Allison Furlong is a higher education leader with more than 15 years of international experience across Qatar, Canada, and South Korea. A seasoned student affairs professional, she specializes in student engagement, international education, student conduct, and strategic communications. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS, University of London, and is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). In addition to her work in higher education, Allison has contributed as a freelance journalist and remains passionate about global learning, cross-cultural exchange, and student-centered leadership. She is actively involved in the MENASA NASPA region, where she has served on the Board as the Head of Special Projects for the past two years, advancing professional development and recognition initiatives for student affairs practitioners. Beyond her professional commitments, she is also a certified PADI Rescue Scuba Diver.

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. Janelle Rahyns serves as the senior director for global impact at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. She supports the association's international initiatives such as NASPA's Global Division, the MENASA Advisory Board, the MENASA NASPA Conference, the Global Summit on Student Affairs and Services, the International Symposium, the International Exchange Program, and assists in the support of the Latin America and the Caribbean Advisory Board. Prior to joining NASPA, Janelle served as the Assistant Dean at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, and the Resident Director at the University of California Los Angeles. Her research interests focus on African American college students, comparative study abroad experiences, international student affairs, and race and ethnicity in study abroad. Janelle holds a Ph.D. in Social Science & Comparative Education with a concentration in International & Comparative Education from the University of California Los Angeles, an M.Ed in Student Personnel in Higher Education and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida.