Dr. Eduardo “Eddie” Contreras is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a successful teacher, facilitator, curriculum developer, advisor, mentor, and collaborative administrator.

Throughout his career, he has been committed to upholding internationalization and inclusive excellence in U.S. public and private higher education. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Contreras earned his B.A. in history and master’s degree in Asian cultures and languages from the university, followed by his Ed.M. in higher education and Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is fluent in Spanish and brings additional languages, including Hindi/Urdu (speaking/reading/writing) and Sanskrit (reading/writing ability). Dr. Contreras joined Baylor University in 2023, coming from the University of Portland (UP), where he initially served as director of the Office of Studies Abroad before becoming assistant provost in 2018. 

He has presented his research extensively at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the American Educational Research Association, the American Historical Association, and the Global Inclusion Conference. He has been a committee member for the annual Diversity Abroad Global Inclusion Conference since its inception in 2013 and a conference committee chair since 2016. He also serves on the Forum on Education Abroad Board and North American Advisory Board for Education New Zealand, and he is a faculty co-chair for the Harvard Management Development Program.

Melissa Torres is the President and CEO of The Forum on Education Abroad, bringing over two decades of experience in higher education, international program development, and strategic leadership. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President for Academic Programs at IES Abroad, where she oversaw 36 international centers across Asia, Europe, and Latin America and played a pivotal role in shaping academic excellence across the organization.

Melissa’s career spans a dynamic blend of campus-based and organizational leadership. She has led international initiatives at Brown University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The Ohio State University, and has also worked in the private sector as a change management consultant for Accenture. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Institutional Relations at Global Vision International, where she partnered with colleges and universities to design innovative, service-learning experiences.

A long-standing advocate for access, quality, and global engagement in education abroad, Melissa’s work is grounded in equity and informed by a deep understanding of today’s global challenges, from climate change to geopolitical instability. Under her leadership, The Forum continues to drive innovation, research, and strategic partnerships, including ongoing collaboration with IES Abroad. She has contributed extensively to the field through service and scholarship. 

She holds a B.A. in International Studies from Stonehill College and a Master’s in Global Education from The Ohio State University. A fluent Spanish speaker, Melissa has also studied French, Irish Gaelic, and Portuguese.

Ali Mahlodji came to Europe as a refugee and has worked in over 40 different jobs throughout his life, from construction worker to top manager. What began as a childhood idea became a groundbreaking reality when he founded the internet career guidance platform WHATCHADO, the handbook of life stories, which helps people discover the career opportunities life has to offer. Under his leadership as CEO, the company became the market leader for video employer branding in German-speaking countries within just three years.

He has received numerous awards for his work, including the UN World Summit Award and the Austrian State Prize for Education and Knowledge. In 2021, he became a member of the international FORBES Business Council. Today, he works internationally as an expert on education and the future of work, advising companies, politicians, and organizations on transformation in the digital age, always with a focus on the human factor and its potential.

As a trend expert with the Zukunftsinstitut, his research has contributed to the influential publications "Work Report" and "Next Level Work". For many years, he has been deeply engaged in empowering young people, helping them to unlock their potential and acting as a bridge between generations. He was appointed EU Youth Ambassador for Life by the European Union and named an Honorary Representative by UNICEF. Former Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern described him as “creative, successful, and also human.”