Ahmed Baghdady is the Executive Director, International Recruitment and Market development at Northern College. Previously, he led the International Agreements team at the University of Waterloo. Ahmed started his thirty-year career as ESL professor, then held several program and research leadership roles internationally. He has worked at the Institute of International Education (IIE), RAND Corporation, AMIDEAST, and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Ahmed has Master’s and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester in the UK with a focus on internationalization of higher education and global engagement.

Alexandre is president of BELTA, the Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association, since 2024. His professional experience with international education goes back to 1994. He is the CEO and founding partner of Travelmate Intercâmbio since 2002. His academic background is in Brazil, he graduated in Foreign Trade from the Federal University of Paraná, and has a postgraduate degree in Customs Law and Foreign Trade from Univali – Santa Catarina, MBA in Business Management and Marketing from ISAE/FGV – Getúlio Vargas Foundation. Alexandre was a former high school exchange student in the US. He is married and the father of Mell, a future exchange student!

I have worked in International Student Recruitment at three UK universities (the universities of Oxford, Southampton, and Sussex), managing teams responsible for recruitment in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, as well as recruitment through foundation years and from International Schools worldwide. I was also a Regional Assessor for the Chevening Awards in 2022, and won a SLT Recognition Award for my work as Project Lead for the University of Oxford’s first ever Virtual Open Day in 2020. I am currently undertaking a Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

I am a seasoned leader in higher education governance and internationalization, with expertise in creating impactful global partnerships. Currently Senior Director and Head – Global Research Alliances at Ashoka University, my role advances interdisciplinary science in a liberal arts context. As Executive Director of the University of Edinburgh-Gujarat Biotechnology University project, my work was pivotal in establishing a postgraduate institution. I previously led the University of Edinburgh's South Asia strategy, fostering research and alumni networks. My diverse experience spans roles at Ogilvy PR, the British Deputy High Commission, and GSK Pharma, with academic training in biochemistry.

Mr. Ness has a career spanning over 30 years of experience in post-secondary education with accomplishments and awards in student recruitment, admissions, marketing, student success and internationalization. He currently leads the International Education operation at Humber College, where he has presided over unprecedented growth in all aspects of internationalization. His decades-long career includes seven years providing consulting services to hundreds of colleges and universities in both Canada and the United States and a three-year post as a regional Campus Registrar at the UAE’s largest college. He holds an MBA from the University of Toronto.

As Director of Global Relations and Research, Andrea has responsibility for leading the University’s global engagement agenda, with a focus on international research and reputation. Andréa has over 25 years’ experience in education management at Aston, Southampton and Birmingham universities, where she has delivered successful national and international strategies, including student recruitment, international student support, student mobility, international relations and strategic alliance management. She has an Executive MBA from the University of Birmingham and her service to education was recognised through her selection as a Queen's baton-bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Dr. Andrés González is a political scientist based in Quito-Ecuador. He obtained his PhD in Political Science and International Relations at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich and has taught in several universities and high schools in Germany and Ecuador. He is the President and Academic Director of POLITIKUM, a private education corporation based in Quito and Berlin. The work of POLITIKUM is focused on citizenship and political education, as well as on academic and professional coaching for high school and university students. POLITIKUM’s latest project is the promotion of the concept of Corporate Political Responsibility for companies in Ecuador and Latin America. Dr. González is also the author of the book “Governance for the 21st Century: The Fight Against Corruption in Latin America (LIT Publishing House).

Anne Marie is the Chief Executive of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Prior to that, Anne Marie directed the Chevening Scholarships programme at the Association of Commonwealth Universities on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Anne Marie previously worked at Universities UK International, leading on the development and implementation of the UK's first Outward Mobility Strategy and overseeing a range of partnership programmes, and at the National Centre for Languages leading the language professions strand of the Routes Into Languages programme. Anne Marie has a wealth of experience in international education and cross cultural work

Basirat is contributing to the expansion of the flagship Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to universities across Africa, ensuring partnership development is consistent, values-driven and anchored to the Foundation’s deep commitment to sustainable socioeconomic development of African youth. Basirat previously delivered successful education and work-focused programming for underrepresented individuals in the UK and internationally across social housing and welfare, development charities, UK government and agencies, international secondary education, and global universities. She holds an MA in Education and International Development from UCL.

