Eman Alsamara serves as a Graduate School and Career Advisor at NYU Abu Dhabi. In her role, she is responsible for supporting students and alumni from diverse backgrounds in career exploration and readiness and preparing for graduate school. Eman advises and supports students specializing in the social sciences and oversees career pathways in Law, Policy, Education & Social Impact. 

Eman is Arab American born and raised in Chicago in the US and is originally from Palestine. Eman has been working in higher education for a few years now in various capacities related to education, student programming, and student engagement. Prior to joining NYU Abu Dhabi, she served as the Assistant Director of Academic Advising in the Dean of Students Office at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago for three years where she oversaw academic advising and support programs, international student experience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for graduate students.
Eman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with minors in Political Science and Public Policy (2018) and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy (2019) from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Eman has a passion for social justice and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Officer in the Office of External Relations at Georgetown University in Qatar. In her previous role as a Student Development Officer in the Office of Student Life, she played a key role in designing and implementing student programming, while also mentoring and advising student clubs, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the broader student community. A proud GU-Q alumna, Malak also holds a Master of Public Policy from Hamad bin Khalifa University. Her experience extends beyond academia, having worked on high-profile events like the Doha Forum and with Memac Ogilvy's Public Relations team, where she developed a robust network in Doha. In her current role, Malak focuses on supporting students and recent graduates through career coaching and graduate school advising as well as further departmental initiatives such as professional development workshops, employer events and career fairs.

Miriam is the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success at Northwestern University in Qatar. Before this role, she was the Senior Academic Adviser at the American University in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in academic advising and academic and student affairs.

Throughout her career, Miriam has held various academic positions across Lebanon and the GCC, advising diverse students in engineering, business, international relations, and media studies. She has successfully led a team of advisors and contributed to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum and quality enhancement.

Miriam’s expertise lies in multitasking, mentoring, researching, and implementing best practices to create a culture of student engagement. She is skilled in developing student-centered strategies, conducting data analysis and reporting, enhancing student retention and success, and supporting first-year student experiences and accreditation processes.

In her teaching career, Miriam has instructed finance, management, accounting, and mathematics courses, and has published research papers on academic advising.

Her passion for data analysis led her to complete three certificates in data analysis and reporting in 2021. More recently, she has completed a postgraduate program in AI and Machine Learning at the California Institute of Technology, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for NASPA’s Dedicated Professional Award in 2021.

Miriam earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance with distinction from the Lebanese American University in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

She currently serves as the Communication Team Lead for MENASA NASPA, where she continues to contribute to the field of student affairs and higher education.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Dr. Jhenai Chandler is the Vice President of Research and Policy at NASPA, where she leads efforts to advance student success and equity through research-based policy. She previously served as Senior Director of College Completion Policy at TICAS and has held leadership roles at Education Strategy Group and within Florida’s higher education systems. A first-generation college graduate and former parenting student, Chandler is committed to expanding access and support for diverse learners. She holds degrees from Florida A&M University, Nova Southeastern University, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University.

With over 10 years of experience in student affairs, Dr. Tyger is passionate about creating inclusive and supportive campus communities that empower students to thrive. Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life at the University of Florida, James oversees the Student Engagement Team, which includes the offices for Campus Engagement, Community and belonging, Sorority and fraternity Life, and Student Legal Services. 

Dr. Tyger is a proud double Gator, having earned both a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He also holds a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Virginia Tech. 

In addition to his role at the University of Florida, Dr. Tyger is the Director-elect for the Public Policy Division of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and serves on the Virginia Tech Student Affairs Advisory Council. 

Dr. Melinda Karp, Phase Two’s founder and project lead, has extensive research and thought-partnership experience in the areas of college access, student support, and completion strategies. She is a nationally-known expert on community colleges and strategies to support low-income, first-generation, minoritized, and otherwise under-served students in and out of the classroom. Dr. Karp has authored or co-authored over 70 articles, book chapters, and working papers and 35 practitioner-focused blogs, op-eds, and practical toolkits. She served as panel chair for the Institute for Education Science’s What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guide on Effective Advising for Postsecondary Students and a reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 Postsecondary Success Recognition Program. She is also a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Postsecondary Student Success and a coach for the NCII Rural Guided Pathways Project.  

