Ellis Island Honors Global Titans of Tech, Business, and Public Service

NEW YORK, NY – May 05, 2026 – The Ellis Island Honors Society today unveiled a diverse and influential list of 76 individuals who will receive the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a prestigious award celebrating contributions to the American tapestry. The honorees, spanning fields from technology and global business to public service and the arts, will be celebrated at a black-tie gala on May 16th in the historic Great Hall of Ellis Island, the very gateway through which 12 million immigrants entered the United States.

This year's roster includes a remarkable cross-section of modern leadership. Among those being recognized are Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG; Sarah Friar, the Chief Financial Officer of AI powerhouse OpenAI; and celebrity chef and culinary entrepreneur Wolfgang Puck. The list also features prominent figures from public service, including former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and former U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. They are joined by cultural icons such as country music legend Lee Greenwood and international music superstar Googoosh.

A Constellation of Modern Achievement

The 2026 honorees represent a powerful narrative of success forged through innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Each individual has carved a significant path in their respective field, reflecting the dynamic nature of contribution in the 21st century.

Ola Källenius stands at the helm of one of the world's most iconic automotive brands, steering Mercedes-Benz through a monumental shift towards electrification and sustainability. His leadership on the company's "Electric Only" strategy represents a forward-looking vision that impacts global markets and environmental policy. His recognition highlights the role of corporate leadership in shaping a more sustainable future.

In the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence, Sarah Friar's inclusion is particularly timely. As CFO of OpenAI, she is at the financial center of a technological revolution. Her career, which includes transformative leadership roles at Nextdoor and Square (now Block), demonstrates a consistent ability to guide disruptive technology companies from high-growth phases to public market success, underscoring the critical link between financial stewardship and innovation.

Meanwhile, Wolfgang Puck has fundamentally reshaped America’s culinary landscape. Moving beyond the confines of the kitchen, he pioneered the concept of the celebrity chef as a global brand, blending high-end cuisine with accessible dining. His empire, which began with the revolutionary California cuisine at Spago, now encompasses restaurants, catering, and consumer products worldwide, making him a symbol of entrepreneurial success and cultural influence.

These individuals, alongside others like filmmaker Ebs Burnough and Dr. Billy Hudson, founder of the science education program Aspirnaut, exemplify how personal vision can lead to broad societal impact.

Global Impact and American Ideals

This year’s awards cast a spotlight on the increasingly interconnected nature of global leadership. Many of the honorees, whether U.S.-born or naturalized, operate on a world stage, their influence transcending national borders. The list includes HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, reflecting the award's recognition of diplomatic contributions that foster international understanding.

The selection of highly decorated chemist Professor Omar Yaghi, a pioneer in reticular chemistry from UC Berkeley, underscores the vital role of scientific advancement in tackling global challenges. His invention of materials like Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) offers groundbreaking potential for carbon capture and clean water access, demonstrating how academic research in America can provide solutions for the world.

The Ellis Island Honors Society also presented its 2026 Global Humanitarian Medal earlier this year to Lech Wałęsa, the former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Wałęsa's leadership of the Solidarity movement was instrumental in the peaceful transition away from communism in Eastern Europe, and his recognition reinforces the award's deep respect for those who champion freedom and human rights on a global scale.

"This evening is a celebration of perseverance, achievement, and service," said EIHS Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy in the official announcement. "Representing a diverse range of fields, these honorees embody the enduring promise of a nation built on freedom and opportunity."

A Legacy Forged in History

For 39 years, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor has stood as a powerful symbol of the American Dream. The award itself is deeply rooted in the nation's history, with the ceremony held annually in the Great Hall, a space imbued with the hopes and anxieties of millions who sought new beginnings. This choice of venue is a deliberate and poignant reminder that the story of America is inextricably linked to the story of immigration.

The prestige of the medal is reinforced by its official recognition in the U.S. Congressional Record and its illustrious list of past recipients. Since its founding in 1986, the honor has been bestowed upon eight U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates like Elie Wiesel and Malala Yousufzai, and cultural and civil rights icons including Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, and Rosa Parks. Placing the 2026 honorees within this lineage highlights the enduring relevance of their contributions.

By celebrating both naturalized citizens and U.S.-born Americans who honor their immigrant heritage, the award champions the idea that diversity is a foundational strength. It recognizes that contributions to the nation come in many forms—from the boardroom and the laboratory to the concert hall and the halls of government.

More Than a Medal: Fostering Future Generations

Beyond the annual gala, the Ellis Island Honors Society operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit with a year-round mission. The organization is committed to fostering "acceptance, respect, and understanding among diverse ethnic and cultural groups" not just through celebration, but through tangible action.

A core part of this mission involves creating educational opportunities for students with immigrant heritage. Through its scholarship programs, EIHS invests in the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the legacy of achievement and contribution continues. The society also dedicates resources to the preservation of the Ellis Island National Monument, helping to maintain the physical touchstone of American immigration history for all to experience.

This broader context provides a deeper meaning to the medals. The honor is not just a recognition of past achievements but a platform for inspiring future ones. The stories of the 76 individuals honored this year serve as a powerful testament to the ongoing contributions of immigrants and their descendants. Data consistently shows this impact on a national scale, with immigrants disproportionately founding innovative companies, driving scientific research, and enriching the country's cultural and economic vitality. The 2026 Ellis Island Medals of Honor serve as a prominent, personal, and inspiring celebration of this fundamental truth.