Guerline Jozef, co-founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, received the 2026 Wallenberg Medal on Sept. 29 at the University of Michigan, delivering an emotional lecture about immigration, human dignity and the responsibility individuals have to care for those around them.
The event at Rackham Auditorium marked the 31st Wallenberg Lecture. Jozef delivered an address titled “Written in offices but lived in communities: An immigration system in crisis.”
Jozef connected her work advocating for immigrants with the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, the 1935 U-M graduate who rescued thousands of Jews during World War II.
“I don’t feel worthy to receive this honor because so much more needs to be done,” she said. “It is 2026, and the work that he did should not be necessary today. The sacrifices that he made should not be a reality today.”
The Wallenberg Medal and Lecture honor Wallenberg’s legacy. Under the auspices of the Donia Human Rights Center, U-M awards the Wallenberg Medal to those who, through their actions and personal commitment, perpetuate Wallenberg’s extraordinary accomplishments and human values and demonstrate the capacity of the human spirit to stand up for the helpless, defend the integrity of the powerless and speak out on behalf of the voiceless.
President Domenico Grasso presented the Wallenberg Medal to Jozef.