Dr. Suzanne Lyons is a senior consultant with Phase Two Advisory, supporting their national research and practitioner learning networks related to college access, success, and holistic student support. In addition, she is an educator and systems-level social worker, with over 20 years of experience working in K-12, public and private colleges, and national non-profits, including work with The Posse Foundation, TRIO, and Promise programs. As a first-generation, low-income college graduate, Dr. Lyons has dedicated her career to focusing on policies, programs, and multi-sector partnerships across the K-20 pipeline that support college access and success. Among other publications, Dr. Lyons is co-author (with Dr. Karp) on a chapter in the Routledge Handbook on Higher Education, “Advising the whole student: Current approaches to integrating academic, career, and personal support.”  Prior to joining Phase Two, she led private and federal grants geared toward systems-level change to improve student outcomes in high schools and at Hispanic-serving community colleges. Dr. Lyons holds her Bachelor’s in Psychology & Spanish from the University of Notre Dame, her Master’s in Social Workfrom the University of Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. in Higher & Postsecondary Education from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

Amanjit Kaur Ahuja (She/Her) is an Educator, Inclusion Advocate, and Higher Education Administrator with over a decade of experience building inclusive, student-centered ecosystems. She serves as the Director of Education and Student Experience at Krea University, leading initiatives that strengthen student wellbeing, academic success, and inclusion through integrated, holistic support systems. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing inclusion, wellbeing, and the professionalization of student affairs in Indian higher education. She is passionate about bringing an intersectional lens to institutional policy and practice, reimagining how campuses can foster balance, belonging, and environments where every learner can thrive.

Dr. Asli Hassan is an accomplished educator, researcher, and leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education across the USA, UAE, and globally. She is currently the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Dr. Hassan earned her Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Culture from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and an M.A. in TESOL and Bilingual Education from the University of Findlay, Ohio.

Maisa Shadid is an academic advisor at Qatar University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Applied Language Studies from Carleton University and a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing Leadership from University of Aberdeen. Her research interests lie at the intersection of communication, digital marketing, and technology. She has joined MENASA NASPA as a member in the research PD team, and serves as a guest editor at JCIHE.

Harshita Tripathi is an education administrator and actively engages in global engagements and international partnerships. She is vocal on issues pertaining to the higher education sector in India and abroad. She is the recipient of a DST-INSPIRE fellowship and DAAD DIES Fellowship on Management of Internationalization. She is the youngest Indian selected for the “Women in Education Leadership" program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. As an ardent believer in inclusion in education, she has promoted COIL programs within the country and is serving on a Board of Directors for the IVEC, International Virtual Exchange Consortium. She is currently associated with the Office of Research and Partnerships and is pursuing her PhD in the Contemporary History of Higher Education in India from Shiv Nadar IoE.

Miriam is the Director of Academic Advising and Student Success at Northwestern University in Qatar. Before this role, she was the Senior Academic Adviser at the American University in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in academic advising and academic and student affairs.

Throughout her career, Miriam has held various academic positions across Lebanon and the GCC, advising diverse students in engineering, business, international relations, and media studies. She has successfully led a team of advisors and contributed to numerous academic committees focused on curriculum and quality enhancement.

Miriam’s expertise lies in multitasking, mentoring, researching, and implementing best practices to create a culture of student engagement. She is skilled in developing student-centered strategies, conducting data analysis and reporting, enhancing student retention and success, and supporting first-year student experiences and accreditation processes.

In her teaching career, Miriam has instructed finance, management, accounting, and mathematics courses, and has published research papers on academic advising.

Her passion for data analysis led her to complete three certificates in data analysis and reporting in 2021. More recently, she has completed a postgraduate program in AI and Machine Learning at the California Institute of Technology, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for NASPA’s Dedicated Professional Award in 2021.

Miriam earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance with distinction from the Lebanese American University in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

She currently serves as the Communication Team Lead for MENASA NASPA, where she continues to contribute to the field of student affairs and higher education.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Looking for ways to continue to increase student engagement at your institution? 

Join this session for insights on trends and hear about ways that other institutions have solved the student engagement challenge. We’ll cover overarching trends we’re seeing in student engagement, how technology is shifting strategies, and ways that higher education institutions are using technology to take engagement to the next level. 

Leave the webinar with ideas that you can implement at your institution to enhance the student experience, learn how institutions continue to get students’ attention, and ways to encourage engagement throughout the year. 

Joining the team in July 2021, Jack serves as the event management and training coordinator. Within his role, Jack serves as the primary advisor to the Activities Board, while also assisting with other large-scale campus events and initiatives. He also aids student organizations through their development and event planning. Jack earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

Caroline Tiara is a certified professional mediator and executive coach with over two decades of experience in training, client experience, team leadership, and project management. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Copenhagen Business School.

