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.

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.

Russell Martin currently works in student life at Franklin University Switzerland, a small US/Swiss accredited institution in the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. Before Franklin, Russell worked with Northeastern's NUin program in Greece and in various student life roles at the University of Arizona and Ithaca College.

Dr. Kerrie Montgomery Orozco boasts a 25-year career in higher education, specializing in international education, student programming, strategic planning, leadership, and teaching. She's held progressively responsible roles in academic advising, study abroad, and campus life at various institutions. Kerrie is also an accomplished writer, with publications in the peer-reviewed Journal of International Students. 

Kerrie has been an active member of NASPA for more than 20 years. She has held a number of volunteer leadership roles and currently serves as Professional Development Chair for the Global Division, Membership & Engagement Chair for the Mid-Level Administrators Steering Committee, and NASPA-FL Conference Chair. She is a past Chair for the International Symposium, and remains active on the planning committee for the 2024 International Symposium.

Kerrie holds a BA in Classical Studies, dual Masters degrees from the University of Florida in Art History and Higher Education, and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Denver.

Christopher Van Velzer, Ph.D., serves as Chief Student Experience Officer (Dean of Student Experience) at Duke Kunshan University (DKU), where he leads the Office of Student Experience (OSE). In this role, he oversees an integrated portfolio including Residence Life, Campus Engagement, Athletics, Counseling and Wellness Services, Chinese and International Student Services, Student Conduct, Student Accommodations, Case Management, Career Services, and Global Education. Under his leadership, OSE advances DKU’s commitment to a cohesive, student-centered model that fosters belonging, engagement, and success within a diverse global community.

With more than 25 years of experience in higher education—and over 20 years based in China—Van Velzer is an experienced international education leader whose work sits at the intersection of institutional strategy, global learning, and the full student lifecycle. His leadership focuses on designing cross-cultural student experiences that intentionally integrate learning, living, and academic programs to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Van Velzer holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University.