Collaborative Engagement Series Speakers

Events:

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Efforts in High School International Programming: Challenges & Successes

Optimizing CSIET for Your Advancement, Sept. 22, 2021
Session: The CSIET Experience: Enhance Your Program with Member Benefits

Anna Damewood is Director of Membership and Conference Programming at CSIET, where she has worked since 2013. During her eight years of experience within the CSIET community, she has been responsible for working with all of CSIET’s membership categories, handling prospective member relations, and helping develop content for CSIET events and online resources.

She graduated from the University of Mary Washington where she majored in International Affairs, with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Anna currently lives in Washington D.C., where she loves running and biking along Rock Creek Park, exploring the local food scene, and traveling whenever possible.

Anna is always excited to meet new members at each CSIET event, whether in-person or virtual! 

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step May 12, 2022
Session: Strengthening Partnerships

Jacki was born in New Jersey, but raised in the heart of the Midwest and currently works from a field office outside of Kansas City, Kansas. She has spent almost two decades working in student exchange. However, she spent many years working in the areas of administration and banking, before finding her passion in the field of international cultural and educational exchange. Beginning as a host family, she has gone on to host 14 young people from all over the world, whom she now calls family. After witnessing the impact these young people had on her family, schools, and community she joined the staff at CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange. Following her start as a Local Coordinator. She moved on to the positions of Regional Director and Director of Training. She, then, joined Pan Atlantic Foundation at its inception as Program Director, and has especially enjoyed her work building Pan Atlantic Foundation into a program that values its field staff and holds to the heart of why they do what they do. She has worked Pre-Departure Orientations for students and their natural families in Europe, has participated in conducting Orientations in the United States, and has overseen thousands of student placements with families throughout the United States. She attended Johnson County Community College. Jacki is also a grandmother of three and mother of two married sons. She is also passionate about Kansas City Chiefs football and Kansas Jayhawk basketball.

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Strengthening Partnerships

As a Director of Sales for Asia and South America, Sean works to provide support to ICES’s international partners. He primarily works with students that are joining the ICES F1 program as well as their Virtual High School Program. Sean has been with ICES for approximately 5 years and looks forward to many more.

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Strengthening Partnerships

James has worked with High School Exchange programs for 13 years. During this time, he has worked for international agents, J1 sponsors, and IT providers. He is currently a member of the ICES team, focused on J1 sales and customer support and various internal projects.

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Strengthening Partnerships

Sean Nelson has 25 years of experience building strong and successful teams in not-for-profit management primarily in the YMCA organization. He was most recently CEO of Illinois YMCA Youth and Government. Sean has been the volunteer Chairman for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, (RYLA), a teen leadership training and development conference for the previous 22 years. His passion has always been working with teens to help them become better future leaders. 

Some of Sean’s primary responsibilities will include the successful implementation of YFU USA’s exchange programs, strategic planning to ensure that YFU USA can successfully fulfill its mission, the enhancement of YFU USA’s image by being active and visible in YFU’s national and international communities, fiscal management & operation of the organization, relationships with various organizations, and the hiring and retention of staff.  

Sean is a graduate of Louisiana State University – Shreveport with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in both Public Relations and Communications.

Events:

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Strengthening Partnerships | Trends, Standards, & Regulation: International Student Recruitment

International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Teaching & Acknowledging with Global Students (TAGS)

The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally – January 19, 2022
Session: Policy or Practice: Building Back Youth Exchange

Government & Advocacy: How Best to Engage – October 28, 2021
Session: Membership Council Meeting

Christopher Page is Executive Director for the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. After 21 years as a Spanish teacher and a six-year tenure with the CSIET Board of Directors (2003-2009) Chris began his professional journey with CSIET in 2011.  Facing new J-1 high school regulations, a rise in use of the F-1 visa, and an increasingly complex industry landscape, Chris has positioned CSIET and its Standards to serve the needs of a diverse membership of J-1, F-1 and Outbound practitioners from the field of international student exchange. He has spearheaded a variety of new initiatives, including the evaluation of F-1 programs and schools, leading to a 52% growth in program membership and a markedly increased awareness of the value of the CSIET seal of approval. 

Outside his professional life, Chris is an author of a Spanish textbook, a writer of occasional poems, and an aspiring guitarist. He lives in Alexandria, Va. with his wife, two children and pug/chihuahua mix.