She currently serves as the Manager – Student Experience at Aga Khan University, Kenya, where she leads initiatives to enhance student engagement and well-being for both graduate and undergraduate communities. Previously, she was the Manager of Graduate and International Programs at Strathmore University Business School (SBS). Her earlier career was rooted in ICT leadership roles, including ICT Manager at Elimu Sacco Society and Head of ICT at Cooperative Development Information Centre Ltd.

In addition to her professional career, Caroline is deeply committed to mentorship and youth development. She regularly speaks to young people across churches, sharing insights on personal growth, leadership, and career development.

Tisha currently works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as the Associate Director of Student Recruitment. Her main responsibilities include international student recruitment, educational partnerships, short-term programs, and marketing. Prior to this role, Tisha worked at the university leading Saudi graduate recruitment and development efforts. Tisha is excited to continue highlighting the rapid growth taking place within Saudi Arabia and the educational opportunities available.

Ms. Wadad Youssef El Housseini started her career as in higher education as Instructor of Social Sciences at Balamand University in Lebanon where she taught for a decade. In 2001, she joined the American University of Beirut as Director of Student Activities. In 2009, she joined Qatar University as Consultant to VP of student affairs where she resumed the responsibility of Acting Director of Student Activities till May 2012. Her role entitled her to get involved in various strategic initiatives to ensure the success of Qatar University students. She is the chair of the Student Affairs Professional Development committee at Qatar University.

Founding member and former vice president for the IASAS (International Association of Student Affairs and Services). Member of the MENASA-NASPA board for 2020-2023. Recipient of the Wisdom Award of the Commission of Women’s Identities – ACPA in 2021. Interested in Leadership of Higher Education and Student Affairs, assessment and women role in higher education.

Well known for having her finger on the pulse of the region, Wadad continues to be an engaged advocate of professional development, and student affairs leadership in the Middle East.

Dr. Brandi Scott is a seasoned higher education administrator with over fifteen years of experience leading organizations and building strong, collaborative, and effective teams. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations clarify their goals and create actionable plans to achieve them.
Brandi holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and brings specialized training as a SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator, an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) facilitator, and a certified salary negotiation trainer through the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Work Smart & Start Smart programs.
As the founder of her own consulting and coaching practice, Brandi supports individuals navigating career transitions and professional growth. She also partners with teams and organizations to drive change, foster belonging, and address conflict with intention and care.

Karl Uzcategui [Name/They Series] serves as the Associate Director of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs at Fairfield University, where they oversee peer education, mentoring, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. A doctoral candidate researching second-generation American identity and belonging in higher education, Karl integrates restorative practice, servant leadership, and student development theory into their approach to coaching. Beyond Fairfield, Karl serves as Governor-Elect for the New England & Bermuda District of Kiwanis International and as Co-Chair of NASPA’s Success Coaching Knowledge Community.

D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas (She/Her) is a practitioner whose work is centered around organizational behavior with a focus on recruitment, professional development, and career advancement. Committed to helping organizations and communities bring about transformational change in these areas, she currently serves as director of The Placement Exchange (TPE) - a partnership of ACUHO-I and NASPA, in collaboration with NACA, NODA, ASCA, and AFA. 

Stephanie A. Gordon, Ed.D. is the Vice President for Strategy and Impact at NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she leads efforts in VPSA programs, corporate development, global impact, consulting programs, and strategic planning. Since joining NASPA in 2003, she has held key leadership roles, shaping professional development and advancing strategic priorities.

Before NASPA, Gordon held leadership positions in residence life, first-year programs, and admissions at Chatham University, Colgate University, and Simmons College. Her research focuses on the competencies of chief student affairs officers and the persistence of first-generation students. She is also a published author in the student affairs field.

Gordon holds an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania, an EdM from Harvard University, and a BA from Simmons College. She is mom to Benjamin, a joyful 5-year-old, and Sadie, a spirited Queen Elizabeth Pocket Beagle.

Monica Nixon brings to NASPA three decades of experience in higher education administration and a commitment to creating student-ready institutions where all students can thrive. Monica serves the non-profit association NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education as Vice President for Community, Access & Professional Pathways. Previously she served in student affairs, DEI, and administrative leadership roles at Saint Joseph’s University, Seattle University, Colgate University, the University of Puget Sound, and the University of Virginia. 

Monica earned her B.A. in English in 1995 and M.Ed. in Counselor Education in 1999 from the University of Virginia. In 2013 she earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, where her dissertation focused on the positionality and agency of women of color chief diversity officers in higher education institutions. Monica co-authored a chapter in the 2012 NASPA-published book Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Higher Education and served actively as a member with NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, ACPA – College Student Educators International, and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. 

