Conference Committees

James Bennett

Head of Client Success, IDP APAC

As part of the IDP APAC unit, James is responsible for leading the team supporting the Client Managers' engagement with IDP  clients. He also works across the IDP global teams to help evolve, shape and develop new products and services for clients through co-creation and co-design. James joined IDP Education in 2009 and before that was in the international recruitment team at Monash University.

Jon Chew

Chief Insights Officer, Navitas

Vice President, IEAA

Jon Chew is one of the world’s leading market analysts in international education. He is the Chief Insights Officer at Navitas. Jon brings in-depth expertise on global trends in education, built on the rigorous analysis of a wide range of external and in-house datasets. His work is informed by an up-to-the-minute industry perspective, developed collaboratively with a global network of stakeholders, policymakers, and market experts. Jon’s ability to uncover and deliver the stories and strategies behind the statistics makes him a sought-after and influential voice in international education.

Tracy Harris

Principal, Tracy Harris Solutions

Board Member, IEAA

Tracy brings over three decades of leadership experience in international education, spanning universities, pathways, federal government, and the not-for-profit sector.  As Principal of Tracy Harris Solutions, she advises clients on leadership, governance, communication, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Tracy also contributes regularly to The Koala News. Her past roles include General Manager and Dean at Swinburne College, Executive Director of Global Development at RMIT University, and various public sector positions with Austrade and the Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations, including overseas representation.

Honourable Phil Honeywood

Chief Executive Officer, IEAA

Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott's Business College and Cambridge International College.

Rishen Shekhar

Director, Global Recruitment & Engagement - UniSA International, University of South Australia

Rishen is the Director, Global Recruitment and Engagement at the University of South Australia (UniSA) and is responsible for strategic leadership and management of international student recruitment, strategic international business development and global student mobility functions across the university. 

Before UniSA, Rishen held roles with the University of New England (UNE) and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) across recruitment, admissions/enquiry (CRM) functions and has worked extensively across South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia and the Middle East. 

External to the University sector, Rishen was previously the Business Development Director of StudyLink Asia Pacific and worked across the University, TAFE and private Registered Training Organisation (RTO) sectors. He managed the implementation of StudyLink admissions, agent management and enquiry management solutions at Griffith University, Macquarie University, TAFE Queensland and across the Navitas network. 

Rishen is an executive member of the Australian Universities International Directors' Forum (AUIDF), an ordinary board member of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), and part of the IDP Connect ANZ Advisory Panel.

A former international student, Rishen is passionate about the value of international education and global student mobility and its impact on diplomacy and employability.

Brian Smith

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, IDP Education

Brian Smith is Stakeholder Engagement Manager at IDP Education based in Melbourne Australia. Brian's work focuses on key stakeholders such as Government policymakers, national and international peak bodies, and education providers worldwide.

Shamielah Toefy

Program Manager, Partnerships and Events – IDP Education

AIEC Conference Manager

Shamielah joined IDP in 2022 as the Program and Events Coordinator, bringing over 20 years of operations, events, administrative, projects, continuous improvement and customer service experience. As the recently appointed Program Manager – Partnerships and Events, Sham works within the AIEC team and closely with the APAC client team and manages the events team that oversees the delivery of the annual Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) and other partnership events.

Prior to joining IDP, Shamielah worked at the University of Sydney in varying roles from high volume event operations to her recent former role as Director of Operations in the Indigenous Strategy and Services portfolio. Sham enjoys exploring new challenges that enables her to add value to any organisation. Sham completed a Master of Commerce degree specialising in People, Management and Organisations at the University of Sydney in 2016.

Catania Aviles

Coordinator, Events and Business Support

Catania joined IDP in 2023, bringing with her more than 17 years of diverse experience in administration, events, and the entertainment industry. Her professional journey includes several years with a top-tier consulting firm, where she honed her organizational and project management skills, followed by establishing and managing a successful performing arts academy in Sydney. Catania's expertise in events and conference management, combined with her commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, positions her to effectively support global learning initiatives and contribute to the success of the team and its clients.

