We are proud to congratulate our very own Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Director of Diversity Recruiting and Advising, for receiving the Excellence in Diversifying International Education Individual Award at the Diversity Abroad Conference in San Diego last week.
The award recognizes an individual demonstrating the greatest advancement and achievement in the diversification of study abroad, focusing on those who have made the greatest contribution to fostering diversity and inclusion in international education.
The award is well-deserved for Gretchen’s many contributions to diversity in study abroad and her leadership in the field.
Since joining IES Abroad in March of 2011, Gretchen has visited numerous colleges and universities to recruit students and to conduct staff diversity training workshops. She has also led student webinars with Diversity Abroad as well as IES Abroad webinars for study abroad staff at colleges and universities.
In addition, Gretchen participates in international education conferences and symposia nationwide, including serving on the planning committee and presenting at the 2013 and 2014 Diversity Abroad annual conferences.
During Gretchen’s tenure at IES Abroad, the percentage of underrepresented students on semester-length, standard IES Abroad programs has risen from 19.9% in 2011-12 to more than 23% for 2013-14, a year in which IES Abroad saw ethnic and racial diversity increase by more than 11%.
Congratulations on your many accomplishments, Gretchen!
