​Regional Marketing Dir., Americas Region
QS Quacquarelli Symonds

My Proudest Achievements:
One of the most recent achievements that I am most proud of was stepping into a role that allowed me to lead and collaborate with other amazing women. Understanding how our differences make us stronger, providing different lenses, perspectives, and input has allowed us to develop new skill sets and a more polished strategy towards success. I am also proud of being in an organization with so many women in leadership.

My Inspiration:
I can tell you that my mother and sister have been the key influences in my life. My mother showed us the value of dedication, relationship building, and self-motivation. These two strong Dominican women have both climbed the professional ladder by making sacrifices, working hard, and leading others. I am proud that their experience and stories have inspired me to become who I am today as a professional and as a mother.

What's Special About QS:
Founded in 1990, QS Quacquarelli Symonds is now the leading global provider of specialist higher education and careers information and solutions.

We ensure student candidates have access to helpful tools and the latest independent data and insights so they can make informed decisions about their education. We work with more than 2,000 of the world's leading higher education institutions and more than 12,000 employers, spanning across 50 countries. We provide higher ed services to the students and clients we serve at each academic stage: first degree, master’s, MBA — including executive-level — and early career.

Our mission is to enable motivated people anywhere in the world to fulfill their potential through educational achievement, international mobility, and career development. ​

International Student Program Coordinator
Santa Rosa Junior College

My Proudest Achievements:
I feel fortunate to be assisting international students along their life-changing journey of studying in the United States. Living and working in Japan for 2 years changed my life in ways that I could not have imagined and to be able to turn that passion into a career is definitely cause for celebration!

My Inspiration:
My daughter has been a very influential figure in my life. I adopted her when she was 7 years old and she is 27 now. I have learned so much from her and she continues to influence how I view the world and the people who inhabit it. I think I have become more compassionate because of her.

What's Special About Santa Rosa Junior College:
The Santa Rosa Junior College campus is absolutely beautiful. I love just walking around the campus on my breaks. Sometimes I peek in to see the new exhibits in our art gallery or museum or I go to the fourth floor of the library and find a quiet spot to view the rolling hills and vineyards in the distance.

Executive Director/Principal Designated School Official
Mississippi College

My Proudest Achievements:

• During Black History Month in February 2010, I was recognized by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning “for serving as a role model and strong advocate for the advancement of diversity at Jackson State University and the State of Mississippi.”
• After working for Jackson State University for 17 years, I was employed by Mississippi College (MC) in 2012 as its Executive Director for the Office of Global Education, overseeing over 200 international students. In the following four years, I increased MC’s international student population to more than 500 students (10% of the total university student population).
• In 2022, I was awarded two  significant grants from the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), respectively, which allow 10–20 MC students to study in Taiwan with most of their expenses paid and MC having a Mandarin instructor sent from Taiwan MOE all expenses paid. MC was one of the six universities in the U.S. to receive the prestigious grant from Taiwan MOFA next to Cornell, Washington University, University of Maryland College Park, University of California Irvine, and Hunter College.

 
My Inspiration:

• Mississippi College Emeritus Provost, Dr. Ron Howard. He was my direct report.
  His keen global vision, compassion for international students, confidence, trust in me, and encouragement make him an excellent mentor. He is the reason for my success at Mississippi College.
  
• Mississippi College Associate Provost, Dr. Debbie Norris. She was also my direct report after Dr. Howard. Her organizational skills and sharp observation of issues make her a great leader in college administration.
  

What's Special About Mississippi College:
As Mississippi College (MC) approaches its 200th anniversary in 2026, our university is both reminded and excited.  We are reminded that our founders erected the main gates with a charge to “Depart to share your culture with all mankind.”  It is within this vein of Christian concern for the world that the Office of Global Education exists. 

At the same time, we are excited about the future of MC because the campus is growing new programs and erecting new living facilities. International students are finding out that our educational environment and prices are unrivaled. International students are not numbers at MC; they find guidance and care from fellow students, faculty, and staff. MC becomes their home away from home.  Four significant festivals yearly to showcase student cultures: The Autumn Moon Festival, the Celebration of Culture, the Lunar New Year Festival, and the International Festival.

