This episode features Dr. Fanta Aw, the new Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: the association of international educators. A highly-respected academic and nonprofit leader and scholar, Dr. Aw reflects on her global personal and professional journey and how these multifaceted experiences have prepared her exceptionally well to take on her new role and advance the field of international education in the U.S. and globally. Dr. Aw previously served as NAFSA’s President and Chair of the Board of Directors and has spent her academic and professional careers at American University in Washington, D.C. An award-winning teacher, she served as the Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer at AU’s School of International Service. She also sits on the Global Advisory Board of Times Higher Education and previously chaired the board of ETS TOEFL.
Episode themes:
Originally from Mali, how being a "third culture kid" and global nomad prepared Fanta for a career in international education and has helped her be a nimble leader, adapting to changing times
How international and immigrant-students are faring on US campuses today and what is needed to support them
The international education dynamics between the Global North and the Global South and how the balance of power is shifting to the developing world
What the appointment of the first foreign-born, immigrant-origin, woman of color to lead a major higher education association means for NAFSA and its future
Has the field of international made progress when it comes to diversity, access, and inclusion?
What excites yet scares Fanta about her new role at NAFSA
Leadership lessons and advice for women leaders
Episode resources:
Follow Fanta on Twitter and LinkedIn
Listen to Episode 8 with LaNitra Berger
Check out MPOWER Financing's Social Impact Report
My book: America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility
Sign up for America Calling: my take on the intersection of education, culture and migration
Connect with me: LinkedIn, Twitter
Episode sponsor:
This episode was made possible by the generous support of MPOWER Financing which provides no-cosigner loans and scholarships for international, DACA, and refugee students. Headquartered in Washington DC, MPOWER has to date helped tens of thousands of students fund their educational dreams and journeys.
