Andrew Gordon is a social entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of DA Global Access Network (formerly Diversity Abroad), the leading organization dedicated to advancing access, equity, and inclusion in international education. A longtime collaborator with IES Abroad and DA Global GSLS presenter, Andrew celebrates nearly 20 years of shared impact and partnership. Since founding Diversity Abroad in 2006, Andrew has become a national voice and trusted advisor for institutions and organizations working to ensure that underrepresented students have equitable access to global learning opportunities. A frequent speaker and writer on DEI in study abroad, he has consulted with colleges, nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies across the country. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, Andrew studied and interned abroad in Mexico and Spain and is fluent in Spanish, with additional proficiency in French and Portuguese. His lived experience across multiple continents has fueled his mission to prepare the next generation of diverse global leaders.

Gretchen Cook-Anderson is a nationally recognized leader in international education and former Director of Diversity Recruiting & Advising at IES Abroad, where she led groundbreaking efforts to expand access to study abroad for more than 10,000 students of color and thousands of other underrepresented students. A 1988–89 alumna of the IES Abroad Nagoya Program and graduate of Spelman College, Gretchen’s study abroad experience in Japan profoundly shaped her global perspective and future career. Nearly 20 years later, after attending IES Abroad’s 60th Anniversary Alumni Dinner, she returned to the organization in a leadership role she called “fate,” dedicated to supporting students who, in her words, were a reflection of herself at that age. Fluent in Japanese and passionate about equity and global learning, Gretchen is a recipient of Diversity Abroad’s Excellence in Diversifying International Education Award. She continues her work in the study abroad field, and we’re lucky to call her an alum and a colleague!

Susan Carty is a dedicated leader in the field of international education whose decades-long career at Indiana University has been marked by her unwavering commitment to student access, safety, and meaningful global experiences. As Director of Compliance, Safety, and Operations in the Education Abroad Office, Susan has played a critical role in supporting and expanding study abroad opportunities for students of all backgrounds. A long-time collaborator and valued partner of IES Abroad, she has served on multiple committees, contributing her insight, expertise, and student-centered approach to help shape policies and practices across the field. Known for her belief that study abroad is a transformative gift, Susan remains deeply motivated by the opportunity to help students grow personally, adapt to new challenges, and develop globally relevant skills.

Dr. Mary Dwyer served as President and CEO of IES Abroad for nearly 25 years, guiding the organization through a period of transformative growth. Under her leadership, student enrollment, program locations, and scholarship funding expanded significantly, making study abroad more accessible than ever. During her tenure, she transformed the organization from a $10 million operation into a global leader in international education with over $150 million in revenue, 400+ programs across 21 countries, and annual enrollment exceeding 10,500 students. She spearheaded key acquisitions, launched new business lines, and led a major diversity initiative that resulted in a 91%increase in participation from underrepresented students. She launched the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA) and oversaw the creation of the IES Abroad MAP series, setting high standards for academic quality. A national voice in the field, she served on the Abraham Lincoln Commission, chaired the Forum on Education Abroad, and held leadership roles on numerous boards. Prior to IES Abroad, she spent 18 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she taught health policy and secured millions in research grants. She continues to consult internationally and holds a Ph.D. in public policy analysis along with numerous honors recognizing her impact. Her vision and leadership helped shape IES Abroad into a global leader in international education.

I'm an incoming sophomore studying Rehabilitation Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I moved from the Philippines to America for college, and am fond of traveling, photography, reading, ballet, and hanging out with my friends and family!

I'm a military child and have always used photos to capture the world through my eyes. I'm inspired by the unnoticed and the everyday, and this opportunity gives me a purpose to grow, create, and share what I see.