Rebecca Bendall

Director, Partnership Development Acumen, (Sannam S4)

Convener, IEAA Marketing & Recruitment Network

AIEC Track Chair, Marketing (MKT)

Rebecca is Director, Partnership Development at Acumen (Sannam S4). She has previously held roles as Board Member and President of the Student Accommodation Association, as Director of International Business Development at Torrens University, and as a committee member of ITECA. She has also previously served as an IEAA Board member. 

Christina Del Medico

Director of Learning & Teaching Services, Navitas University Partnerships Australasia (UPA)

Convenor, IEAA Learning and Teaching Network

AIEC Track Chair, Teaching and Learning (T&L)

Christina Del Medico is Director of Learning & Teaching Services at Navitas University Partnerships Australasia (UPA). She is a highly effective and experienced learning and teaching expert with a strong practice in strategic leadership in International Higher Education. Christina is committed to delivering results and adopting innovative and responsive teaching approaches rooted in sound philosophical and pedagogical foundations. Christina’s expertise includes building teacher capability, curriculum and digital transformation, innovation and strategic leadership. Christina is passionate about the student experience and successful outcomes for students. 

Kamila Dixon

Senior Partnerships Coordinator, University of Canberra

Co-chair, IEAA Young Professionals Network

Kamila is originally from the Czech Republic and has been working in international education since 2017. Her enthusiasm for the sector however began in 2011 during a transformative internship in Romania, sparking a lifelong passion for fostering global connections. Kamila’s professional background spans across the school, VET, and HE sectors, and she is currently the Senior Partnerships Coordinator at the University of Canberra, specialising in transnational education and partnerships engagement. Kamila holds a master’s degree in marketing and business and a graduate diploma in psychological science.

Christine Fyfe

General Manager, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)

Chris brings 20+ years’ experience working across international markets in the VET, Pathways and University sectors to her role at IEAA. Chris’ most recent international education responsibilities have included, but have not been limited to, building up a network of international offices for the University of Melbourne to international program building for Trinity College, The University of Melbourne. Chris is an experienced stakeholder relationship and business network manager and is looking forward to working with the international education community.

Louise Goold

Director, Murray-Goold International

Director, Development and External Relations, Faculty of Education, Monash University

AIEC Program Chair

AIEC Track Chair, Business development and strategy (BD&S)

Louise Goold is Director Development and External Relations at the Faculty of Education at Monash University, a role that encompasses national and global engagement responsibilities. Louise has been an international education professional for more than 25 years and has been at the forefront of change as our profession has grown and developed. She has extensive experience in the field within the public and private sectors. She has held several senior positions including with AusAID, almost 10 years as International Director at Flinders University, two years as Education Manager with the British Council in Australia, and three years as Director of the Centre for Global Programs at Swinburne University. Louise has also consulted privately in international education for more than 18 years via her company, Murray-Goold International. For the past 15 years, she has been the Program Chair for the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC).

Dom Harden

Academic Director, La Trobe College

Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network

AIEC Track Chair, Pathways (PATH)

Dom is the Academic Director at La Trobe College Australia and has over fifteen years in international pathways education spanning teaching at dual sector universities to leadership roles in Foundation and Diploma programs. Dom is committed to strategic approaches to improve student engagement and success. She is dedicated to advancing staff skills and knowledge in pathways education to further enhance the learning journey for international students. 

Peter Harris

Executive Director Future Students, UTS College

Deputy Convener, IEAA Transnational Education Network

AIEC Track Chair, Transnational education (TNE)

Peter brings a range of experience and perspective from over 20 years in executive and board roles including professional services, government, start-ups and listed companies. Peter brings a range of experience and perspective from over 20 years in executive and board roles including professional services, government, start-ups and listed companies. Peter is Chief Executive Officer for UTS College and has oversight for their strategy for cross-border programs including partnerships in Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Nepal, and Myanmar as well as the assessment and development of new partnerships.

