Ebenezer Boakye is a doctoral student in the College Student Affairs Administration (CSAA) program at the University of Georgia, where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Student Representative. In these roles, he supports graduate student transition, teaching, advising, practicum coordination, and program operations within student affairs preparation programs.

Originally from Ghana, Ebenezer brings a strong global and comparative lens to his work in higher education. His scholarly interests focus on international and graduate student success, student well-being, basic needs insecurity, mentorship, academic advising, culturally responsive student affairs practice, and higher education policies. His work is grounded in equity-oriented and global frameworks that center belonging, compassion, and holistic student development.

As a practitioner, Ebenezer has worked closely with both undergraduates and graduate and international students through administration, teaching, orientation, advising, and student support initiatives. His practice emphasizes holistic well-being, transition support, mentoring, and culturally responsive engagement—particularly for students navigating academic, social, and institutional challenges in U.S. higher education. He is especially committed to translating research and policies into practical strategies that student affairs professionals can use to foster belonging, resilience, and success throughout the academic year.

Ebenezer holds a Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University, a Master of Philosophy in Arts Education (Religion and Human Values), and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He is actively engaged in professional associations including NASPA, ACPA, and ASHE, with particular involvement in global and international initiatives.

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.

Paul was a first generation student who became a student affairs professional as a result of participation in events and student government. After working in various educational settings after graduation he started his higher education staff experience working with international students, and has subsequently held a number of management roles. He became Head of Student Advice and Safeguarding support at the University of the Arts, London in 2016. He became an Executive Committee member of AMOSSHE, The Student Services Organisation in July 2023.

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.

Omneya Badr is an educator and student affairs professional who gained a culturally diverse higher education experience studying, teaching and working in Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, UK and USA.

Badr serves on NASPA’s Board of Directors and is the director of NASPA’s Global Division (2024-2026), past director of MENASA NASPA area (2022-2024), and the 2021 and 2022 MENASA* Conference chair.  Badr held teaching and academic advising positions at New York Institute of Technology Bahrain, Bahrain Institute of Business and Finance, Qatar University and Trinity University USA. She is a frequent presenter at NASPA and NACADA conferences and her research interests are culturally based Academic Advising, supporting First generation students, FYE, and cross-cultural communication.

She holds an MBA from the University of Bath – UK, a Certificate of Entrepreneurial & Small Business Operations from the Academy of Arts, California - USA & a BA in Management from the American University in Cairo - Egypt.  She recently acquired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida - USA. 

As an educator, Omneya enjoys giving back to the profession and is interested in creating professional development opportunities for global Student Affairs professionals and encouraging research and sharing knowledge among counterparts around the world.