The Member Engagement Committee represent NAFSA members and serves as a conduit between the leadership of the association and those served by it. Per the NAFSA Standing Rules, Member Engagement Committee (MEC) members:
- Welcome and engage new members with quarterly outreach and at engagement events and programs during the annual conference.
- Support knowledge communities and national committees with their member engagement activities.
- Manage the portfolio of Member Interest Groups, providing on-going support of MIGs as appropriate throughout the year, and convening with leaders on a quarterly basis.
- Approve and dissolve MIGs according to the guidelines in the Guidance for MIG Leaders & Organizers
- Complete tri-annual reviews of MIGs in accordance with the Standing Rules. Offer guidance to MIG leaders to improve group engagement activities.
Leadership
Vivian Yamoah
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Georgetown University
Chair, Member Engagement Committee
Vivian Yamoah is the Associate Director International Student Services Associate Director International Student Services at Georgetown University.
Maki Natori
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University of British Columbia
Chair-elect, Member Engagement Committee
Maki Natori is Director, Strategic Partnerships & Projects at the University of British Columbia’s International Student Initiative (UBC-ISI). Maki previously served on the NAFSA Canada MIG committee and as the BC Rep on the NAFSA Region I committee. She has presented at the BC Council for...
Rose Mary Valencia
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The University of Texas
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Rose Mary Valencia has been a NAFSA member for over 40+ years and has served the organization in multiple volunteer roles including serving NAFSA Vice President for Membership; Chair of the NAFSA Diversity Committee; Chair of the NAFSA Membership Committee; Chair-Elect, Chair and Past Chair of...
Leah Baines
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Oxford International Digital Institute
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Leah joined Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) as Director of Business Development in May, 2023. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and Human Development and a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies. Leah has previously worked in education technology at ApplyBoard, ESL...
Seth Hall
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University of Virginia
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Seth is a passionate international education advocate and has worked in the field for over 10 years. He currently serves as an International Student & Scholar Advisor at the University of Virginia and, prior to that, advised international learners at the University of Kentucky. In addition to his...
Sumie Song
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The GREEN Program
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Sumie Song, Ph.D. is Director of Strategic Partnerships at The GREEN Program. She has worked in the field of international education for 13 years. She previously served as co-Chair of the NAFSA Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) and before joining The GREEN Program was Director of Global...
Ingrid Galinat
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Jacksonville State University
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Ingrid Galinat is the Director of the Jacksonville State University (JAX State) International House and Programs in Alabama. She is an International Educator with over 20 years of experience, a relationship builder for international recruitment, partnerships and exchanges, global engagement...