The publisher of New Americans magazine, Deba Uwadiae, has received the New American Leadership Academy (NALA) Champion Award in recognition of his contributions to the development and visibility of the New American community in Columbus, Ohio.
The award was presented at the NALA 2026 Annual Reception on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Announcing the honour, Abdi Soofe, New American Programme Coordinator at the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, said Uwadiae was recognised for his “consistent dedication” to branding and championing the visibility of New American leaders and initiatives across Columbus.
Other recipients at the 2026 reception included Reynoldsburg City Council President Bhuwan Pyakurel and Alianza 614, who received the Outstanding Leadership Award.
The New American Leadership Academy is a leadership and professional development programme organised by the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods to empower individuals to become advocates for their communities.
Director of the Department of Neighborhoods, Kym Douglas, said empowering New American leaders would help ensure that everyone had a voice in their communities.
Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer also congratulated all the award recipients.
In his response, Uwadiae expressed gratitude for the honour and thanked the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods for promoting the New American Initiative programme, which established the New American Leadership Academy.
He also appreciated Douglas and members of the programme’s management team, including Soofe and Lindora Kolu Howard-Diawara, as well as his family and others who had supported him throughout his journey.
Pyakurel and Alianza 614 also expressed appreciation for their awards and thanked the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods for its support for the New American community.
The reception also featured the election of members of the NALA alumni Steering Committee. Those elected were Njeri Mbure, Miriam Tesfai, Musa Dampha, Teresa Temu, Dr Ahcene Zerrouk, Edward Soumaila, Dr Lola Frazier, Alpha Tongor and Telahum Tesfave.