As Director of External Affairs, Beth leads the ACU’s advocacy efforts to secure recognition and support for higher education and is responsible for the ACU’s diverse global network of more than 400 member universities in over 40 countries. Beth has worked in communications and public affairs across UK and international higher education, in roles at University Alliance, Universities UK and Universities Wales. Beth's career began in the student movement, where she was elected to roles in the European Students’ Union where she led advocacy within the United Nations, and was President of the National Union of Students (NUS) Wales. Beth is a lay trustee member of Cardiff University Council.

Bhakti Shah is a pioneering thought leader in Global Higher Education and the founder of The Outreach Collective, where she has built a transformative community dedicated to the professional development of K-12 and Higher Education professionals across the Global South.

With over 17 years of expertise in B2B Sales, Marketing, and Student Recruitment across South Asia, APAC, and the Middle East, she has redefined outreach strategies for prestigious institutions like Illinois Tech and Krea University. Known for her innovation in Outreach and powerful workshops, Bhakti empowers students, educators, and leaders to navigate education and career landscapes with confidence and vision

Carmel has significant Executive expertise in International Higher Education, in strategy design and execution. Until mid 2023, Carmel was Executive Director International at the University of Melbourne, where she delivered international student business growth and developed and led key partnership relationships. Carmel has experience as a non Executive Director of on and offshore companies, including Board membership of ETS TOEFL. Carmel is now consulting across many facets of International Higher Education.

Dr. Cheryl Matherly serves as vice president and vice provost for international affairs at Lehigh University, guiding its internationalization strategy. In 2021, Lehigh received NAFSA’s Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. Dr. Matherly’s work focuses on employability and education abroad, especially regarding international internships and experiential learning. A former AIEA president, she was named SIO of the Year by IIE in 2020 and recognized by PIE as one of North America’s 50 Voices. She holds an Ed.D. from the University of Houston, an M.S. from Indiana University, and a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, and is a two-time Fulbright recipient.

Christina Bosilo, Director of Brock International, has more than 15 years of experience in post-secondary education, including recruitment, admissions and student awards. Christina has a deep understanding of the impact that effective internationalization can have, and the importance of embedding this work throughout many academic, administrative, and student experiences. Christina re-joined Brock International after 5 years in the office of the registrar, as Director of Admissions. Prior to her role in admissions, Christina spent 11 years in international services, support services for international students, student mobility and strategic partnership experience. She received her education at Brock with a Masters in Political Science (International Relations specialization), and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science.

Christine Brooks-Cappadocia is the Assistant Vice-President of Continuing Studies at York University in Toronto, Canada. Her career emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship in education, health, social services, and art. She helped launched the School of Continuing Studies in 2015, which has become one of North America’s fastest-growing schools, offering award-winning programs that address Canada’s labor market gaps. Christine was named one of CIO Views’ Top 10 Inspiring Business Women to Follow in 2024. She holds a BFA from York University and a Master of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University.

Christopher is the CEO of the ILSC Education Group, which encompasses ELS Language Centers, ILSC Language Schools, and Greystone College locations across Australia, Canada, India, and the USA. Christopher is an experienced senior executive in the higher education sector, having held roles at vocational colleges in Canada and the USA and was previously a VP in EY's Transaction Advisory Services Group. Since 2020, Christopher has been an active Executive Committee member of the Board of Directors of Languages Canada. He is the Vice Chair of the Canadian CIRP Qualification Program and has been involved in its education process since 2011.

Clare has 25 years experience in International Education and has spend the majority of her career at Kaplan International where she currently holds the role of VP Recruitment. During her time at Kaplan Clare has led the set up and expansion of Kaplan’s global; recruitment network and university partnerships. Clare is passionate about service, best practice in student recruitment and loves travel. Out of work Clare loves to swim and hang out with her daughter.

Clay Harmon is the executive director of AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, a professional association and standards development organization dedicated to quality assurance and standards of best practice in international student recruitment and enrollment. Prior to joining AIRC, he had an extensive career in international higher education, including both study abroad and international enrollment management. Clay holds a BA in Asian Studies from the University of Puget Sound, an EdM in Higher Education from Harvard University, and an EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Dr. Gretta Sequeira serves as Principal of Aquinas International School (IGCSE), where she leads with a focus on collaborative teaching to create holistic learners through value-based learning. With 32 years of experience in education, she prioritises student-centered learning to align with new trends in teaching methodology. A State Merit holder and Gold Medalist, she has received multiple awards and recognitions throughout her career.

