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Laura Salgado, First Annual Recipient of the Judy Wilkenfeld Award For International Tobacco Control Excellence

When Judy Wilkenfeld died on May 24, 2007, the world lost one of its finest tobacco control leaders. Judy’s contributions to the field were indeed extraordinary.

She battled the devastating effects of tobacco use for more than 20 years, first behind the scenes as a public official and then as the leader of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ international efforts.

Her vision and skillful advocacy played a key role in the adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s first global health treaty, and her unique ability to bring people together was instrumental in the creation of the Framework Convention Alliance, the first international alliance of non-governmental organizations supporting tobacco control.

Judy’s impact reached far beyond her professional achievements. She was an exceptional human being who treated her colleagues with unwavering respect and kindness. It’s no wonder that Judy served as a mentor and role model to so many

The Campaign created the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence to recognize international advocates who both contribute significantly to reducing tobacco use and unite and inspire others to do the same. In the award’s first year, an extraordinary group of individuals was nominated from around the world. The final selection was made by Campaign staff and close colleagues in international tobacco control, along with Judy’s family.

The Campaign and the Wilkenfeld family are thrilled to announce that Laura Salgado of Honduras is the inaugural recipient of the Judy Wilkenfeld Award.

In a relatively short time, Laura has proven herself to be a dedicated, skillful tobacco control advocate, often working behind the scenes in challenging circumstances to make a real difference.

Laura distinctly demonstrates Judy’s gift of uniting and mentoring people, fostering consensus and nurturing those with whom she works.  

Laura’s involvement with tobacco control began in 2003, when she began working on a smoke-free universities campaign in Honduras and also started working with the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA).

In 2005 she founded Acción para la Promoción de Ambientes Libres de Tabaco (Promoting Action for a Smoke-Free Environment) and participated in the International Symposium on Women and Tobacco in Spain. In 2006, Laura became the first Latin American regional coordinator for the FCA. In 2007, Laura joined the Steering Committee of the Global Smokefree partnership.

Judy Wilkenfeld worked tirelessly in support of the adoption of the FCTC, and Laura has likewise played a critical role in making the dream of the treaty a reality.

Laura’s work with local organizations and government officials has contributed significantly to its ratification in 22 nations in Latin America. Equally as important, Laura’s actions have helped support the development of sustainable, effective coalitions in many of those countries that will be key to attaining long term success.

Laura’s closest colleagues describe her as a “servant leader” and someone with a facility for ”infectious joy” who helps inspire and bring out the best in others. Like Judy, she is tough-minded, dedicated, a hard worker and one of those rare people who will happily roll up her sleeves and work in the background rather than be "center stage".

We at the Campaign are blessed to have worked with Judy. And we are grateful to have an exemplary colleague like Laura Salgado who will continue to advance our shared dream of a tobacco-free future.