NAFSA will pause new RISE Fellowships for 2027 to assess the impact of RISE and its predecessor, the Diversity Impact Program. This strategic decision provides an opportunity to evaluate how these programs have contributed to the development of emerging leaders in international education and their broader impact on the field and the students and scholars they serve.
For more than a decade, through the Diversity Impact Program and the RISE Fellowship, NAFSA has supported over 180 emerging professionals and provided meaningful professional development opportunities that have helped strengthen the international education community. The decision to pause a 2027 cohort creates space to assess the programs' long-term impact, gather data, and determine how future leadership development efforts can best meet the evolving needs of the profession. This period of evaluation will help NAFSA identify opportunities to maximize impact and ensure that future offerings continue to advance education, advocacy, and innovation in international education.
Meet the 2026 RISE Fellows
Cornell University
RISE Fellow
Brianna Brown (she/her) is a young professional in International Education, working primarily in outbound study abroad experiences. She began working at Cornell University as an Education Abroad Advisor in 2023, advising undergraduate students interested in semester and academic year abroad programs...
Texas Tech University
RISE Fellow
Kathleen (Kat) Cade-Gerzon is entering her sixth year in the field of international education and currently serves as the Program Coordinator for International Student Life at Texas Tech University. The daughter of a New Zealand immigrant, Kat grew up in a multicultural household that deeply shaped...
Indiana University - Bloomington
RISE Fellow
I am an Education Abroad Advisor at Indiana University Bloomington, where I advise students on programs in Italy and Scandinavia. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Indiana University and a master’s degree in International Higher Education through a dual-degree...
University of Utah
RISE Fellow
Robert Franklin (he/him/el) is an International Student Advisor at the University of Utah, where he supports a diverse population of international students as part of the U ISSS team. His passion for international education began during his undergraduate years and was shaped by study abroad...
Pima Community College
RISE Fellow
Gabriela Guzman is the Program Manager for International Education at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. In this role, she manages recruitment for Latin America, advises students on study abroad programs, and serves as a Designated School Official (DSO). Outside of her assigned duties...
University of Missouri
RISE Fellow
Ana has a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in sociology and Japanese from Ball State University in Indiana. While at Ball State, Ana studied abroad in Liverpool, England, and returned to help other students study abroad as a peer adviser. With a love for travel both domestically and...
Columbia University
RISE Fellow
Morgan Shakoor studied International Business at Howard University, where she was encouraged to study abroad to supplement her studies. After spending a semester studying in Costa Rica, she became a peer advisor at the Ralph Bunche Center to provide other students with resources for their learning...
Michigan State University
RISE Fellow
Jeffrey Tsang serves as the Director of Education Abroad in the College of Engineering at Michigan State University. In his role, he oversees all the College of Engineering’s education abroad options, which include faculty-led, exchange, and direct enroll programs. Jeffrey also serves as the...
Terms and Conditions of Fellowship
Participants must agree to the following terms and conditions which are part of the application.
NAFSA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Learn more about NAFSA's commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