Dörte is an independent consultant with 30 years of achievement in the higher education sector. She has a successful track record of creating global institutional partnerships, staff and students’ international experiences, transnational education, institutional internationalisation strategies, policy and marketing and communications. Dörte brings a strong reputation for negotiation, engagement, and customer service. Dörte works with higher education providers and organisations in the UK and abroad on a variety of assignments.

Elizabeth (Beth) Drake is an international education executive, having spent the last 25 years working for CIEE, Study Group, UTP High Schools and Amerigo Education. Beth currently runs her own consulting company, working on various projects and contracts within the field. She's a dual citizen of Australia and the US, having built her career in both countries. Beth is passionate about international education and is grateful for the opportunity to impact young minds and lives all around the world.

Enda Carroll is Associate Director at UCD Global where she provides strategic leadership for Learning Abroad, manages relationships with key global partners and collaborates on program development. She established UCD's first Global Centre in New York. She has over two decades of experience in international education and is an active contributor to strategy, initiatives, and committees in Ireland at the national level. Recently, she served as chair of The Forum on Education Abroad board.

Gavin has had 30 years of experience in education with the last 10 years being dedicated to the international space. He has held numerous leadership roles with the New Zealand education system, with particular reference to the High School environment. He has also worked in the non-profit sector as Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters in New Zealand. Currently as International Director at Nayland College, Gavin is responsible for the marketing, recruitment and pastoral care of the international students attending the College from various countries around the world. Gavin is passionate about international globalisation and providing opportunities for students to experience different cultures.

Gretchen Neisler serves as the senior international officer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, previously serving as Director for Global Connections in Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. Neisler arrived at UT in 2018 as Vice Provost of International Affairs and Director of the Center for Global Engagement, where she has put a focus on expanding the university’s global impact through intentional partnerships, an understanding of global citizenship, and a dedication to upholding the values of a land-grant university.

Harri from Finland is a co-founder and President of Asia Exchange, the most international study abroad provider in the world. He’s also a co-founder of Edunation. Harri’s passion is to enable studying abroad in desired destinations affordably. He aims that all students would realize their life-changing opportunities. Harri is an edupreneur who found his personal and professional love because of studying abroad. He likes to say: “The further you go, the more you grow.”

Holly Sanders is the Chief Transformation Officer at World Education Services. Currently, she oversees a multi-year project that aims to improve technological and organizational structures that undergird WES’ core business so that the organization continues to grow in a dynamic and competitive landscape. Throughout her career, Holly has taken on complex projects that need strategic oversight and a strong and decisive leader who can manage competing departmental priorities. With a well-earned reputation as a highly effective problem-solver, Holly is also an empathetic leader who looks for ways to blend the strengths of people, processes, and technology to improve results and drive change.

Dr. Huajing Maske, Assistant Vice President for International Partnerships at Wayne State University, holds a DPhil in Art History from Oxford University and an MA from Peking University. With 20+ years in international education, she excels in fostering global partnerships, enhancing faculty and student mobility, and advancing comprehensive internationalization. Maske, recognized for her success in international student recruitment, champions academic and social success for international students in the U.S. Her impactful program designs offer transformative experiences, emphasizing diversity and inclusion for both international and domestic students.

Jamie has over 10 years’ experience in international education spanning language, higher education, and professional training. This has included creating innovative education programmes, developing strategic partnerships between public and private sector, designing leading admissions and student experience strategies, and company acquisitions. He is currently Business Development Director at Bayswater focusing on bespoke education programmes and packages for a wide range of clients in search of unique upskilling courses across the UK, Canada, France, South Africa, and Cyprus.

Jane Gatewood is Vice Provost for Global Engagement at Emory University, her Alma mater. The editor of NAFSA's Guide to International Academic Partnerships (2020), she created and led one of the first international partnerships units at a U.S. higher education institution. She has served in leadership roles for NAFSA, is a member of AIEA's Board of Directors, and previously served as the University of Rochester’s inaugural SIO from 2014-2024. Gatewood has consulted on education and civil society development in Eastern Europe and has taught at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Jill Blondin, associate vice provost for global initiatives at VCU, received her B.A. in art history from Indiana University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in art history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has served as a Fulbright Specialist to Brazil (2018), as a speaker with the U.S. Department of State Study Abroad Engagement Grant Program and Fulbright Portugal (2019) and as an Expert Speaker on U.S. Study Abroad with the U.S. Embassy Guyana (2022). She serves on the Board of AIEA as chair-elect of the Member Outreach and Awards committee.