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Trends, Standards, & Regulation: International Student Recruitment

Peter Szechenyi is Assistant University Counsel at MCPHS University, a private, not-for-profit, healthcare-focused university with a full spectrum of healthcare programs located in Boston, Massachusetts. He provides legal counsel to the University with an emphasis on business contracts, fellowships, and compliance matters including state licensure and immunizations. Previously, he was legal counsel at Cambridge Network, an international student exchange company where he was responsible for all legal matters concerning the recruitment, homestay placement, safety and welfare of international students attending private high schools in the United States. He has been a board member at CSIET since 2019. Prior to his law career, he worked as a teacher in Hungary after the fall of the Iron Curtain. He is a graduate of Temple University and the New England School of Law.

Event: Celebrating International Students with Every Step, May 12, 2022
Session: Trends, Standards, & Regulation: International Student Recruitment

Jennifer R. Wright (MA), is Director of Certification and Associate Director at the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), a U.S.-based Standards Development Organization and non-profit membership association. AIRC Certification is the U.S. quality standard recognizing professionalism and ethical operations in international student recruitment by educational agencies around the world. She also coordinates professional development training for recruiting professionals and international educators, including for staff at colleges, universities, secondary schools and recruitment agencies. Jennifer has held leadership positions in international education and exchange at universities and third party providers including The George Washington University, Cleveland State University and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her master’s degree is from the University of Kentucky and her undergraduate degree is from Franklin and Marshall College.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: DEI: Teaching & Acknowledging with Global Students (TAGS)
Breakout Session: Acknowledging Identity: International Students in the DEI Framework

Dr. Melinda Bihn returned to her home state of California to lead French American and International in 2014. She has worked in both international schools in Europe and independent schools in the United States, and speaks French and German in addition to English. Melinda has a B.A. in English with a minor in French, a master’s in comparative literature, a master’s in the teaching and administration of English as a second language, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Her doctoral dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania focused on international students in independent schools. Melinda has been an independent school trustee; has served on the boards of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE), the California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC); and was a 2019 Fellow at the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership of Teachers College, Columbia University.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Equity and Inclusion from an Athletics Perspective

Craig Anderson became the 32nd individual to serve the IHSA as an Assistant Executive Director when he was named to the position by the IHSA Board of Directors on February 11, 2010. On June 9, 2015, Anderson was named to replace Marty Hickman as Executive Director of the IHSA, upon Hickman’s retirement in January 2016. This makes Anderson the seventh individual to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. 

A 1987 graduate of Cambridge High School, Anderson participated in football, basketball, track & field, chorus, band and was the lead in a school musical during his high school career. He moved on to Monmouth College, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education/Mathematics in 1991, after high school and enjoyed a standout career for the Fighting Scots on the football field and basketball court. Anderson went on to earn a Master’s of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from Illinois State University in 1997. 

Prior to starting at the IHSA, Anderson held the position of Athletic Director at Washington High School and also served as the Tournament Director for the nationally renowned State Farm Basketball Tournament of Champions. He began his teaching and coaching career at Morton High School, before moving on to Olympia High School, where he was the head football coach for two seasons. Anderson then moved into the role of Activities Director at Olympia, a position he held from 2002-05 before leaving for Washington in 2006. 

 Anderson has held a number of leadership positions during his career, including associations with the NFHS Football Rules Committee, NFHS Strategic Planning Committee, NFHS Board of Directors and NFHS Constitution Review Committee.

Event: Government & Advocacy: How Best to Engage, Oct. 28, 2021
Session: Annual Membership Council Meeting

Amy L. Ballard is a Youth For Understanding USA, (YFU USA) volunteer, after serving in leadership roles with YFU for 15 years.  She has managed international exchanges for professionals, community college, and high school programs across 25 years and served on the CSIET Board since 2018.  Through participating in exchanges as a YFU sending and hosting parent for diverse countries, college study abroad student in France, and AFS high school student to Denmark – she is a beneficiary of and an advocate for these important, impactful programs.  She earned degrees from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and the School for International Training Graduate Institute.   Currently Ms. Ballard works with the Montgomery College Office of Grants & Sponsored Programs and is an English tutor with Solutions in Hometown Connections to support resettled refugees.

Event: The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally; January 19, 2022
Session: Communications Across the Program Year: The Local Coordinator Experience

David Benze is the Policy and Coordination Officer in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Private Sector Exchange Directorate. He is responsible for ensuring BridgeUSA programs support the Department of State’s foreign policy objectives. He serves as the primary link between ECA/EC and the Department’s regional bureaus and embassies regarding BridgeUSA programs and alumni engagement.