The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report attest to the Office of Global Education (OGE), showing Mississippi College ranks #168 amongst all national universities for percent international students. That’s higher than most Christian universities (i.e., Baylor #194, Union #299), regional big box schools (i.e., Auburn #195), and all public Mississippi universities. Mississippi College has also become a flagship of the HuaYu BEST grant program and Franz Scholarships from Taiwan, placing MC alone in the entire Southeastern US.  MC’s OGE also provides a thriving intensive English program (IEP) — the only one in central Mississippi.

Director of Center for Global and Cultural Programs
Golden West College

My Proudest Achievement:
Starting this new leadership role as the Director of Center for Global and Cultural Programs this past year has been one of the proudest and most humbling moments in my career. To have this opportunity to serve our international students in this capacity is a true honor, especially as an immigrant woman of color.

My Inspiration:
I am blessed to say that in every place where I have worked, I have met inspirational mentors who shaped who I am today and pushed me to find my own leadership philosophy that stays true to my experiences as a woman of color. The support I received at Golden West College leadership team has been transformational, especially from the Dean of Students & Library, Dr. Martinez, and our Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Claudia Lee.

What's Special About Golden West College:
Golden West College is a truly caring campus with employees who embrace the student-centered philosophy. Each of us goes above and beyond for our students and supports each other in doing so. The supportive environment combined with affordable tuition makes it an excellent place to start the educational journey in beautiful Southern California.

Manager of Marketing and Communications
Arizona State University Global Launch

My Proudest Achievements:
I am proud of successfully relocating to the United States, where I had to navigate a new culture and environment. This could not have been possible if I didn’t have my previous experience of studying and living abroad in Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Germany.

I strategically utilized my language skills and study abroad experience to secure a leadership position in education over the eight years I have lived here. This accomplishment reflects my commitment to personal and professional growth.

Beyond my career achievements, I take pride in fostering meaningful connections and embracing the richness of cultural diversity.

Throughout this journey, I have maintained a mindset of continuous learning. My dedication is to bring fresh, globally aware perspectives and innovative solutions to my leadership role.

My Inspiration:
My mother, who raised my sibling and me as a single mom, demonstrated remarkable perseverance by working two jobs. Despite facing many challenges, including financial hardships and time limitations, she always prioritized our well-being. Her ability to manage both roles with determination and resilience is a testament to her dedication.

My mother's love for us was evident in every sacrifice she made. She worked tirelessly to ensure that we had a stable upbringing and access to opportunities she might not have had. Seeing her work ethic and commitment to our family inspired in me the value of hard work, determination, and compassion for others.

Her heroism as a single mother working two jobs has been a powerful source of inspiration. My mother's story reminds me of who I am and how far I've come, all thanks to her sacrifices and strength.

What's Special About Global Launch at Arizona State University:
Global Launch at Arizona State University (ASU) strives for inclusivity, accessibility, student-centered focus, diversity, and adaptive innovation. ASU's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in Global Launch’s core values. We believe that every student, regardless of their socioeconomic, geographic, or demographic background, should have access to quality education. We break down financial and geographic barriers by reaching students from all over the world and giving them the opportunity to have accessible, quality education.

We prioritize student success above everything else. We strive to inspire our students to become globally minded individuals who can positively impact the world.

We recognize the unique experiences of our students, faculty, and staff, and our priority is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As leaders in international training, we believe that innovation and adaptation are critical to success, and we are committed to developing academic and skills development programs that are both innovative and effective.

Assistant Director of International Recruitment
University of Northern Iowa

My Proudest Achievements:
One of the milestones I am most proud of is being given the opportunity at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to serve international students in any capacity needed and reciprocate the hospitality and kindness to international students that I received from others when I have traveled and visited other countries.  

