Samantha Cameron,
Global Partnership Manager at The Intern Group shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League?

It seemed like a natural fit based on the sheer fact that 75% of our staff are women. Upon further investigation, we realized that there were amazing initiatives that could help our staff grow as professionals while surrounded by a network of phenomenal women in our field. We are a young organization in that many of our staff are under the age of 35, so we loved that regardless of age or role, anyone can learn and also contribute their expertise.

What inspires you in your work? 

I am inspired every day by students who want to step outside of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in new cultures. They will be our next generation of leaders which is what inspires me to get as many students abroad as possible. I am also inspired by my partners at universities across the world, it never ceases to amaze me the innovative initiatives that they come up with to make international education more accessible.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career? 

Early in my career, I was catapulted into a position where I was without a supervisor for a few months and had to figure things out with little guidance. I had an amazing support system within my organization, however, we were all learning how to do things in my particular department and I naturally made mistakes. In my opinion, there is no course or degree you can take that can prepare you as well as simply rolling up your sleeves and leaving all your fears behind. Mistakes are inevitable and it's how you grow - just don't make the same mistakes again! 

What excites you most about the future of this field? 

What excites me is that despite anti-globalization rhetoric, there remains a huge community of passionate people pushing for the internationalization of education across the world. I think there is still a lot of work to be done to make international education accessible and inclusive, but I am confident that we are on the right path. I am excited to see recent graduates get involved in the field so we can use their perspectives and technological/marketing expertise to get more students abroad.

Martha Johnson,
Assistant Dean for Learning Abroad at the University of Minnesota shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League? 

I viewed it as an opportunity to be a part of an important cultural shift and to support the empowerment of the future leaders in our field. 

What inspires you in your work? 

I am inspired by the change in students we are a part of and contribute to.  I am inspired by the amazing peer mentors, colleagues, and friends I get to work with around the world who are all working towards a common goal. 

Who has been a professional mentor for you and how did they influence you? 

I have been particularly lucky in my peer mentors. I joined the field at a time when there were few women, GLBT, or people of color in leadership positions, so I did not get much mentorship from leaders I  personally identified with.  My generation of peers, however, who started at the same time...as the field was becoming professionalized... are an inspiring cohort of mentors from whom I have learned so much.  There are too many to name, but I can think of so many ways they individually inspired, supported, and pushed me.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

Volunteer and leadership positions on non-profit organizations and boards outside of my daily position have been particularly helpful in developing my skills. Contributing in contexts outside of your work can help you see the bigger picture, learn from other organizations, and engage with interests you are passionate about.  I have been on the board for the University YMCA, a girls school in Kenya, a professional theatre company, and the Fund for Education Abroad, and in all cases I have learned as much as I have contributed.

What excites you most about the future of this field?

When I see the talent and intentionality that the next generations are bringing to the field I am inspired.  The field is barely recognizable from when I started, and so it is up to all of us to make sure international education is what we want it to be. The ability to influence a profession is daunting and exciting, and the younger professionals are certainly up for the challenge and are innovating in ways I couldn't have imagined.

 

 John J. Christian 
CAPA's President/CEO shares:

Why did your organization want to be involved in the Global Leadership League? 

When we first learned of this important and new organization, we knew it would be important to not only applaud the initiative, but to financially support it.  The time has come to find the best leaders in all areas of work and life and this organization is cultivating future woman in a way that has not been done before in our field. IT is timely and the outcome will be critical to our future as international educators.

What inspires you in your work? 

The continued challenge to improve our work, find new ways to impact learning and outcomes and the immense passion and creativity that we find from our colleagues in support of this work. Never a dull moment is cliché, that’s because it is true with this work.

Who has been a professional mentor for you and how did they influence you? 

There are many. Historically this would be Dr. Jose Perez, the director of International Education at SUNY Oswego, my alma matter and where I first worked as a professional in the field. So much so that I have donated a full fee scholarship in his name for SUNY Oswego students to study and China and England where Dr. Perez helped me learn and work abroad.

Which professional development experience/s have been most important to you in your career?

Being a resident director in London and Beijing. My understanding of the core basics of programming, student care and teaching and learning were matured in this role and continue to influence my decisions and thoughts on quality learning abroad.  And that was from the wins and the mistakes in my work.

What excites you most about the future of this field? 

Innovation and the use of technology to achieve high impact globally thinking students. Using new resources to re-think how we build and manage our programs as well as prepare students to work in a globally inter-connected world.