We’re delighted to announce the winners of Au Pair in America’s 2023 Au Pair of the Year Award! This annual award is designed to honor au pairs who have been a source of inspiration to their host families and communities. It’s an amazing way for host families to express their appreciation for their au pairs and the impact hosting has had on their lives.
To qualify, host families had to submit an essay highlighting what sets their au pair apart and how they have impacted the family, integrated into the local community, and learned about the United States.
A committee appointed by Au Pair in America selected the first, second, and third-place winners from the nominees. The top three winners received travel vouchers, entry into the International Au Pair Association’s (IAPA) Au Pair of the Year contest, and a unique Au Pair in America bracelet. We received so many touching nominations from host families for Au Pair of the Year 2023 – choosing just three winners was a daunting task. So, this year, we included two Honorable Mentions for the award as well.
We’re thrilled to recognize and honor these exceptional young people. Get ready for their inspiring stories!
Here are the winners of APIA’s 2023 Au Pair of the Year Award (drumroll…):
1st Place: Tawyny Santos from Brazil
“It is my pleasure to nominate Tawyny for the Au Pair of the Year award based upon her positive impact on our family, her amazing community involvement, and her genuine commitment to cultural exchange […]
When Tawyny first arrived, she told us everyone loves her. It seemed like such an odd comment, and we all had a good laugh about it. In time, though, we learned it is, indeed, true. In Tawyny, my three sons have a swimming coach, soccer competitor, friend with whom to play endless rounds of board games, and so much more.”
2nd Place: Antonia Dorsch from Germany
“Our son draws Antonia into every one of our family portraits – she cares not only for our children, but for each of us, and we will not be complete without her.”
3rd Place: Ingrid de Farias from Brazil
“For our son, she is someone who ‘gets’ him. They play video games, jump on the trampoline together, learn new dance moves and practice life skills in a way that parents cannot. For our daughter she is a strong, independent woman, who talks about her feelings and shares her experiences and lessons of life. She is an older sister who can listen and help her with her problems in a way that parents don’t always understand. She loves them unconditionally.”
Click below to read the winners’ full stories – and find out about our Honorable Mentions!
View the Winners of the 2023 Au Pair of the Year Award
What if you had MORE than just a child care solution? If you want your family to form intercultural connections like these host families and their au pairs, learn more about hosting with Au Pair in America.