NAFSA Regions

NAFSA's membership in the United States* is organized into 11 geographic regions that provide the important grassroots strength of the association.

NAFSA regions host regional conferences each fall across North America. Learn more about these incredible events!

What Happens at the Regional Level?

Many opportunities for involvement, association activities, and leadership are found at the regional level. Each region is governed by an elected chair and a team composed of representatives of the knowledge communities and interest groups. Many states and metropolitan areas hold regular NAFSA meetings. The regions sponsor frequent workshops on topics of special interest and annual conferences.

NAFSA Regions mapRegional Conferences

Annually in the fall, the 11 NAFSA regions hold their conferences. These are excellent opportunities to network with accomplished colleagues and to stay current with the latest trends. View dates and locations for this year's conferences.

Region I

Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Visit Region I

Region II

Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming

Visit Region II

Region III

Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

Visit Region III

Region IV

Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota

Visit Region IV

Region V

Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin

Visit Region V

Region VI

Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio

Visit Region VI

Region VII

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Visit Region VII

Region VIII

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Visit Region VIII

Region X

New Jersey, New York

Visit Region X

Region XI

Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont

Visit Region XI

Region XII

California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands

Visit Region XII

The Regional Affairs Committee are the past chairs of the 11 regions and ensure the development and dissemination of knowledge needed by professionals engaged on regional leadership teams and in regional events and offerings. Regional Affairs Committee members:

  • Assess needs of regional leaders and design processes, guidelines, tools, training, etc. to serve them.
  • Facilitate the development of sound business and leadership practices in the regions, consistent with the fiduciary obligations of the association—fiscal, legal, and ethical.
  • Encourage members in the regions to provide their information in the member skills database for consideration for task forces and leadership positions for which they have particular expertise.

*Members who reside outside the United States are encouraged to participate in professional development activities that take place at the regional and national levels and to become involved in NAFSA's volunteer leadership. NAFSA also works collaboratively with sister organizations in other countries and world regions that promote international education and exchange.

Helen Leonard

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New York University - Office of Global Services
2024 Regional Affairs Committee Chair

Keri Toma

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Keri Toma
San Jose State University
2024 RAC Chair-Designate
Keri Toma is the International Programs Manager and Communications Specialist for the International Student and Scholar Services office at San José State University (SJSU), where she develops and implements co-curricular programs to help international students and scholars connect, engage, explore...

Saundra Hampton

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Saundra Hampton's Headshot
Columbia University
Chair-Elect Coach
Saundra Hampton is a Senior International Student Advisor at Columbia University. She is an active member of NAFSA Region X. Saundra has served her region in the capacity of Chair and Conference Planner. She's also chaired sessions and served as a panelist and moderator for numerous sessions. On the...

Each Regional Executive Team Cohort is led by a Regional Cohort Coach. The Regional Cohort Coaches are volunteer member leaders that are appointed by NAFSA members and confirmed by NAFSA’s Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement. A key qualification to be a Cohort Coach is successful completion of at least one term as a member of the cohort they are leading.

The Coaches work with their cohort to foster collegiality, share perspectives and advice as a former Regional Executive Team member, promote the sharing of best practices between regions, and provide on-going support and professional development.

Raelyn Alvarez

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Mt. San Antonio College
Development Coordinator, Region XII
Raelyn Alvarez works on the Administrative side of International Education at Mt. San Antonio College. Raelyn has been involved with NAFSA and international education for over 5 years. Raelyn has worked in community college for over 10 years and has experience in budget management, recruitment, and...

Beth Riley

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Beth Riley
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
2024 Regional Conference Planner Cohort Coach
Beth Riley is the Assistant Director in the Ivanhoe International Center at the South Dakota Mines. Her two-person office handles everything international from international recruitment, admissions, retention, international partnerships, events, and education abroad. Her various roles on the NAFSA...