academy Coach, Trainer Corps trainer, and mentor to professionals in the field. She has also presented twice at the NAFSA national conference.
Denise’s dedication, leadership, and passion for building global communities make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. The Office of International Programs proudly thanks Denise for her significant contributions and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.
