Dr. Fanta Aw is the executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the largest global organization in international education, with over 10,000 members from more than 4,000 institutions in 140+ countries. NAFSA is committed to advancing international education and exchange. Dr. Aw offers expertise on topics such as internationalization, diversity, equity, inclusion, student success, global trends, geopolitics, public policy, and immigration.

 

A champion of innovation in higher education, she emphasizes the importance of coexisting with artificial intelligence and the role of educators in nurturing empathetic future leaders. Before NAFSA, Dr. Aw spent 30 years at American University in Washington, D.C., where she held leadership roles, including vice president of undergraduate enrollment, campus life, and inclusive excellence. She was also an award-winning Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer at the School of International Service.

 

Her insights have been recognized by major global media outlets, including CNN, USA Today, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio. Through her leadership and thought-provoking perspectives, Dr. Aw continues to drive meaningful transformation in higher education.