David began his career in Washington at the Meridian International Center as a program assistant. He served as the Cyprus American Scholarship Program Manager at Amideast before joining the Department of State in 2001 in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Prior to joining ECA/EC in 2015, David was a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs for 12 years.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: DEI: Teaching & Acknowledging with Global Students (TAGS)
Breakout Session: Global Understanding: Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Originally from Oswiecim, Poland, Marta lived, studied and worked in Sweden, Germany, Jordan, and the United States. The multiple transnational experiences have affirmed her commitment to cross-cultural understanding, appreciation for multiple perspectives, and cosmopolitan outlook. Over the past twenty years, she has worked as a classroom teacher, dorm parent, coach and instructional leader, all of which have provided her with opportunities to create spaces for authentic inclusion of all voices and identities. Currently, she serves as a Director of Advanced Studies Program and History Chair at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. During the summer time, she co-directs Brewster’s Royal Thai Scholars program the purpose of which is to help young scholars from Thailand ease into their boarding school life. Marta’s research interests include: strategies that contribute to building democratic classroom and school culture, ways that foster a sense of belonging among international students at their host schools, and approaches that develop educators’ capacities for culturally responsive pedagogies.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Overcoming International Student Recruitment Challenges

Andrew Garlinski is in his 16th year at his alma mater, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School (SSM). Andrew has taught English, History, and ESL, coached girls and boys tennis and boys basketball, served as a dorm parent and department chair, coordinated international recruitment, and now is the Director of Admissions. Andrew’s wife, Kelly, is the History Department Chair at SSM, their oldest daughter, Ruby, is a member of the class of 2028, while their younger daughter, Alice, attends 4th grade at a nearby school while patiently awaiting her turn to join SSM.

In the pre-covid world, Andrew travelled the globe recruiting students and serving as an ambassador to international students and alumni, and he is eager to be back on the road meeting wonderful colleagues and families.

Event: The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, Jan. 29, 2022
Session: Policy or Practice: Building Back Youth Exchange (Part 1: Recruiting Schools)

Kim Kile is a licensed school counselor and the director of the school counseling program at Greenfield-Central High School in Greenfield, Indiana.  She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She has been a school counselor in the Greenfield Central School Corporation since 1998 serving at Greenfield Middle School and Greenfield Central Junior High before becoming the director at G-CHS.  Prior to becoming a licensed school counselor, she was the director of admission at Butler University. She currently serves as the president of the Greenfield Central School Foundation board, is the Vice President of Awards for the Butler University Alumni Association Board, as well as being the chair of the CSIET Board of Directors. She was also a member of the Sister Cities of Greenfield board for several years and traveled to Kakuda, Japan twice for the program. She and her husband, Nick, have four children who all share their love of traveling and meeting people from around the world, including hosting exchange students. Their family also enjoys watching the youngest Kile, Ethan, swim at Wheaton College, following the Butler University basketball team, and watching MLB games. 

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Overcoming International Student Recruitment Challenges

Ms. Jane Lacoste is the Assistant Director of Admissions, International Admissions at Lake Ridge Academy. Jane oversees all international students, host families, and also serves as the Principal Designated School Official for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).

Ms. Lacoste received her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University studying International Business, Finance, and French.  During high school and college, she also had opportunities to travel overseas and experience life as an international student.  She has travelled to over 25 countries and has passed her love of international travel on to her three sons who have also experienced being abroad. 

Outside of learning, traveling, and cooking Jane enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends. 

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: DEI: Teaching & Acknowledging with Global Students (TAGS)
Breakout Session: Teaching Cultural Intelligence

Dr. Pascal Losambe is the Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer and primary consultant for Synergy Consulting Company. Dr. Losambe has a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Middlebury College and a Master’s of Science in Biology with a focus on Neurobiology from Boston College where he received the Donald J. White award for teaching excellence, a distinguished honor given annually to graduate instructors. Dr. Losambe has earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University with a focus on cultural competence. He is the keynote presenter and curriculum developer for the United Front Initiative, a city and regional program with the goal of bringing unity and reconciliation to the region. Additionally, Dr. Losambe consults and presents to companies and other organizations on various topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, educational leadership, and organizational culture. He has led strategic vision initiatives for various institutions and has conducted multiple workshops on cultural competence at national and international conferences. Dr. Losambe’s achievements include the Mosaic Award in 2018 and being invited onto the Purdue University Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Advisory Board, the Purdue University Fort Wayne College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, the Young Scholars Academy Board, and the Heart of Character Leadership Committee. He previously served on the Independent School Association of the Central States Equity and Justice Committee Board.