While I am fairly new to the University of Northern Iowa, the moments that have been the most meaningful so far are the occasions to build intentional relationships with current UNI international students.  For example, I met with students from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in preparation to visit their countries for recruitment.  I learned so much about their countries, but more importantly, I learned about the individual students, what led them to UNI, and what their experience at UNI has been like.  And they couldn’t wait to tell their friends and family that I would be in their home country.  

My Inspiration:
The key influence that led me to work with international students who come to the U.S. to study is actually my experience when I was living in other countries.  What I experienced in other countries is what I would describe as “radical hospitality.”  Specifically, when I was in Panama and Botswana, these families welcomed me into their homes, we shared meals together, and they even helped me when I needed to book a bus for 25 people.  Because of that hospitality, I want to reciprocate that to international students who come to the U.S. and may need help with something as simple as a meal or a ride from the airport.   

My friend and former supervisor, Fredel Thomas, also played a significant role in fostering my ability and passion to serve international students.  She played an essential role in allowing me to start a career in higher ed and supported me from the very beginning to help create a way for international students to be represented and served well on U.S. campuses.    

What's Special About the University of Northern Iowa:
Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa creates a welcoming and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive.  The University of Northern Iowa stands out for its commitment to creating a student-centered community while offering a world-class education and opportunities.  The access to opportunities for students to pursue hands-on learning through research, travel, internships, and a vibrant campus life is what truly sets UNI apart.  The faculty and staff at UNI also make the university unique, as these professors and staff members are deeply invested in their students’ success by offering experiences both inside and outside the classroom.  

International Student Specialist
Grossmont College, American Collegiate English

My Proudest Achievement:
We are proud that Grossmont College’s American Collegiate English (ACE) received a 10-year accreditation with CEA, the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. Our English program, American Collegiate English, meets the highest possible standard and is accredited at this level through 2030.

My Inspiration:
I am definitely inspired by my students who take great risks to study abroad in a country with a new language and culture. I am inspired how they use English to accomplish their goals, even if they are at the beginner or low-intermediate English level. They arrive knowing no one and leave with lifelong friendships.

What's Special About Grossmont College's American Collegiate English:
American Collegiate English is part of a community college in Southern California. ACE is unique because it is a small English school, but it is part of a larger campus, a larger community of U.S. and international college students. ACE students can choose to immerse themselves in English for personal development or career improvement, then return home. Or they can continue after ACE to obtain a certificate or degree at the college. Either way, ACE students can experience and enjoy college life, including student clubs and events.

Asst. Director of Admissions and International Student Services, managing the International Education program
College of Central Florida

My Proudest Achievements:
I take pride in my leadership roles in various organizations dedicated to promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. I served as Secretary of Study Florida, wherein the goal was and remains to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their educational goals in the Sunshine State, Florida. My role as President of the Filipino-American Association has allowed me to cultivate a sense of community and empowerment among Filipino-Americans, honoring our heritage. Continuing with the same mission, I currently hold the role of Treasurer at the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Southern Region.

My Inspiration:
My mom is my key influence and inspiration. As a single mom raising three kids and
balancing the responsibilities of being a teacher, she raised me with unwavering love, resilience, and strength, shaping me into the person I am today. To this day,  she is the "constant wind beneath my wings," guiding me through life's unpredictable aspects. Alongside her influence, my faith has played a significant role, providing me with a sense of purpose and grounding. Lastly, my personal motto is to embrace the present moment and cherish each day.

What's Special About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida (CF) sets itself apart by offering students exceptional educational value in terms of quality programs, monetary investment, and most especially service. CF's hands-on approach ensures that each student receives individualized support. CF was recognized by Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150 colleges in the nation for quality and excellence.  It is the sixth time that CF has made this prestigious list. CF also stands out as among the top one percent of four-year colleges in the nation for affordability, making it a highly accessible option for students seeking quality education. Its largest campus is situated in Ocala, renowned as the Horse Capital of the World. Despite being one of the fastest-growing metros, Ocala maintains its reputation as one of the safest places to live, providing CF’s students with a secure environment in which to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.