With more than 29 years of experience in education across international universities and secondary schools, Dr. Sara L. Montero has served as Dean of Student Affairs at the American University in Dubai since 2019.

In this role, Dr. Montero leads a broad range of student services and advocates for student well-being, engagement, retention, and success. Drawing on extensive experience guiding students and teams through change and uncertainty, Dr. Montero will share practical insights on navigating uncertain periods while continuing to support students. Dr. Montero holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from Gwynedd Mercy University and a master’s in human relations from the University of Oklahoma.

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Program Manager 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 Affairs, 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, where she concentrated on education policy. 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.

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.

Chris Pastore joined the University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel in September 2019. His practice areas include employment (staff and faculty), compliance, student affairs, first amendment, and collegiate athletics. 

Prior to joining the University, Mr. Pastore was Of Counsel at Ogletree Deakins, an international labor and employment law firm, where he represented employers in state and federal lawsuits and in administrative investigations and litigation. Mr. Pastore also provided advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of employment law matters, with an emphasis on occupational safety and health. 

Mr. Pastore earned his law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2008 and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 2004. Mr. Pastore is a member of the State Bars of Arizona and Nevada and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

Chrissy Lieberman is the Dean of Students at the University of Arizona. She joined the Dean of Students Office in 2012 as an associate dean overseeing Student Assistance & Accountability and was appointed Dean of Students in Spring 2025 after serving in the role as interim during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Lieberman plays a pivotal leadership role in campus health and safety and fostering an environment that emphasizes community and well-being. In her role, she offers leadership for the campus community in navigating the First Amendment, conflict management, critical incidents, behavioral intervention, student rights and responsibilities, restorative practice, and student well-being. The Dean of Students Office also provides recognition and support for hundreds of student organizations and leadership and engagement opportunities across the university.

A first-generation student and two-time University of Arizona graduate, Lieberman holds a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Art Education. She is committed to fostering a campus culture where students can excel academically, socially, and personally.

Dana Downey serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at NYU Abu Dhabi, overseeing the Career Development Center and Civic Engagement & Service departments, as well as the assessment and communications portfolios of the Student Affairs division. She has worked in higher education on three continents, seeking to foster cultures of curiosity, impact, and lifelong learning. She aims to connect people with each other and with opportunities, build capacity on teams, and lower barriers to access when it comes to options.

Hammad Khalid is a seasoned education professional with extensive experience in academic leadership, student development, and alumni engagement. He currently serves as Senior Manager at Aga Khan University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, following over five years at The Citizens Foundation, where he held several leadership roles, including Head of College and Senior Manager of Alumni Programs. His professional background spans strategic communication, project management, career counseling, and employee engagement. He holds an MBA in HR and Marketing from the Institute of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronics Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

With two decades of experience as a career educator, Maha oversees the development and implementation of the full-range of career services and programs at The American University in Cairo (AUC)’s Career Center including employer engagement, career advising and experiential learning. Over the span of time, Maha was a catalyst of change designing and introducing new programs/services to increase the hiring venues of AUC’s Career Center offered to students/alumni and employers, enhance AUC’s employability rates and increase AUCians’ career readiness easing their transition to the world of work. 

Her purposeful passion is enabling Millennials and Gen Z's to become the best version of their  professional selves. She consciously shifted her career from advertising to career education with a focus  on coaching, training, capacity building and enhancing AUCians’ career preparation tool-kits. Maha got  certified as a Career Development Facilitator Master Trainer (CDF-MT) in 2024 and is a certified CDF Instructor (CDF-I) since 2010 by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Maha has designed and delivered modules of the FCD curriculum to certify Career Service Providers (CSPs) in addition to coaching and mentoring CSPs across Egypt. 

Professional affiliations include memberships of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE). 

Maha graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a double minor in Psychology and Business Administration from AUC. 

Areas of Expertise: 

Career Guidance and Coaching | Career Readiness and Employability | Strategic Employer Branding |  Employer Relations/Engagement | Personal Branding | Experiential Learning | Capacity Building | Job Search | Psychometric Assessments

Malak Elmoh is a Career Services Program Manager 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 Affairs, 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, where she concentrated on education policy. 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.

Meeghan Milette serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development in University Life at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. She provides leadership to divisional professional development initiatives and signature professional development programs coordinated by the Professional Development team. Ms. Milette has a background in professional development, staff training, building and facilitation of professional learning experiences, collaborative programming, along with supervision and staff management. Milette is committed to enhancing professional staff experiences through her work. Professionally, Milette worked in Housing & Residence Life for over 15 years in various professional roles gaining skills and professional competency in staff management, crisis response, leadership, and training development. Milette currently serves as the Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrator Steering Committee and served on the 2025 Mid-Level Administrator Conference (MLAC) planning team.