Event: The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, Jan. 29, 2022
Session: Policy or Practice: Building Back Youth Exchange (Part 1: Recruiting Schools)

Dr. Randy Mahlerwein has resided in Phoenix, Arizona since 1997. He studied Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and concluded his formal education with a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University in 2010. Dr. Mahlerwein is a researcher, influencer, and educator. Dr. Mahlerwein has been a public educator and leader for the past 24years. Dr. Mahlerwein served Arizona’s most poverty-stricken schools in the South, Central and West Phoenix communities for over 16 years, as well as 6 years in the high socio-economic East Valley suburbs. Dr. Mahlerwein has served public schools in the greater Phoenix area as a secondary Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent for the past 24 years and is currently the Assistant Superintendent over Secondary Schools in Arizona’s largest school district, Mesa Public Schools serving the needs of over 60,000 students annually. Dr. Mahlerwein is motivated by the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others with every opportunity. In addition to serving as a public-school district leader, Dr. Mahlerwein works as a thought leader serving on the Leadership Board for the Town of Gilbert, Arizona, and the Board of Directors for the Council of Standards for International Student Travel.

Event: The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, Jan. 29, 2022
Session: Communications Across the Program Year: The Local Coordinator Experience

Olga O’Neil is currently a Program Analyst in the Office of Private Sector Exchange Administration in the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), where she works on the Secondary School Student Program (SSSP), Teacher, and Physician categories of the Exchange Visitor Program. Prior to joining the team in 2015, Olga worked in ECA’s Office of International Visitors, where she served as Program Coordinator on the Western Hemisphere Branch for two years. She received her M.A. in International Communication from the School of International Service at American University, specializing in Intercultural Exchange. As an undergraduate, Olga spent three years working with international students at the University of Kansas, where she received Bachelor’s Degrees in Global Studies, Psychology, and Spanish.

Event: The Local Coordinator Connection: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally, Jan. 19, 2022
Session: Policy or Practice: Building Back Youth Exchange (Part 2: Recruiting Host Families)

Sam Scott’s relationship with international exchange began when his family hosted a German student in 2009 and was made stronger through his experience with Youth For Understanding as a CBYX scholarship recipient the following year. After returning to the US, Sam relocated to St. Louis, MO, to pursue a degree in Sociology at Saint Louis University. He began volunteering with YFU that same year, acting as an area representative, host family and study abroad interviewer, and local orientation facilitator. Sam became involved with YFU’s National Pre-Departure Orientation when it was established in 2013, serving most recently as its Program Director. This year he joined YFU’s staff as the Educational and Volunteer Programs Manager, where he oversees orientations, staff/volunteer training, and volunteer engagement. Sam’s a firm believer in the power of international student exchange to improve cultural competency, increase empathy between people across the world and create generations of aware and active global citizens.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: DEI: Teaching & Acknowledging with Global Students (TAGS)
Breakout Session: Students & Schools: Building an Inclusive Community

Clare Sisisky is currently the Executive Director of the Global Education Benchmark Group, a non-profit organization that supports its over 300 member schools around the world in all aspects of global education. Clare has written and spoken on many topics relating to global competencies in K-12 education in national and international forums. She spent 8 years at the Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia as the Founding Director of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and the Director of Strategic Planning. Her leadership responsibilities included overseeing all the global and community engagement, DEI, entrepreneurship and sustainability programs and developing curriculum and assessment in these areas in partnership with faculty. She also led the school’s strategic planning process working closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. She began at Collegiate as the Director of Global Education, where she created the International Emerging Leaders program and a network of 12 partner schools around the world. She previously worked as an administrator for a large public school district, for the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in Beijing, and was on the faculty at Phillips Academy Andover. Clare has an undergraduate degree from George Washington University and a graduate degree from Harvard University where her research included a year-long research fellowship in Mauritius and extended time in India. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania’s MidCareer doctoral program in Educational and Organizational Leadership. She was a founding Board Member of the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), served two terms as a Board Member of the Council for Standards in International Education Travel (CSIET), and currently leads the K-12 working group of the World Council on Global and Intercultural Competence.

Event: Government & Advocacy: How Best to Engage, Oct. 28, 2021
Session: The Office of Private Sector Exchange: News & Updates on the J-1 Secondary School Program

Kyle Harrigan joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2016 and is currently a Program Analyst with the Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration focusing on the Secondary School Student, Teacher, and Physician categories of the BridgeUSA/Exchange Visitor Program. Originally from Maine, Kyle has an educational background in International Affairs and participated in a few exchange programs. 

Event: Government & Advocacy: How Best to Engage, Oct. 28, 2021
Session: The Office of Private Sector Exchange: News & Updates on the J-1 Secondary School Program

Melinda Quigley joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2016 and is currently the lead Program Analyst for the Secondary School Student program in the Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, she served her country in the United States Air Force.  Originally from Tarpon Springs, FL, she has a Master of Health Care Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management with a minor in Bioenvironmental Engineering. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, and their beagle which includes traveling, going to the beach, and attempting DIY home projects.