Dr. Ke’Ana Bradley is the Assistant Vice President of Justice, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, and Early Career Initiatives for NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Ke’Ana’s role with NASPA involves contributing to ongoing association efforts related to equity and social change through programming and research as well as coordination of career pathway programs and resources for senior leaders. Prior to joining the NASPA staff, Ke'Ana's roles included Director of Student Life at Mountain View College, International Student Advisor at Lynn University, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services and Programs at the University of Notre Dame, and Coordinator of Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs at both Southern Methodist University and Texas Woman's University. Ke'Ana holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, a master's degree in Communications from The University of the Incarnate Word, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Ke'Ana is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX). Ke'Ana lives in the Dallas area with her husband and their two kiddos.

Dr. Chase serves as the Director of the LSA First-Generation Commitment. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Chase brings enthusiasm and experience with developing, designing, implementing, and evaluating student success initiatives within and across higher education institution types. 

Prior to joining LSA and the First-Generation Commitment, Dr. Chase served as Dean of Students/Chief Student Affairs Officer at Eureka College, overseeing all aspects of co-curricular engagement, including strategic planning, co-curricular assessment, housing and residential life, student activities, new student and family programs, and inclusive excellence. Prior to Eureka, Dr. Chase served as the Executive Director for Student Affairs Bradley University for over six years, leading initiatives to promote student success and engagement.

Dr. Chase believes in the transformative power of higher education and is excited about building this new and exciting initiative. As a practitioner-scholar, Dr. Chase’s professional experience and scholarship cut across two areas: student success and identity-centered engagement. 

Outside of serving as a director, Dr. Chase is an aspirational foodie who enjoys spending time with family and friends while cheering on the Detroit Pistons and the Oakland University Basketball teams.

Dr. Leanna Fenneberg serves as Senior Vice President for Student Life at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Her 25-year service to higher education and student affairs has been in the 4-year, private school setting, including mission-centered, Catholic institutions, underscoring a commitment to transformational, holistic student learning and success that shapes leaders who will go out and serve the world.  Her individual service has spanned local communities and professional volunteer service to NASPA and JASPA in numerous capacities.   Her expertise is evidenced through peer-reviewed articles, countless national presentations, and instruction in master’s and doctoral programs in higher education administration. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Fenneberg holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration (Saint Louis University), an M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services (University of South Carolina), and a B.A. in Communication (Marquette University).

Corin Edwards is an executive search consultant in the Education market at WittKieffer. Prior, she spent two decades in Student Affairs, working in residence life, student activities, and fraternity and sorority life. Corin's last role in higher education was the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Leadership and Learning at the University of Delaware. She has also worked at University of Maryland, UMBC, and Adelphi University. Corin holds a master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from Indiana University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and two boys.

 Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure is the Associate Vice-President and Dean of Students at Louisiana State University. Prior to joining the LSU administration, Dr. Brown-McClure served as Vice-President for Student Affairs at Jackson State University, Vice-President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Union College, Dean of Students at Spelman College and Associate Dean of Residential Education at Stanford University. During her career she has served as an administrator in both public and private universities as well as large and small colleges and universities. 

Dr. Brown-McClure received a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in Educational Administration in 2015, A Masters of Social Work from Boston University in 2006, and Bachelor of Science in psychology from Jackson State University in 2004. 

Dr. Brown-McClure is a sought out speaker and facilitator. She frequently speaks to students and administrators about topics related to leadership, student success, Greek life, and emotional intelligence. She has presented nationally on motherhood and management, black girl magic, cross generational working relationships, leading as a young, black VPSA, and the importance of cross-racial friendships. 

The most important role that Dr. Brown-McClure holds is that of mom. She is the mother of a 16-year-old daughter, McKenzie. She tries every day to give to students what she was given in college and what she hopes future leaders will give to the future generations of students.

Jack Nesmith is a proud Black First Generation student affairs professional from Jersey City, New Jersey. He has his Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and Masters of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership/Higher Education from Rider University. Jack has 10+ years of experience as a public speaker, mentor, and leadership programs professional creating annual leadership workshops and programming for various organizations including NASPA, ACUI, EOF, and First Gen. He is the founder of the Project L.E.A.D. leadership series focusing on core skills for college students on a variety of topics during their undergraduate experiences. Jack has a lifelong passion for mentorship, student leadership programs, first generational student support programs, and professional development for undergraduate and graduate students.