Saurabh Sabharwal

Company: Volunteering Travel Solutions

Job title: Executive Director

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 13

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Cultural Exchange

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 16

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
I have had significant experience while leading my organization for the last 16 years.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
Since the conception of Volunteering Solutions in 2006, I am personally involved in day-to-day activities to date. I am passionate about travel, with my roots in India, I have lived in 3 countries so far, and have traveled to 44 countries for personal and work-related activities. During each of my visits, I make sure to indulge in local food and try to live with host families where possible. Whether it is feeding the elephants at a camp in Thailand or jungle safari in Kenya, savoring the local cuisine of Kathmandu or buying trinkets at a beach in South Africa, I have enjoyed all of my trips with the locals of the place.
My passion for travel and experiencing varied cultures pushed me to the conception of Volunteering Solutions, through which I am able to enable thousands of people to experience what I have. My work itself involves and encourages cultural exchange with the youth of today. We have host families in nearly all of the 150 projects across the world where our participants stay during their program, which allows our participants to experience first-hand experience of the country, their culture, and cuisine.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
My passion for learning about cultures, traveling around the world, and exploring local cuisine and lives makes me perfect for this position.

Fabiana Martilotta

Company: Viajeros Sin Fronteras

Job title: Director

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 3

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 30

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
I have been working in this industry more than 30 year in a small Country and have all the experience in different moments of the world.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
There is more than 30 years I’ve been working for young and students looking for studying abroad. We were the first Agency in our Country to dedicate 100% to young people.
During this years we were developing lots of programs for them, and be the leader travel Agency for students and young people.
Today we work very close High School and designed the trip for each School offering cultural programs, study programs, and also sports one.
Work and Travel continue growing and volunteering in different ways are requested for young people.
Today the insurance for our travellers is a must in our office.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
We always have the new programs for our students and developed the way to finance them and has the possibility to travel and learn abroad.

Jason Nusser

Company: Greenheart International

Job title:Vice President of International Business Development & Operations

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 20+

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 12

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
Avid networker
Strong written and oral communication skills
Proficient user of technology

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
Employment History
• Vice President of International Business Development & Operations, Greenheart International (May 2022 – Present) • Director of International Business Development, Greenheart International (October 2015 – May 2022)
• International Relations Manager, Greenheart International (October 2010 – September 2015)
• Youth Development Volunteer, United States Peace Corps (Lubny, Ukraine) March 2007 – May 2009

Education
• School for International Training, Program in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management (2009-2010)
• B.S. Developmental Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (May 2006)
• B.A. Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (May 2006)

Professional Highlights
Have worked in the field of cultural exchange and international education for 12+ years. Have traveled extensively internationally and have developed a deep interest in other cultures.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
I will strive to bring enthusiasm to the Sector Panel and focus on trying to attract additional WYSE members.

Kevin Morgan

Company: Academic Language Solutions – iTEP

Job title: Chairman

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 5

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 47

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
Developed and managed study abroad programs, both inbound and outbound. Teamed to create new programs in the exchange program industry, such as the au pair program. Familiar with best practices for study abroad, including collaboration with academic institutions, tourism organizations, travel providers, and related institutions.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
Currently – Chairman of Academic Language Solutions, distributor of innovative language testing exams and language development research. Chairman of The Cultural Exchange Project (formerly The GeoVisions Foundation), operator and promoter of Study Abroad experiential programs.

2000-2018 – Owner/CEO/President of GeoVisions Inc., a cultural exchange organization and designated sponsor by the US Department of State. Major program was the Summer Work and Travel Program. I was a specialist in program development and management, government relations, media relations, customer management. Company sold in 2018.

1995-2000 – Senior Vice President, CIEE (Council on International Education and Exchange). Specialized in marketing and corporate communications. Directed marketing of large college study abroad programs and various exchange programs and retail travel operations.

1990-1995 – Senior Advisor, World Learning (Experiment in International Living). Specialized in revamping overall marketing of large study abroad organization and cultural exchange programs. Responsible for major corporate re- branding, including name change. Liaison with international network of related offices.

1972-1990 – Executive Vice President, AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study). Responsible for marketing and program management. Study abroad and exchange program development, field management and operations. New program development including government relations to initiate a cultural exchange program for au pairs.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
Unmatched experience in all facets of study abroad, secondary to tertiary levels, program development, supervision and evaluation of programs. A firm believer in experiential education.

Nina Slupphaug

Company: Educatius Group

Job title: Operations & International Sales

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 1

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 10

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
Work experience having worked in multiple roles in both STS Education and Educatius Group. My educational background from political science, public policy, and business, also means I have a well-rounded understanding and approach towards the challenges we face in our industry, how to continuously improve our work, and where we fit into our larger surroundings.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
I formally started in this industry in 2012, but unofficially many years prior. I worked as a language counselor for a Norwegian language summer camp in Northern Minnesota, as a language tutor in college, and provided text for a Norwegian foreign language text book used in universities and colleges in the US. My educational background has always been international with a bachelor’s degree from an American university in government and business administration. I later came back to the US to complete a Master’s in Public Policy. After completing my Master’s degree I worked as a contributor to a Minnesota-based think tank.

