Satisfying International Students' Palates: Elevating Enrollment through Strategic Food Considerations

Syed K. Jamal, Founder and Partnership Director, Collegey.com in Tacoma, Washington, USA. Syed is an edtech entrepreneur who enjoys enabling young people to make more informed career choices. As a blended professional, he has worked in media, higher education, and nonprofits both, in India and in the US. He serves on the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma and mentors new entrepreneurs at 76Forward.com and www.bridgeforbillions.org. He curates impact projects for Collegey.com and reviews student projects for Rise, an initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. As part of his organizational team, Syed leads the organizations’ focus on innovation, partnerships, and client impact. His professional experience includes work in the diverse areas of media, academia, and international education. He first came to the US as an International Ford Foundation Fellow, so he brings his own experience as an international student into his vision for Collegey and Branta.  His interest in cross-cultural collaborations and global citizenry continue to shape his professional pursuits. In 2010, Syed took a communications position at India’s Fulbright Commission for the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy program, EducationUSA. In his role as Communications Manager, Syed spearheaded EducationUSA’s digital outreach and partnerships. He led several recruitment programs, public diplomacy outreach with US Foreign Service Officers, and many workshops. Email: syed@collegey.com

Ling Zhang, Executive Director, Office of international Affairs and Graduate Recruitment at Central Michigan University, USA. Working with international students at various American higher education institutions, Dr. Zhang has over fifteen years of experience. She is the recipient of the Education Leadership Award, which honors the outstanding leadership of engaged, front-line leaders who positively impact students' lives on a daily basis. She frequently presents at live and virtual conferences on a range of subjects pertaining to foreign admissions, recruitment, and marketing. She is a member of IACAC, AACRAO, and NAFSA. With travel experiences in India, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, Dr. Zhang has nurtured critical networks of counselors and service providers, including regional specialists in the subject areas and peer groups. By combining the wisdom of her networks, she often receives a more detailed and nuanced view with a better perspective to direct her institution's resources and team efforts. Email: zhang14l@cmich.edu