Region X Team Members
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Mary Nellis
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Past Chair, Region X
Marieta Chemishanova, EdD
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New Jersey Institute of Technology
Chair, Region X
Marieta Chemishanova is the Executive Director of the Office of Global Initiatives at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Originally from Bulgaria, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from her home country and came to the United States in 2000 as an F-1 international student. She earned a...
Evelyn Wang
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Columbia University
Chair-Elect
Evelyn Wang is a Senior Compliance Adviser at Columbia University’s ISSO, where she supports F-1 and J-1 students through immigration advising, document issuance, and regulatory compliance. She manages SEVIS operations and leads strategic initiatives to improve workflows, communications, and service...
Leigh Lane Peine
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Educational Credential Evaluators
Business Manager, Region X
Leigh Lane Peine is the senior director of marketing for ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Holding undergraduate and graduate degrees in marketing, Lane Peine has more than 20 years of experience in the field of marketing. Her past two roles as chief marketing officer and senior director of...
Alyson Hathaway
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Columbia University
Conference Planner, Region X
Aly Hathaway is a Senior Compliance Adviser in the International Students & Scholars Office at Columbia University. In her prior role, she was the Director of the Center for Intercultural Advancement Wagner College, overseeing both International Student Services and Education Abroad. Her own study...
Madalyn Petherick
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Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Conference Planner Elect
Maddie Petherick is an International Student Advisor at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she focuses on immigration advising and supporting a large international student community. Her commitment to the field began as a student, when she participated in four study abroad programs...
Nora Henry
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State University of New York at Buffalo
Advocacy Coordinator, Region X
Thomas Carter
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SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF)
Academy Coach
Thomas Carter is the Director of International Education and Senior International Officer at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry where he oversees Education Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, and International Student Recruitment. With 10+ years of experience in...
Lela Iosava
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Global College and University Counseling
Communications Manager, Region X
Ethan Edholm
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Fordham University
Advocacy Coordinator, Region X
John Dunleavy
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College of Staten Island
EA KC Liaison
John Dunleavy is a Study Abroad Advisor with the Center for Global Engagement at the College of Staten Island. He recently became an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), working with incoming exchange students. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the College of Staten Island (CUNY) and an M.A. in...
Ruth Kamona
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The City University of New York (CUNY)
IEL KC Liaison, Region X
Gavin Ireland
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Kingsborough Community College
KC IEM Liaison
Andrea Hundley
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Seton Hall University
ISSS KC Liaison, Region X
Andrea serves as an International Student Advisor for International Student Services in the Office of International Program at Seton Hall in New Jersey where she provides support to and advises F-1 and J-1 exchange international students. Prior to joining Seton Hall, Andrea worked in various...
Nodira Pirmukhamedova
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The City University of New York
TLS KC Liaison, Region X
Stacy Phelps
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WorldStrides
Marketing & Development Representative, Region X
Jacob Dyer
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Columbia University
Marketing and Development Designate
Jacob is an International Student Adviser for ISSO Columbia University. Jacob has worked with international students in and around New York City for over 20 years. He lived in West Africa for four years doing agroforestry extension and language work. In his free time, Jacob is an active musician and...
Tricia Tierney
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Office of Global Affairs - SUNY
Regulatory Ombud for Scholar Issues, Region X
Rachel Young
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The New School
Regulatory Ombud for Student Issues, Region X
Omobonike Odegbami
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Hamilton College
Upstate NY Representative
Omobonike Odegbami is the inaugural Director of International Student Services at Hamilton College, NY. She is a culturally competent leader with over 20 years of experience creating impactful change in higher education. Throughout her career, Omobonike has demonstrated a commitment to excellence...
James Jones
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New Jersey Institute of Technology
New Jersey State Representative
My name is James Jones and I am the NJ State Representative for NAFSA Region X and currently work with New Jersey Institute of Technology as the Associate Director for International Faculty and Scholars. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy at Seton...
Maddy Kemp-de Vega
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University at Buffalo
Secretary
Maddy Kemp-de Vega is an International Student Advisor and Coordinator for the J-1 Student and Exchange Visitor Program at the University at Buffalo's International Student Services (ISS) Office. With an undergraduate degree in Spanish and art minor from Skidmore College, Maddy has a deep...