International Achievement Awards & Scholarships

Dr. May Gao

Professor of Communication and Asian Studies
Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dr. May Hongmei Gao is a Professor of Communication & Asian Studies at Kennesaw State University since 2004. Dr. Gao has published extensively in global academic journals in the areas of communication, business, and Asian Studies. In May 2023, Dr. Gao published a research-based business communication guidebook entitled "Win Business with Relationships: Communication Strategies Inspired by Entrepreneurs & Taoism." Published by New York based Business Expert Press (BEP), this 5-star book is available in over 130 countries at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play and other platforms as a paperback, eBook and audible audiobook. Dr. Gao is currently working on her second book “Intercultural Communication with Asian Partners,” to be published by BEP in 2027.

Dr. Gao is also the Founder and Chair of the annual Symposium on ASIA-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO), the largest Asia business conference in the USA, with alternating hosting locations in Atlanta, Shanghai and Tokyo. The White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Asian American Heritage Foundation and USPAACC recognize Dr. Gao for her leadership in enhancing business and educational collaborations with Asia. Georgia Asian Times named Dr. Gao as one of the "25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia” twice in 2013 & 2016. Dr. Gao holds a PhD in Communication from the University of South Florida, an MA in Mass Communication from Brigham Young University, and a BA in English from Shanghai International Studies University. She enjoys gardening, writing, yoga, traveling, and playing Guzheng music.

Damie Omole

Attorney at law, B.S. Public Relations, Class of 2019
Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Damie Omole is a graduate of Kennesaw State University, Regent University School of Law, and a member of the Maryland state bar. She is an asylum officer and former immigration attorney.

Throughout her career, Damie has demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights and international law. In her work, she has handled complex asylum cases, applying domestic and international legal principles to ensure fair and just outcomes.

Damie is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in human rights and the rule of law advocacy in Africa. She has worked with various organizations focused on human right advocacy in Africa.  While working with the Legal Aid and Defense Project in Nigeria, Damie contributed to a review of the Criminal Justice Act, conducting gender and social inclusion analyses and offering recommendations to improve equitable access to justice. Damie has also conducted research on the intersection of the rule of law and sustainable development in Nigeria, contributing to broader discussions on governance, legal reform, and sustainable development.