International Student Advising

I have a Masters of Arts from Carleton University with a specialization in Women’s and Gender studies (migration management and governance). I have over 8 years of experience working in the field of human rights and migration policy. I have also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Gender Studies from the University of Victoria. I lead the international advising portfolio and  manage the Intercultural Development Program at UBCO to provide intercultural training to students and staff on topics related to mental health, cross-cultural communication, social justice, and professional development.

I also work as an Intercultural Consultant across campus and within the broader Okanagan community to provide strategic direction on equity and diversity projects and publications. I am also a volunteer advisory board member of the Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan and an Associate Lead of the International Network of Tomorrow’s Leaders (INTL) of the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE).
I am passionate about meeting and interacting with students from all over the world. I hope you have a successful academic year and I look forward to meeting you.

I completed a Master’s of Education at UBC’s Okanagan campus and a Bachelor of Law at Northwest University in China. I have over six years experience working with international students in both secondary and post secondary schools.

I am familiar with the cultural adjustment process for international students, and have extensive experience providing international student services, such as settlement support, personal issue support, health care advising, and connecting students with cultural activities and supports within the community.

From a very young age I have been moving and travelling around the world. I was born in Iran but left as a young child. My family moved to Scotland, then to Canada. As a young adult my travelling spirit continued to spur me on. I started my undergraduate degree at Okanagan College in Kelowna (before there was a UBCO), but then completed it at Sonoma State University in San Francisco. I travelled to China as part of my undergrad program. My student experience was so incredible there, that I returned to China, after I was married, and we lived, worked and raised a family there for the next 19 years.

After returning to Canada in 2012, I began a position as an International Student Specialist at the University of Alberta. I became a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant in 2014 and have been working to support international students through their journeys ever since. I am a keen advocate for international students. My passion is to see international students thrive!

I am so pleased to be part of the UBCO Global Engagement Office and bring my expertise in supporting the international graduate students and their families.

I am a dedicated immigration practitioner and advisor with over five years of experience in international education. With experience in post-secondary, legal aid, and private practice, I bring a diverse set of perspectives to supporting students with anything that might be relevant to their personal, academic, and professional lives. I have worked at the Global Engagement Office in a variety of roles, and also bring experience in supporting short-term visiting/exchange students and researchers to the International Student Advising team.

I am also an alumnus of UBC Okanagan (BA – International Relations, 2018), and was an international exchange student myself at Sciences Po (2017). I was licensed as an Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in 2021, and outside of my role(s) at UBC, have been engaged as a researcher on international student immigration law and policy for the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). I am passionate about supporting students through cross-departmental partnerships, and am always interested in collaborating with other campus partners on initiatives that serve to enhance the student experience.

I am a dedicated immigration professional and community leader with a passion for supporting individuals and families in their journey to find a new home in Canada. Since 2015, I have made a significant impact in the field of immigration through my work in refugee resettlement, immigration consulting, and community development initiatives.

With a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the UBCO and a post-graduate certificate in immigration consulting, I possess a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge in the complex field of immigration.

My career began in refugee resettlement, where I worked to provide support and assistance to displaced individuals and families. My compassionate and empathetic approach played a vital role in helping refugees successfully integrate into Canadian society and rebuild their lives.

Recognizing the need for professional guidance in immigration matters, I became a regulated immigration consultant. Through my consulting practice, I have provided expert advice and assistance to numerous individuals, families, and businesses, helping them understand the intricacies of immigration laws, navigate the application process, and achieve their immigration goals.

One of my most significant accomplishments is my involvement in developing the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot for Moose Jaw, SK. Recognizing the economic and social benefits of attracting newcomers to smaller communities, I worked diligently to help create an immigration program that would facilitate the successful integration and retention of newcomers while meeting the specific needs of rural and northern areas.

I am excited to bring my dedication, expertise, and leadership home to UBCO as our RCIC – International Student Career Advisor.