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.

Learn more about their impact →