Event: Optimizing CSIET for Your Advancement, Sept. 22, 2021
Session: The CSIET Experience: Enhance Your Program with Member Benefits

From her professional experience in advertising sales and campaign management and her personal passion for cross-cultural communication, Charissa is excited to be back in the International Student Community with CSIET. Formerly at ESPN International and at Azteca America, Charissa worked directly with companies in Mexico, Brazil & Argentina. Charissa embraced Latin American culture, both on a personal level and in the corporate setting.  As an Account Executive at Comcast Spotlight, Charissa was responsible for every stage in the life of a marketing campaign. Charissa oversaw the creation of marketing proposals, coordinated with counterparts to guarantee successful execution, and managed assistants to deliver timely reports on how she met or surpassed client expectations.

Charissa very much enjoys working with people and has developed strong relationships with her former clients, colleagues and employees. Charissa earned her B.A. in Business with a concentration Marketing and a double minor in Spanish and Communications from the University of Richmond. She now lives in Alexandria with her family.

Event: Government & Advocacy: How Best to Engage October 28, 2021
Session: Membership Council Meeting

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Equity and Inclusion from an Athletics Perspective

Dr. Kerwin Urhahn joined the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) staff as Executive Director in July, 2006, becoming the sixth individual in the 96-year existence of the Association to serve in that role.
Prior to joining the MSHSAA staff, Urhahn was a high school math teacher, athletic director, high school principal, and superintendent of schools. While superintendent of schools, he served on the MSHSAA Board of Directors representing Southeast Missouri.

Kerwin served the NFHS Board of Directors 2017 – 2021, and as President during the 2020-21 school year. Currently, on the CSIET Board of Directors and the privilege to serve as President for the 2020-21 year.

Since joining the Association, he has overseen the complete rework of the website, dealt with multiple legislative challenges and court cases. He was a member of the inaugural NFHS Technology Committee, served on a strategic planning committee for the NFHS, and presented multiple times at the NFHS Summer Meeting.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Equity and Inclusion from an Athletics Perspective

Mark Uyl was named Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association in May of 2018, becoming the association’s fifth full time director.  He first joined the MHSAA staff as an Assistant Director in January of 2004.

Uyl is a 1996 graduate (BA) of Calvin College (NCAA Division III), where he was a four-year starter in baseball, serving as a team captain and earning all-conference honors on two occasions. He received a Master’s Degree (MA) from Grand Valley State University.   He is a former high school teacher, coach, and building administrator.  He has an extensive background in officiating having been a longtime high school and college official including a NCAA Division I baseball umpire for 22 seasons primarily in the Big Ten Conference.  He has umpired ten NCAA Division I Baseball Regionals, five Super Regionals and the 2014 and 2017 College World Series in Omaha, serving as the crew chief in 2017 along with the 2007 Pan American Games played in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.  He is also involved with college football in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA D-III) as a former on-field official (referee) and currently serves as the league’s coordinator of officials.  He served on the Board of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) from 2011-2015 and 2021-present, and served as the Board Chair in 2015.  Currently, he serves as the high school representative on the Officiating Development Alliance (ODA), which consists of the supervisor of officials for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, CFL, MLS and NCAA Division I sports.

Uyl’s wife, Marcy, is an accomplished educator and coach, having served as a high school varsity basketball coach since 1994.  They have three children, Jackson who is a junior swimmer at Hope College, Grant who is a freshman football player at the United States Air Force Academy , and Madi who is a 3-sport high school freshman.

Event: International Student Programming Summit – February 23, 2022
Session: Overcoming Recruitment Challenges

As the Director of Global Initiatives at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), in Washington, DC, Ioana Suciu Wheeler provides thought-leadership on K-12 global education and international student programs. She develops partnerships, resources, events, programs, and best practices that assist member schools with their initiatives. Ioana oversees the work of the NAIS Global Ambassadors Advisory Working Group, and she speaks at national and international conferences on topics related to global education and international students.

Event: Government and Advocacy: How Best to Engage, Oct. 28, 2021
Session: Exchange Program Advocacy and Engagement: The Alliance for International Exchange

Ilir Zherka is the Executive Director of the Alliance for International Exchange. The Alliance serves as the collective public policy voice for the exchange community. In addition to congressional advocacy, the Alliance organizes program impact reports, conducts media outreach, and hosts an annual public policy conference. Ilir has served as the head of three other organizations. He gained policy and political experience working on Capitol Hill, on presidential campaigns, and as a political appointee. He is the author of Winning the Inside Game: The Handbook of Advocacy Strategies. Ilir is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Virginia School of Law.