Jim Tudor is the founder of Future Index, a Media City based marketing trends and strategy consultancy specialising in higher education. He is also director of Waterfall, a creative agency that works with education institutions to give them the edge in their marketing communications. Recent career highlights include creative leadership on the #TwinForHope and #WeAreInternational campaigns. He is a regular keynote speaker, inspiring higher education marketing professionals on topics including insight and planning, strategy and social media content. The value of Jim's insights have been recognised by LinkedIn who made him a 'Top Voice in Education'. He currently has 135,000 followers.

Joanne Roxburgh is a leader in global education with over 20 years of experience spanning international education, language training, and edtech innovation. As a consultant and advisor, she focuses on integrating emerging technologies to drive innovation in higher education and promote equitable access. She has held senior roles at Kaplan International, Hult EF Corporate Education, and Pearson in the Middle East, and works closely with startups as a mentor and consultant. As founding COO of Skilled Education, Joanne has led partnerships with universities, companies, and government ministries across EMEA. She also serves as Chair at Capel Manor College, championing equity and innovation.

Dr. Jonah M. Otto is a scholar-practitioner in IHE at Universität Augsburg's Faculty of Business & Economics. His prior appointments include Indiana University, the Center for International Higher Education at Boston College, & the US Consulate General in Scotland. His research concerns the intersections of IHE with international relations, geopolitics, diplomacy & public policy.

Skilled strategist with expertise in creating and optimising organisational processes, managing change, implementing business critical systems and infrastructure to maximise business results in service operations worldwide. Business, IT and Education expert in terms of growth strategy, change and agile programme management, financial analysis and planning, sales and marketing, quality control and knowhow.

Kalpen Trivedi is a nationally recognized leader in international higher education. Recognized as one of the 50 Voices in North America (2023) by the PIE, he serves in leadership roles with AIEA, APLU, and various other international education bodies. At UMass Amherst he is responsible for comprehensive global engagement strategy and the delivery of all aspects of international activity. Recognized for his expertise in educational partnerships, global operations, and program design, he is invited as a frequent contributor by academia, government, and professional associations. He was educated in India and the United Kingdom and holds a PhD from the University of Manchester.

Kevin has been involved in the language travel industry for over 25 years. For many years, he was Director and Partner in Hampstead School of English, before taking up his current role as Owner and Director of Torquay International School. Kevin has experience in almost every aspect of the industry, from academic and student services, to finances and marketing. Having been involved with IALC since 1996, he has an intimate knowledge of the history of the association.

Krishna Niyogi had been a school teacher before starting her professional career with The Chopras Global (TCGlobal ) in 2003. She used her counseling skills and travel experience to advise students on overseas education and career development. Now the Chief Advisor of International Relations, Krishna lives in a world without borders, dividing her time between Delhi and San Francisco. She has extensive knowledge and perception of the global market. She identifies business opportunities, develops key relationships and executes strategies for the organisation to be at the forefront of the sector. Krishna plays an important role in expanding the organisation’s global footprint.

My career has given me an insight into many industries; finance, sports betting, home entertainment, retail and, now, international education. In the latter, I have been CEO of ISC Research since 2016, helping grow the business to be the leading provider of data and intelligence to the International Schools market. I also have three children, mixed between school, gap year and university so I've also seen, first hand, the difference education suppliers, as well as teachers, can have on students.

Marie is the Director Insights for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao. Marie leads the research and market analysis to provide insights that underpin ENZ’s work. This includes student experience, economic valuation, brand health and social licence. Starting in the United Kingdom, she has worked in a range of insights, marketing, and communications roles in higher education.

Myra Qiu serves as an Executive Board Member at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and DBA Candidate at Audencia Business School in France, bringing extensive experience in international/transnational higher education, with her own education background in China, The NL, The UK and France. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been actively engaged as a judge for various international conferences and competitions, showcasing her expertise in evaluating and promoting educational excellence. Myra's deep commitment to advancing global education standards and her proven leadership will make her a valuable addition to the PIEoneer Awards judging panel.