In 2012, I joined Explorius in Norway, and was part of the journey from a small organization based in the Nordics to a world-wide organization now working as Educatius Group.

I started working at Explorius as a student coordinator, then was promoted to be a college program manager, assistant country manager, and finally country manager. I was part of the Norwegian organization as we went through exponential growth, before later taking on the challenge of Operations Manager for the European sending offices in the Educatius Group.
In 2017 I joined STS Education as Operations Manager, but was quickly promoted to be part of the Management Team, and was responsible for the junior programs operations in all countries, as well as the high school and university program operations.

During my time at STS I was strongly involved in our digitalization, all programs operations, and all quality improvement work.
In 2020, STS went through a re-structuring that saw the organization through a local bankruptcy while facing the challenges of the pandemic. I was happy to take the role as COO in the new organization and start the work to re-build the organization. During this time I also completed an EMBA with a global focus, a degree which has given not only a better academic ground for me to stand on, but a more diverse group of advisors to help me tackle my own professional challenges.

I also served on the CSIET organizational planning committee for the 2019 and 2020 conference.

I am now the VP of Operations at Educatius Europe with a particular responsibility for the customer journey, process improvement, quality work, and introducing and implementing our new CRM system.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
I believe that my experience from the industry and complementary educational background provides me with a useful and unique perspective for this position.

Terri Hamilton

Company: Brigham Young University

Job title: International Studies Travel Specialist

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 4

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Study Abroad

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
I have experience in intercultural communication and working in a university environment advising students. I interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, parents and overseas partners. I am also a member of the British Educational Travel Association.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
I coordinate with faculty, staff, administration, and external constituencies in the development of new study abroad programs and the on-going evaluation of existing programs. I collaboratively work with faculty, deans, and other academics leading the planning and coordination of faculty led programmes.
I develop short- and long-range goals and policies for the Study Abroad Student office.
I develop and maintain professional networks with related international organizations and agencies.
I advise students who wish to participate in Study Abroad Programs, including advice on program selection, applications, cross-cultural adjustments and other academic and non-academic issues.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
I am passionate about Study Abroad and feel like all students deserve the opportunity to experience life in a global setting.

Patrick Simmons

Company: Secutive

Job title: VP Business Development

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 13

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Travel Safety

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 10

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
I have been working in the insurance industry for over 10 years and also have 6 years of student travel experience.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
I am currently the VP Business Development for Global Secutive in Princeton, NJ. I have over 10 years of travel insurance experience, focusing primarily on student and youth travel. Patrick joined Global Secutive in 2017 because of my insurance experience and I share the same passion and enthusiasm for the international cultural exchange world as the rest of the community. In this role I work with clients to provide affordable comprehensive insurance programs for participants of cultural exchange programs that are compliant with J, F, M, Q, OPT and H2B visa needs and requirements, as well as U.S. citizens on outbound programs.
Prior to joining Global Secutive, I served as Director of Business Development at STA Travel. At STA Travel, I worked closely with University and student travel providers.
I earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from Northern Arizona University. I have been attending WYSTC for over 7 years.

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
I feel that I will be an active contributor of new ideas while supporting both the members and WYSE board.

Sarah McNamara

Company: Intrax – AuPairCare

Job title: Vice President

How many years has your organisation been a continuous member? 20+

Which Sector Panel do you fall under? Travel Safety

Years of relevant experience you have for this role: 15+

Please indicate any relevant qualifications you have for this role
I am the U.S. Department of State Responsible Officer for Intrax’s largest J1 program – AuPairCare. I have full P&L responsibility and risk management oversight. I manage a 200+ member team focused on the customer experience – making constant improvements to the participant’s online and in-person educational, cultural and travel journey. Mental health training, crisis management and international travel support have been a major investment and focus for me and my team as we navigate the post-covid exchange world. In conjunction with our 40+ international partners, field staff and consulates around the world we strive to provide the best travel and on-program support to our participants.

I want to be a motivational leader and instituted five pillars to navigate our business: 1) Personal Cultural Connections 2) Transparency 3) Simple Technology 4) Wellness/Balance 5) Growth. I lead by example and vet business decisions by these pillars and encourage my management team to do the same so we are all aligned in the right growth trajectory.
In my personal life, we have hosted 8 au pairs in our home over the years. We love to eat and we love to travel. We enjoy hosting international friends, partners and staff in our home to share a good meal, have a good laugh and make people to people connections.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on a WYSE industry panel and be a positive ambassador for the confederation and the travel industry as a whole.

