Global Ties U.S. is delighted to announce the recipients of our 2026 Citizen Diplomat Awards: David Neville, Owner of Capstone Farms in Kentucky, and Tina Kadolph, Founder of Love Missions Global in Florida.
The Global Ties U.S. Citizen Diplomat Award is presented annually to honor outstanding individuals and institutions in the United States who showcase American excellence and make a positive contribution to the cause of international exchange. Awardees are selected from a broad range of fields, including the arts, culture, government service, science, media, business, and education.
This year’s awardees exemplify leadership, community impact, and outstanding engagement with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP):
David Neville is the owner of Capstone Farms in New Castle, KY, where he promotes resilient agriculture through collaboration, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. David has transformed 258 acres of land into a community of innovation, incorporating hydroponic and aquaponic systems to grow produce; using goats for brush control; and mentoring local and international farmers to showcase the ingenuity and resourcefulness that define the American spirit and keep American farms strong for our economy, and the next generation.
Nominated by the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, a Global Ties U.S. Community-Based Member, David has welcomed more than 450 participants of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) from over 100 countries to Capstone Farms. His approach is hands-on and solutions-orientated, providing participants with meaningful insights into resilient agriculture and a genuine window into American life and values.
“Beyond professional programs, David embodies the spirit of hospitality that defines the Global Ties Network. He opens his home and farm to visitors, connects them with his extensive network, and even collaborates with participants on applied projects,” said Xiao Yin Zhao, President of the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana on David’s nomination. “David’s decades of dedication and generosity make him a model Kentucky citizen diplomat, representing the very best of the Global Ties Network’s mission to connect local communities with the world.”
Tina Kadolph is the founder of Love Missions Global, a nonprofit organization based in Sanford, FL dedicated to combating human trafficking through education and awareness initiatives. As a survivor of human trafficking, Tina serves as a cornerstone for her local community and is a leader to those around her.
Since 2020, Tina has served as a professional resource for WorldOrlando, engaging more than 120 U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants in professional meetings and volunteer activities. Through Love Missions and her two social enterprises, Palate Coffee Roasters and Elevate Her Boutique, Tina has worked to amplify the voices of human trafficking victims and serve as a dedicated citizen diplomat.
“Tina’s default is to say yes to hosting a meeting or volunteer activity. She is a go-to, showstopper resource for WorldOrlando’s IVLP projects,” said Shilpa Finnerty, Project Manager at WorldOrlando, on Tina’s nomination. “Tina has met with over 124 international visitors, both virtually and in-person. Tina’s example of survivor leadership, redemption and service has not only moved our visitors to tears, it has also inspired and re-invigorated leaders in the global fight to combat human trafficking.”
The 2026 Global Ties U.S. Citizen Diplomat Award will be presented on Thursday, February 19 at the Global Ties U.S. 2026 National Meeting: America at 250.
The National Meeting is the premier annual gathering of international exchange leaders and public diplomacy professionals, and registration is open until Friday, February 6. Learn more and register HERE.