Global Marketing Manager at Celtic English Academy and Creative Director with over a decade of experience leading international market growth across Brazil, Japan, Italy, France, MENA, and Latin America. Skilled in strategic planning, content creation, and team leadership, delivering world-class creative content that establishes brands as leaders. Award-winning Creative Director for top brands like WarnerTV, P&G Latam, and Mercado Pago, focusing on omnichannel strategies and social media innovation.

Patrick Brothers is a Co-CEO and Co-Founder at HolonIQ, the global impact intelligence platform. He leads HolonIQ’s data and deep technology teams, advising governments, institutions, foundations and investors around the world on strategy, impact and investment powering a more inclusive and sustainable future. Patrick has had a significant impact on global impact investment and strategy through his work with HolonIQ. His career is marked by his dedication to fostering co-operation and collaboration between the public and private sectors to address global challenges. Patrick hosts HolonIQ’s global leadership summits, now in more than 30 countries around the world, gathering senior leaders to discuss and collaborate on pressing global issues, including economic development, environmental sustainability, education and healthcare innovation.

Zagalo-Melo is Senior Internationalization Strategist for Virginia Commonwealth University and the President-Elect of AIEA – Association of International Education. Previously, Zagalo-Melo was the senior international officer at Western Michigan University and at the University of Montana. Prior to his SIO roles, he held leadership positions at the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), and U.S.-Portugal Fulbright Commission. Zagalo-Melo has an MPA from Harvard University and a PhD in political science from the Catholic University of Portugal.

Dr. Philipp Reichert has nearly two decades of experience in international education, policy advising, and higher education administration across roles in the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and the USA. He is Director of the Global Engagement Office at UBC Okanagan and previously worked at Rotterdam School of Management and Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. Philipp serves on the UBC Board of Governors, is a Senior Advisor at CBIE, a board member of AIEA, and advises organizations like Wayble and the Indo Canada Education Council. He earned a doctorate from the University of Calgary and holds a master's with honors from Leiden University.

Ravi Lochan Singh is the Managing Director of Global Reach, representing leading universities from around the world for more than 30 years. An alumnus of India's The Doon School and having completed an MBA from Bond University, Australia; he founded the company in 1991. Ravi has been working with various international bodies in the development of the self-regulatory structures for the industry. His role with AAERI has earned him recognition as a stakeholder in the education export industry. Ravi has been awarded for his contributions over the years including by Australian Government (Australian Alumni of the year in 2012) and in 2019 received the AIRC award for his contribution towards introduction of commission based recruitment in USA. The PIE included him amongst 50 voices on International Education from Australia and his company was also the winner of the Education Agency of the year at the inaugural PIEoneer Awards.

Formerly Professor of Marketing at Otago Business School, Sarah has lead the University of Otago’s and then Griffith University’s internationalisation strategy and operations. She has served on a number of boards and committees related to international education in NZ, Australia and globally, including being immediate past President of APAIE. Professor Todd has also been an invited member of a number of judging panels for internationalisation and higher education engagement awards.

Selcuk is the vice general manager of EgitimAL Education Counselling Services, a well-known and one of the most prestigious international education agencies in Turkey. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics Engineering from Ankara University. Selcuk has over 10 years of management experience in the field of international education. He has worked across different levels of the international education field from agency management to regional sales and marketing specialist for the global education providers. As vice general manager of EgitimAL Education Counselling Services, he is responsible for the general coordination of the company, external relations, event organizations and student recruitment from Turkey with insider knowledge and expertise.

As founder and CEO of Interlearn Global, Stephen leads innovation for access to higher education around the world, building social-impact collaborative university programs for underserved students and families across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. With over three decades of academic and enterprise experience, and a rich background in teaching and learning, institutional partnerships, and strategic engagement across diverse interests, Stephen is committed to education as a force for personal, community, and global change. Prior to founding Interlearn Global, Stephen taught at Harvard University and served as Senior Vice President at Kaplan International. He is a graduate of Pomona College and Princeton University, where he received a PhD in modern European intellectual history.

With over 18 years of experience as a founder and director in the overseas education consulting industry, I am extremely passionate about helping students unlock their academic and professional potential on a global scale. My journey has been rewarding, allowing me to make a lasting impact on countless students by guiding them through the intricate world of international education, from selecting the right programs to navigating visa processes. I am also recognized on global stages and featured in top publications like The New York Times, Forbes, Times of India, The PIE News, The Hindu and many more. I’ve also shared my insights at major international conferences like NAFSA, ICEF, and AIRC.