The Member Engagement Committee represent NAFSA members and serves as a conduit between the leadership of the association and those served by it. Per the NAFSA Standing Rules, Member Engagement Committee (MEC) members:

  • Welcome and engage new members with quarterly outreach and at engagement events and programs during the annual conference. 
  • Support knowledge communities and national committees with their member engagement activities. 
  • Manage the portfolio of Member Interest Groups, providing on-going support of MIGs as appropriate throughout the year, and convening with leaders on a quarterly basis. 
  • Approve and dissolve MIGs according to the guidelines in the Guidance for MIG Leaders & Organizers 
  • Complete tri-annual reviews of MIGs in accordance with the Standing Rules. Offer guidance to MIG leaders to improve group engagement activities. 

Ben McKelfresh

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Ben McKelfresh photo
Iowa State University
Chair, Member Engagement Committee
At Iowa State, Ben McKelfresh manages all Study Abroad Center marketing efforts including web and print communications, events, and more. McKelfresh also oversees a suite of study abroad programs in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe. He has served as one of the cochairs on NAFSA's Marketing and...

Vivian Yamoah

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Photo of Vivian Yamoah
Virginia Tech
Chair-elect, Member Engagement Committee
Vivian Yamoah is the Associate Director International Student Services Associate Director International Student Services at Georgetown University. She has been in the field of international education for over 15 years. She is a member of the NAFSA Trainer Corps and has presented workshops at the...

Maki Natori

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Maki Natori photo
University of British Columbia
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Maki Natori is Director, Strategic Partnerships & Projects at the University of British Columbia’s International Student Initiative (UBC-ISI). Maki previously served on the NAFSA Canada MIG committee and as the BC Rep on the NAFSA Region I committee. She has presented at the BC Council for...

Mattie Stevens

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Mattie Stevens photo
Duke University Global Education For Undergraduates
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Mattie Stevens is the first in her family to go to college and has enjoyed studying abroad as part of her educational experience (at the University of Stirling in Scotland, Innsbruck in Austria, as well as LaTrobe University in Australia). She encourages everyone to consider the opportunity to see...

Katherine S. Hammett

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Katherine Hammett
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Katherine S. Hammett has more than 30 years in U.S. higher education, having held international education positions within student development and academic affairs at a number of institutions. She currently serves as senior director of the Center for Global Engagement at Rose-Hulman Institute of...

Rose Mary Valencia

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Picture of Rose Mary Valencia
The University of Texas
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Rose Mary Valencia has been a NAFSA member for over 40+ years and has served the organization in multiple volunteer roles including serving NAFSA Vice President for Membership; Chair of the NAFSA Diversity Committee; Chair of the NAFSA Membership Committee; Chair-Elect, Chair and Past Chair of...

Leah Baines

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Picture of Leah Baines
Oxford International Digital Institute
Member at Large, Member Engagement Committee
Leah joined Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) as Director of Business Development in May, 2023. She holds a Master's Degree in Education and Human Development and a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies. Leah has previously worked in education technology at ApplyBoard, ESL...