Sakura Hirata

Sakura Hirata has 15 years of experience in international education, spanning private English schools, public K-12 and postsecondary institutions. She is currently the Associate Director of International Education at Okanagan College, where she leads initiatives in student recruitment, exchange programs, and international student services. Sakura holds a degree in International Relations and is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, having earned a certificate in Immigration Laws. She is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Education, with research focused on internationalization, mobility, and the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency training. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, Sakura is dedicated to integrating this focus into her work to support students effectively. She has presented at several conferences and platforms, including the BC Council for International Education, the Canadian Bureau for International Education, and the NAFSA Bi-Regional Conference.