Please give a full outline of your professional and personal experience and skills that are relevant to your application
ACCOMPLISHED & DYNAMIC BUSINESS LEADER IN OPERATIONS, SALES, MARKETING & REVENUE GENERATION

Motivational leader who brings out the best in teams and establishes positive client/vendor/partner relationships. Proven record of generating results via creative technology solutions and pragmatic marketing strategies. Well-respected and trusted; frequently promoted and rewarded for exemplary performance/results.
Operations/Systems Management Full Profit-and-Loss Responsibility
Strategic Planning & Execution Sales Forecasting & Modeling
Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies Public Relations
Team Building & Leadership Digital Marketing International Sales & Marketing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INTRAX – AUPAIRCARE – San Francisco, CA – 2016-Present
Sr. Vice President / General Manager
Responsible for the operations of a multi-million dollar international cultural exchange organization. Lead a team of 200+
employees and have full profit and loss responsibility. Designated Responsible Officer with the U.S. Department of State to ensure regulatory compliance. Member of the company’s Global Sr. Leadership Team focused on risk management.
Introduced new product offerings and upsell opportunities that achieved $400K annual profit.
Restructured international recruitment model to focus on most profitable markets.
Spearheaded conversion of a legacy database to the Salesforce platform enabling scalability and modernization of customer
experience.
Created tiered sales incentive model for 200+ member field sales team that led to improved morale and increased revenue. Catapulted marketing strategy to broaden sales; lead generation, social media, website revamp, ambassador programs and
grassroots campaigns.
Implemented series of cost reductions including outsourcing job functions and eliminating low growth markets.

AUPAIRCARE – San Francisco, CA – 2010-2015
Vice President / Senior Director of Operations / Director of Matching & New Product Development
Responsible for all Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Operations. Developed and implemented domestic and international sales/marketing strategies and strategic planning to meet business development goals. Face of the company to international partners, trade associations, media, auditors and legal.
Recruited, trained, and led top-performing 25+ member management team in meeting and exceeding expectations. Revamped the billing experience porting it online and improved financial management and oversight.
Utilized analytics to rearchitect site navigation, streamlining conversion and customer experience.
Digitized all operational systems and eliminated antiquated, paper-based processes.

INTRAX CULTURAL EXCHANGE – San Francisco, CA – 2006-2010
Senior Director of Marketing
Led sales and multi-channel marketing strategies for a company that provides cross-cultural exchanges and educational opportunities worldwide. Led marketing team in search engine optimization, pay-per-click management, and customer success stories. Directed all domestic and global advertising campaigns for the company’s cultural exchange programs. Planned and managed $1 million budget.
Grew leads and conversions during intensive growth period within the company; implemented email strategy that automated the sales cycle and improved conversions.
Improved site rankings by 4 positions within 1 year through onboarding the company’s 1st SEO firm. Created the web site strategy and used analytics to rearchitect site navigation, streamlining the customer experience.
Increased participant enrollment by 30% for the high school study abroad program.

MACYS.COM – San Francisco, CA – 2001-2005
Senior Marketing Manager, Bridal / Email Marketing Manager
Promoted to manage all marketing functions and partner with retail locations as well as with weddingchannel.com. Spearheaded marketing strategy/execution for the $70 million online bridal registry business. Oversaw multi-channel promotions, direct mail, email marketing, site enhancements, search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, and partnership development initiatives. As Email Marketing Manager, led macys.com email marketing program for a 3 million email database; presented communications seminars to 300+ team members.
Drove 30% increase in online bridal registration and 22% increase in bridal sales. Initiated the 1st bridal keyword search program with partners Google and Overture, resulting in a profitable 1:20 cost-to-sales ratio.
Expanded the marketing budget for the site by 55%, ensuring achievement of positive ROI for all marketing campaigns and activities.
Increased email database by 77% through a series of effective tactics, including reverse append, retention, and acquisition solutions.

CAREGUIDE, INC. – San Francisco, CA – 1999-2000
Partner Development Manager
Targeted and developed partnerships with media sites that would host Careguide’s site content. Educated partners, vendors, and the community on the impact of child and elder care issues. Managed $1.2 million annual budget. Developed and negotiated contracts that incorporated content exchange, revenue share, marketing, and traffic goals.
Increased co-branded traffic by 200% and improved membership 2x; established successful co-branding partnerships with CoxInteractive, Learning Network, and iVillage.

ALEXANDER OGILVY PUBLIC RELATIONS – San Francisco, CA – 1997-1999
Senior Account Manager / Account Manager / Account Coordinator
Earned fast-track, performance-based promotions. Managed PR for large technology companies, developing PR plans, news releases, and pitch letters. Supervised, mentored, and evaluated performance of staff.
Managed the company’s 1st global account, NCR Financial Group, spearheaded HP’s Net Server Customer Testimonial Program, and guided branding campaign for Realtor.com.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY – Los Angeles, CA Study Abroad Program
Bonn, Germany

Professional Affiliations
Member, Alliance for International and Cultural Exchange Member, Email Marketing Association & Project Managers Forum Member, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Technology Skills Summary
Marketo, Drupal, Salesforce Integration, Google Analytics, Survey Monkey, VerticalResponse, Intacct

In no more than 25 words please state why you are perfect for this position
Action = Success
I live this motto with a strong work ethic and track record of results. A trusted leader, ready to serve WYSE members.