Sarah Wright, a UH Mānoa College of Education PhD student in the Department of Learning Design and Technology (LTEC), was recently honored with an International Humanitarian Service Award from the American Red Cross at their 2026 Central Coast Chapter Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event in Aptos, California.
“I am so proud of Sarah for receiving this recognition,” said LTEC Associate Professor Dan Hoffman. “She has always been a smart, energetic, and dedicated student, so it is no surprise to see her hard work and leadership recognized in a humanitarian context. Her commitment to helping others aligns well with our mission in LTEC and the College of Education, and I look forward to seeing the impact she continues to make.”
Wright, who previously earned a Certificate in Online Learning and Teaching (COLT) from LTEC, works in the California Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement. She has been an International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Public Awareness Campaign Ambassador with the Red Cross since 2024, championing disaster and humanitarian relief efforts and ensuring military families are supported during emergencies.
“Sarah is an exceptionally dedicated doctoral student who is always eager to learn, grow, and contribute,” said LTEC Professor Seungoh Paek. “Beyond her academic pursuits, she consistently finds ways to serve and support her communities, both locally and beyond. This award is a fitting recognition of her character, not only as an outstanding scholar in our LTEC program, but also as a compassionate individual committed to making a meaningful difference. We are very proud to have her as part of our LTEC community.”
In her role as an IHL Ambassador, she teaches Just War Theory and Red Cross history in the International Services’ Even War Has Rules course. The course addresses topics, such as the sources of law, rules that apply to armed conflicts, and the fundamental principles of IHL that guide the development of these rules.
“The LTEC community shapes my exposure to practices supporting psychological, business, and educational theories allowing me to uncover a standard schema of instructional content application facilitating consistent positive economic return by learner communities-of-practice,” Wright said. “I appreciate the opportunity to learn from the engaging and kind faculty who truly embrace students as their ʻohana.”
Wright says she was influenced by her parents to pursue her current education and career path.
“My parents have always prioritized academics, allowing me to realize the benefits of advanced education,” Wright said. “I’d love to repay this kindness to my Californian and Hawaiian communities. I’d love to localize the impact of Former President Barack Obama’s words, ‘I want us to ask ourselves every day, how we are using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives.’”
