Honorary Doctorate · International University of Cuernavaca
The International University of Cuernavaca awarded her an Honorary Doctorate for her “contribution to improving the human condition,” highlighting her work in Mexican prisons.
On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Isha received an Honorary Doctorate from the International University of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, for her “contribution to improving the human condition.”
The recognition was presented by the rector, Ing. Francisco Javier Espinosa Romero, and the university's academic body, highlighting her social commitment and her work in Mexican prisons.
By that date, Isha Judd had taught more than 20% of the inmates at the Reclusorio Varonil Oriente in Mexico City, the largest prison in Latin America, with a population of over 11,800 inmates. Prison officials reported that, as a result, “aggression levels in the prison have dropped noticeably.”
The video shows Isha's acceptance speech at the ceremony.
Isha Judd's presence alone was enough for the auditorium to fall completely silent. When she began her seminar, peace and calm filled the room, and the 800 inmates present entered a state of deep silence. When I saw so many men going within, I realized it was working: a seed had been planted inside each of them.
— Alejandro Escorza Arredondo, director of the prison's education system
It was an extraordinary experience. As she entered the auditorium, she was welcomed warmly and emotionally by the inmates.
— Rubén Fernández Lima, prison director
