What inspired you to work for Authentica?
I was inspired to join Authentica because its mission is deeply authentic and purpose-driven, with sustainability, equity, and holistic pedagogy at the heart of its programs, enabling students to grow as leaders, not just travelers. I was also drawn to its focus on access and inclusion through initiatives like JetSet Credit and the SCALE Scholars program, which expand opportunities for students who might otherwise be left out. Above all, I was excited to contribute to an organization that is bold, innovative, and unafraid to reimagine what study abroad can be a combination of mission, impact, and creativity that made it clear this is where I wanted to invest my energy.
Family Cruise
Why do you do what you do?
I do this work because I believe education should transform lives, and studying abroad is not just travel but a chance for students to expand their worldview, build resilience, and discover their potential as changemakers. I have seen how the right program can shift a student’s trajectory, fostering confidence, empathy, and purpose, and that transformation motivates me every day. I also care deeply about equity, working to create affordable, inclusive programs that open doors for more students. Ultimately, I believe education creates ripple effects, as students return home with new perspectives that shape their careers, families, and communities for generations.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing students step into their potential. Watching them move from nervous anticipation to confidence and purpose during their study abroad journey is incredibly rewarding. I also love building partnerships with institutions that share our vision, because those relationships allow us to expand access and create programs that truly make a difference. Being able to connect students, educators, and communities in ways that are both impactful and sustainable is what makes my work so fulfilling.
Overcoming my fear of heights!
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
My favorite part of my job is seeing students step into their potential. Watching them move from nervous anticipation to confidence and purpose during their study abroad journey is incredibly rewarding. I also love building partnerships with institutions that share our vision, because those relationships allow us to expand access and create programs that truly make a difference. Being able to connect students, educators, and communities in ways that are both impactful and sustainable is what makes my work so fulfilling.
Why should someone choose Authentica over competitors?
Someone would choose Authentica because we design purpose-driven study abroad experiences that go beyond tourism, embedding sustainability, equity, and holistic pedagogy so students return with the skills and perspectives to lead. By integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into coursework and community engagement, we balance academic rigor with personal growth and global responsibility. We also prioritize access and inclusion through initiatives like JetSet Credit and SCALE Scholars, ensuring study abroad is open to all students. With a nimble, innovative approach, Authentica continually reimagines international education, offering programs that deliver on our mission and create lasting impact.
What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Authentica’s mission is to reimagine study abroad as a transformative, purpose-driven experience that blends sustainability, equity, and community engagement, viewing it not as travel but as an opportunity for students to learn deeply, contribute meaningfully, and return prepared to lead. I advance this mission by embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals into coursework, fostering meaningful community engagement, and using holistic pedagogy to support students as whole people, while also expanding access through initiatives like JetSet Credit and SCALE Scholars. Day to day, I collaborate with partners, refine processes, and build systems that sustain growth while keeping students at the center, ensuring Authentica’s mission is lived out in the design, delivery, and impact of every program.
Inside and at the TOP of the Passion Tower in Sagrada Familia
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad is important because it pushes us beyond the familiar and expands our perspective, fostering empathy, curiosity, and humility while breaking down stereotypes and deepening appreciation for diversity and shared humanity. For students, it offers lessons no classroom can provide, building confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills while encouraging reflection on identity and purpose. At its best, international travel inspires people to be a force for good, taking responsibility for their impact and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than visiting places or taking photos; it means engaging deeply with people and culture in ways that create lasting impact by slowing down, listening, and building real connections. It involves reflection, allowing experiences to spark growth in empathy, resilience, and perspective, while also carrying responsibility to support local economies, respect traditions, and choose sustainability. Ultimately, meaningful travel is about connection, growth, and purpose, leaving us not only with memories but with lessons and values that endure.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located?
One of the biggest issues in international education is that it often remains a privilege for a narrow group of students, with financial and structural barriers excluding those who could benefit most. When access is limited, the field reinforces inequity and loses the richness of diverse voices, when it should reflect the diversity of the world through scholarships, inclusive design, and intentional practices. The true promise of international education lies in expanding opportunities so all students can participate, because equity is not only the right thing to do but essential to creating programs that benefit both students and host communities.
NAFSA 2025 - San Diego
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
My hope for the future of international education is that it becomes inclusive, accessible, and transformative for all students, with global learning integrated into higher education so every student can see themselves as part of the global community. I envision programs that move beyond travel to prioritize purpose by embedding sustainability, equity, and community engagement, ensuring benefits for both students and host communities. International education should also serve as a catalyst for collaboration and problem-solving, preparing students to address global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, I hope institutions build equitable, reciprocal partnerships where host communities are co-creators of meaningful educational experiences.