Dr Kirrilee Hughes

Research Manager, IEAA

Kirrilee is an international education consultant and IEAA's Research Manager. She has 15 years of experience in the higher education and schools' sectors and held leadership and strategy roles for global education organisations as well as sessional teaching and research positions at four leading Australian universities. Kirrilee is an IEAA Senior Fellow and has special expertise in Indonesia and broader Southeast Asia.

Anna Kirkham

Manager, International Development and Sponsorships, University of Sydney

Convenor, IEAA Admissions and Compliance Network

AIEC Track Chair, Admissions and Compliance (A&C)

Anna Kirkham has worked in various managerial positions in international education sector in the last 20 years. She has broad experience in managing international student support services, international compliance, quality assurance, scholarships and has a deep knowledge of the legislative environment of international education.

Currently, Anna is International Development and Sponsorships Manager at the University of Sydney.

Charlotte Long

Head of Student Learning, UNSW

Convenor, IEAA Student Life Network

AIEC Track Chair, Students (STU)

Charlotte has almost 20 years of experience in international education, advocating for and supporting the international student experience in ELICOS, pathways and universities. Charlotte is committed to putting students first and partnering with them to empower the student experience. Charlotte is a collaborator who loves learning from, and working with, colleagues in accommodation, education agents, government, and community. As convener, Charlotte will utilise her expertise as the sector reimagines the international student experience, both onshore and offshore, and enable authentic senses of belonging. 

Jana Perera

Managing Director, Stratify Design Lab

Board Member, IEAA 

AIEC Track Chair, Vocational education and training (VET)

With over 20 years of expertise across higher and vocational education in Australia, Jana is known for building strategic partnerships, advancing international collaboration, and leading impactful workforce development initiatives. Currently pursuing a Master of Design Futures, Jana integrates human-centred design principles into her work, ensuring that her approach is both innovative and responsive to sector needs. Her background in business development, marketing, and community engagement further supports her mission to drive meaningful change in education policy and practice.

Caroline Rueckert

Dean, Career Readiness at Griffith University

AIEC Track Chair, Employability (EMP)

Caroline was Director, Student Success (2018-2022) at QUT and the inaugural Program Director for First Year Initiatives at the University of British Columbia, Canada.  She has 20 years of experience in student engagement, employability, and international education, with expertise in forging whole-of-university transformational solutions to the complex challenges of 21^st century learning and teaching.  Inclusive partnership has always been at the core of Caroline’s practice, and she is particularly passionate about developing equitable and accessible learner-centred pedagogies that engage students and staff as partners in career development and employability.  Her research focuses on conceptions of care in higher education and on how universities might adopt more integrated, relational approaches to supporting graduate pathways. She is also a member of the Advisory Group for the International Journal of Students as Partners.

Linda Rust

Manager, Global Learning, University of Melbourne

Convenor, IEAA Learning Abroad Network

AIEC Track Chair, Learning Abroad (LA)

Linda is Manager, Global Learning at University of Melbourne. She has previously held roles at RMIT, James Cook University and Flinders University. Linda has previously served as Convener of the Learning Abroad network.

Brian Smith

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, IDP Education

AIEC Track Chair, English language (EL)

Brian Smith is Stakeholder Engagement Manager at IDP Education based in Melbourne Australia. Brian's work focuses on key stakeholders such as Government policymakers, national and international peak bodies, and education providers worldwide.

Shamielah Toefy

Program Manager, Partnerships and Events – IDP Education

AIEC Conference Manager

Shamielah joined IDP in 2022 as the Program and Events Coordinator, bringing over 20 years of operations, events, administrative, projects, continuous improvement and customer service experience. As the recently appointed Program Manager – Partnerships and Events, Sham works within the AIEC team and closely with the APAC client team and manages the events team that oversees the delivery of the annual Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) and other partnership events.