Tania Velazquez is a student affairs administrator with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across both four-year universities and community colleges. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Student Services at Suffolk County Community College, where she provides executive oversight of Counseling, Advisement, Career Services, Transfer Services, and mentoring initiatives serving over 11,000 students. She also holds a concurrent role as College-Wide Director of Career Services, leading strategy and operations across three campuses to advance career readiness, employer engagement, and workforce development. She is an active contributor to the field through national presentations, publications, and professional service. Tania has presented extensively at NASPA conferences and currently serves as Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee. Her previous leadership roles include Chief of Staff for the NASPA Community College Division and Chair of the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community. She is also an elected member of the SUNY Community College Leadership Academy.

Loreal N. Marshall is the Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), bringing over 18 years of experience in education, student affairs, and leadership development. Her expertise spans student engagement, cultural identity, risk management, and parliamentary procedure. Loreal previously worked in Fraternity & Sorority Life at The University of Iowa and in Student Leadership at Columbia College Chicago, supporting holistic student success and organizational

excellence.

She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Northern Illinois University, deepening her commitment to inclusive leadership and institutional change.

A Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Loreal served as the 23rd Centennial Central Region Syntaktes (Regional Director), leading strategic initiatives around chapter growth, retention, and member development. She also holds membership in Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Loreal is the founder of Profound Healing, LLC, a wellness initiative focused on empowering women through mental health, faith, and holistic support. Above all, she is the proud mother of her amazing five-year-old daughter, Autumn Bright. Her life and work are guided by faith, purpose, and an unwavering passion for equity and empowerment.

Annie Henning-Yount (she/her) is a mid-level professional and Online Programs Specialist at Southeast Missouri State University. As a life-ling learner, her career has spanned a broad range of institutions and functional areas. She has supported efforts within higher education-student affairs professional associations for the last five years in both committee and leadership roles in NASPA and TPE. Annie's volunteerism in these associations intertwines her interests in found community and programming with academic interests in organizational theory and career development. 

Tania Velazquez is a student affairs administrator with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across four-year universities and community colleges. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Student Services at Suffolk County Community College, where she provides leadership for Counseling, Advisement, Career Services, Transfer Services, and mentoring initiatives serving more than 11,000 students. She also serves as College-Wide Director of Career Services, leading strategy across three campuses to advance career readiness, employer engagement, and workforce development. A mission-driven and inclusive leader, Tania has extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, program development, and equity-centered practice, with a particular commitment to improving outcomes for first-generation, Latinx, and historically underrepresented students.

Tania is an active contributor to the student affairs profession through national presentations, publications, mentorship, and professional service. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee and previously served as Chief of Staff for the NASPA Community College Division and Chair of the NASPA Latinx/a/o Knowledge Community. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized with the NASPA Mena Valdez Community College Award, among other honors. A bilingual professional in English and Spanish, Tania brings a culturally responsive approach to leadership and student development and is deeply committed to advancing equity, representation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership in higher education. She holds a Master of Social Work from Stony Brook University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo, and an Associate in Arts from Suffolk County Community College.

Dr. Alonzo O’Shae Ross is a proud mid-level student affairs leader currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director for First-Year and Family Experience Programs at Indiana University Bloomington. A dedicated first-generation college graduate, Dr. Ross brings extensive expertise in student development, retention strategy, and community engagement to his work, designing transformative campus programming that fosters community and long-term academic success. Beyond his administrative leadership at IU Bloomington, he active supports K-12 and postsecondary pathways as a board member and committee chair for the Indiana Math and Science Academy, and frequently presents at national conferences on leadership, personal branding, and the evolving student experience.

Brittany Heims is Assistant Dean of Academic Operations at Loyola University New Orleans' College of Business, where she oversees accreditation efforts, academic operations, and student success initiatives, ensuring systems and processes across the college run smoothly and efficiently. She also continues to serve as Associate Director of the college’s Portfolio Career Development Program, a role she has held since April 2024, supporting academic advising and career coaching for undergraduate business students. Brittany joined Loyola's College of Business in 2023 and has focused her work on building career-readiness skills, promoting academic best practices, and connecting students to opportunities that prepare them for the workforce or graduate study. Prior to Loyola, she held academic advising and student success roles at Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of New Orleans (now LSU New Orleans), and has also worked as English faculty, a Residence Life Coordinator, and a First-Year Seminar instructor across universities in Louisiana. Brittany holds two Master's Degrees from Northwestern State University in English Literature and Student Affairs in Higher Education, and is currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership. She is driven by a passion for student engagement and retention, particularly among first-year and underserved populations, and remains committed to building bridges between students and the resources that help them thrive.

Elma Atic is a Student Affairs practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, with a particular focus on academic advising and student success. At Qatar University, she works closely with academic advisors, Student Affairs professionals, and university stakeholders to continuously improve advising services and the overall student experience. Her work also includes mentorship, staff development, assessment, and strategic initiatives supporting student success.

Beyond Qatar University, Elma is actively involved with MENASA NASPA, contributing to initiatives that connect, develop, and support Student Affairs professionals across the region. Her professional interests include academic advising, mentorship, student success, professional development, and the evolving role of data and technology in higher education.

