NASPA Online Learning Community

MENASA Women Wednesdays: Student Affairs Insights from Women in the Field - Abir Khater

MENASA Women Wednesdays: Student Affairs Insights from Women in the Field - Abir Khater

Abir Khater

Head, Alumni Affairs & Graduate Employment

KAUST

Ms. Khater brings over 25 years of extensive experience in International Higher Education and Young Talent Development, with expertise in scholarship management, STEAM training programs, student recruitment, academic and career advising, and fostering strategic partnerships to drive organizational growth and innovation.

Currently, she serves as the Head of the Alumni Affairs and Graduate Employment Department at KAUST, where she focuses on strengthening alumni engagement, enhancing employment opportunities for graduates, and building meaningful connections between the university and its alumni through impactful initiatives.

Prior to this role, Ms. Khater managed Young Talent Development initiatives within the Strategic National Advancement Division at KAUST. She spearheaded the design and implementation of comprehensive STEAM educational training programs for young Saudi talent, ensuring access to quality learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Her earlier career includes serving as an Advisor to the Director General at the UAE Space Agency, where she developed and implemented educational and training programs to build capacity and inspire interest in STEM fields among UAE nationals. As the Head of the Academic Advising Unit at the Scholarships Office, Ministry of Presidential Affairs (UAE), she oversaw and supported students studying abroad, ensuring their academic progress and success.

Ms. Khater also gained significant experience in international education during her tenure at AMIDEAST, Egypt, as the Associate Director of Advising and Exchanges. In this role, she managed fellowship and scholarship programs, as well as cultural and educational exchange initiatives.

A firm believer in the transformative power of education and exchange programs, Ms. Khater is dedicated to empowering students by providing them with the resources, opportunities, and guidance they need to excel in their chosen fields.

Tisha Grande (Moderator)

Associate Director of Student Recruitment

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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.

MENASA Women Wednesdays are monthly one-hour member engagement sessions (in English or Arabic) highlighting the voices of women in student affairs from around the world. Through this online series of discussions, MENASA members will have the opportunity to gain various perspectives of the student affairs profession through the varying lenses of women in the field. Session presenters will share their story of how they have come to hold their current position in higher education, lessons learned along the way, insights they have gained, and a time for participants to ask questions. 

Components visible upon registration.