2026 AIEA Annual Conference
Leading the Way: Navigating Volatility and New Realities in International Education
Gateway to Leadership Fund
Expanding Access to the AIEA Annual Conference
We’re pleased to announce a new opportunity to support participation and engagement with the AIEA 2026 Annual Conference, made possible through a generous partnership with Gateway International Group.
Gateway International Group has partnered with AIEA to offer the “Gateway to Leadership Fund” to help reduce registration costs for international education professionals who may otherwise face financial barriers to attending.
This impactful initiative, the first of its kind for AIEA, reflects Gateway’s strong commitment to advancing access and inclusion in international education leadership. Gateway’s meaningful partnership will help ensure that more diverse voices and perspectives can contribute to the vital conversations shaping our field.
We’re grateful to Gateway International Group for their partnership, generosity, and vision in helping expand access to leadership development opportunities within international education. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive global community of leaders.
2026 Gateway to Leadership Fund Recipients
Stacey Hansen
University at Albany
Ulrike Decker
University of Cologne
Kristin Tokic
Queens University Charlotte
Mandy Brookins
Ball State University
Keshia Abraham
Abraham Consulting Agency Unlimited
Torian Lee
Norfolk State University
Samantha Lopez
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Elenora Haag
Wake Forest University School of Law
Learn More at Gatewayinternational.org →
Grant recipients were selected based on:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Relevance of the AIEA Annual Conference to current or future professional goals
- Quality of application materials
- A commitment to extend learning to the field
- The inclusion of diverse and underrepresented perspectives across institutional types, career stages, geographies, and lived experiences
Awards covered full or half conference registration (travel expenses were not included), and recipients agreed to share a post-conference reflection such as a blog, short video, or creative piece to amplify impact across the international education community.
Gateway International Group
Gateway International Group is a global consultancy dedicated to advancing international higher education through strategic partnerships, executive search and staffing, and professional resources. Their support reflects a deep commitment to building equitable opportunities and empowering leaders to navigate an evolving global landscape.