"Passionate about empowering individuals to reach their full potential, Heba Shaheen is dedicated to supporting student leaders in creating meaningful and lasting impact throughout their experiential learning journey at The American University in Cairo (AUC) and within their wider communities.

With over 16 years of professional experience, Heba began her career as a Quality Control Analyst in a multinational company after earning a BSc in Chemistry with a minor in Psychology. She later transitioned into higher education, pursuing her passion for student development, leadership, and well-being. She currently holds two master’s degrees and is pursuing a PhD in Global Public Health at AUC, with research interests focused on policy management and workplace well-being. Heba holds an MSc in Organizational Psychology from the University of London, with a focus on women’s leadership, workplace gender equity, and well-being, as well as an MA in International & Comparative Education from AUC, concentrating on research and policymaking, with a focus on Education for Sustainable Development. She is also a Certified Student Affairs Educator from the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs, with a concentration in Campus Activities. She is also a professional trainer and practitioner in personality, interest, and strengths assessments.
Heba’s career journey from Chemistry to Higher Education reflects her belief in the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Through the challenges and rewards of career transition, she continues to inspire others to embrace growth, resilience, and lifelong learning."

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.

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.

Gian Luca is a lawyer registered with the Italian bar association. He has been on the board of directors of Collegio Universitario Internazionale di Roma (CUIR) since 1992, advocating for the integration of life skills in the academic curricula and working for national recognition of University Colleges of Merit (Collegi di Merito) to foster academic excellence in Italy. Recognising the added value of internationalization in higher education, Gian Luca promoted the creation of the European University College Association (EucA) in 2006, and he has been its president ever since. During his tenure with EucA, Gian Luca has pursued the association’s growth, and official recognition by European Union institutions of University Colleges’ role in providing a holistic education for students that strengthens their development and employability. While at EucA, he has overseen the creation and management of European research projects, namely Modernising Higher Education through Soft Skills Accreditation (MODES). He is a keen supporter of NASPA -Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, with which he has collaborated since 2012 in the organization of International Events, and he is a co-author of the volume "Supporting Students globally in Higher Education", published in 2016 by NASPA.

When not engaging with EucA projects and students in Brussels, Rome or other European cities, Gian Luca is an enthusiastic promoter of “made in Italy” products: be it Italian fashion, cuisine or wines, he persuasively argues-as any lawyer does-the advantages of buying Italian goods.

Ahmed Osman is an accomplished higher education executive and student affairs leader with more than 22 years of progressive experience advancing student success, leadership development, and institutional engagement within The City University of New York (CUNY).

As University Student & Residence Life Director within CUNY’s Central Office of Student Affairs, Ahmed provides strategic leadership across student life, orientation, residence life, and student leadership development. His work focuses on creating integrated student experiences that foster belonging, engagement, leadership capacity, and student success.
Ahmed provides strategic oversight of the Ernesto Malave Leadership Academy, where he has developed and implemented leadership development initiatives that prepare students to serve as effective leaders, advocates, and change agents within CUNY and their communities. His approach to leadership emphasizes civic engagement, advocacy, global citizenship, inclusion, and the development of the whole student.

A respected voice in higher education and student affairs, Ahmed presented at national and international conferences, including NASPA and the European Conference for Student Affairs and Services. He also serves on the NASPA International Symposium Planning Committee, contributing to conversations and initiatives that advance student affairs practice in an increasingly global higher education environment.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College, The City University of New York. As an S+EI Certified Coach, he brings an additional dimension of coaching and leadership development to his work, supporting individuals and emerging leaders in reaching their professional and personal potential.
His leadership philosophy is grounded in student-centered practice, strategic collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, community engagement, and a commitment to empowering individuals and communities to create meaningful and sustainable change.

Cory Owen is the Associate Dean of Student Life and Chief Student Affairs Officer in residence at Schwarzman College.  Cory has served in numerous student affairs roles across a variety of educational institutions over the past 20 years, including as the Dean of Students of Yale-NUS College in Singapore, and in student-facing roles at The Juilliard School, Rice University, and Semester at Sea.  Cory is from the U.S. and has been based in Singapore for the past six years. She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration & Supervision from the University of Houston.

Maria del Pilar Murguia was born in Bolivia and raised across Italy and Colombia! Her multicultural life experience allowed her to learn firsthand the challenges that living in different countries entails!  With a business background, Pilar started working in International Higher education since June 2003 at John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. The focus of her work at JCU was and is to establish and maintain an environment that supports learning, encourages a strong sense of community, and promotes student development through active engagement in university life. 

Pilar currently directly supervises the areas of Athletics, Outdoor Education Programs, Performing Arts, Student Activities and Trips, and Student Leadership Programs (OL, OSA, Student Clubs). She is part of the board of the Crisis Management Team of her University, as well as the University strategic planning committee.

Pilar is a certified Student Leadership Challenge practitioner, and her continued interest in intercultural leadership makes her curious about all new trends in the field. She is an active member AACUPI, NASPA, EUCA among other associations.