Prior to joining IDP, Shamielah worked at the University of Sydney in varying roles from high volume event operations to her recent former role as Director of Operations in the Indigenous Strategy and Services portfolio. Sham enjoys exploring new challenges that enables her to add value to any organisation. Sham completed a Master of Commerce degree specialising in People, Management and Organisations at the University of Sydney in 2016

Linda Vaughan

Executive Director – International Education Division, Department of Education and Training, Victorian Government

AIEC Track Chair, Schools (SCH)

In her role as Executive Director, the division is responsible for leading the internationalisation of education in Victorian government schools and facilitating education-related, government to government linkages and cooperation between Victoria and other countries. Linda has over 13 years of experience in the public service and has held a variety of roles during this time. She has also managed employment programs and held executive positions in the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions in industry development and participation with a particular focus on the manufacturing, food and construction sectors. Linda has an extensive international education background with her first role in the public service being in the International Education Division and prior to that, Linda worked at Deakin University for over 6 years in international focussed roles.

Linda holds a Master of Arts (Aberdeen University) and is originally from Scotland. In her spare time Linda is a St Kilda FC tragic and enjoys the rare wins and occasional finals appearances.

Alison White

Associate Director (International Education), Tetra Tech International Development

Convener, IEAA Scholarships and Fellowships Network

AIEC Track Chair, Scholarships and fellowships (S&F)

Alison White has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, focusing on international education and scholarships. Alison is an IEAA Fellow, and is currently Associate Director International Education at Tetra Tech International Development. Alison held several roles in international education/scholarship management at the University of Adelaide (2001-2011 and 2019-2021) and was Program Manager of the Defence Cooperation Scholarship Program at Scope Global for 8 years. Contracted through Successful Graduate, Alison wrote the course content for Study Australia’s Academic Readiness Micro-credential. In 2022, Alison was Participant Experience Manager at International Internships.

Andrew Whyte

Professional Learning and Events Coordinator, IEAA

Andrew has more than a decade of experience in managing major events. Starting his career in Canberra, he graduated with a diploma in Event Management from the Canberra Institute of Technology in 2011. The following year he worked as a Venue & Event Coordinator at Old Parliament House. Moving to Melbourne in 2015, he worked as an Event Coordinator at the Australian HR Institute, successfully delivering virtual, hybrid and in-person conferences for thousands of attendees over five years.

Christine Fyfe

General Manager, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)

Chris brings 20+ years’ experience working across international markets in the VET, Pathways and University sectors to her role at IEAA. Chris’ most recent international education responsibilities have included, but have not been limited to, building up a network of international offices for the University of Melbourne to international program building for Trinity College, The University of Melbourne. Chris is an experienced stakeholder relationship and business network manager and is looking forward to working with the international education community.

Kim Stevenson

Director, Think Business Events 

It's the challenge of achieving individual conference success that keeps Kim motivated even after 26 years of industry experience. With an attention to detail that sets her apart from her peers, Kim is skilled at ensuring each part of the conference puzzle is carefully considered to realise optimal outcomes. With an honest and practical approach, she is skilful at building trusting and open relationships with committees and staff alike.

Shamielah Toefy

Program Manager, Partnerships and Events – IDP Education

AIEC Conference Manager

Shamielah joined IDP in 2022 as the Program and Events Coordinator, bringing over 20 years of operations, events, administrative, projects, continuous improvement and customer service experience. As the recently appointed Program Manager – Partnerships and Events, Sham works within the AIEC team and closely with the APAC client team and manages the events team that oversees the delivery of the annual Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) and other partnership events.

Prior to joining IDP, Shamielah worked at the University of Sydney in varying roles from high volume event operations to her recent former role as Director of Operations in the Indigenous Strategy and Services portfolio. Sham enjoys exploring new challenges that enables her to add value to any organisation. Sham completed a Master of Commerce degree specialising in People, Management and Organisations at the University of Sydney in 2016.