Supporting international students can be a challenge. In this session, we will discuss what kinds of on-campus supports are crucial to an international student’s success, what challenges to they have to face that domestic students do not, and what can faculty/staff do to support them.

Tricia Tierney is the International Student & Scholar Services Manager within the Office of Global Affairs at SUNY System Administration. She manages and maintains the SUNY J-1 Exchange Visitor Consortium for students and scholars at 30 SUNY campuses. She also monitors student & scholar visa and related immigration regulations to advise SUNY campus representatives and System Administration about necessary adjustments to policy and practice as pertaining to international student and scholar services. Tricia earned her M.Ed. in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of Buffalo. She participated in a study abroad program at the University of Warwick and was a volunteer for the U.S. Peace Corps in Morocco. Tricia has worked in higher education with experience in both student affairs and international student and scholar services. Tricia is a member of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Region X Leadership Team where she coordinates federal government agency presentations. She has personally presented Case Studies for J-1 Scholars and On-going Orientation for International Freshman.

Wayne Harris, Senior Director for Students in Temporary Housing & Foster Care, Office of Community Schools, New York Department of Education

In this webinar, we will talk about best practices in supporting students who are experiencing housing insecurity.

During this session we will talk about supports students who come through foster care will likely need, how faculty/staff can support these students, and what community supports are available to assist.

Deidra Nesbeth is a child welfare and youth development professional, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people. She is currently a member of the Office of Public Policy here at Children's Aid, where she serves as the Director of the Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA). In this capacity, she oversees advocacy and policy work dedicated to securing stabilizing supports that empower youth with a foster care background across New York State to overcome barriers and excel in life. Her work in policy is informed by her experiences working directly with young people with a foster care background.

Tony Rivera is a Foster Youth Alumnus, children’s book Author, Motivational Speaker, and Founder of Fostering Minds. In the Secondary and Post-secondary education arenas, he is recognized as a humble and passionate professional committed to helping people. Tony's enthusiasm and exceptional interpersonal skills enable him to quickly connect with individuals and build trust.

Dylan Tatom currently serves as a member of the Office of Public Policy team at Children's Aid. In her role as a Policy and Advocacy Associate, she oversees a statewide initiative, the Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA). Dylan's policy and advocacy work is primarily centered around amplifying the voices of youth with a foster care background, ensuring they have stable support to transition smoothly into the next phase of their lives. Her commitment to empowering foster youth is further fueled by her role as a long-time Fair Future's Youth Advisory Board member, where she also channels her passion into advocating for increased supports for New York City youth navigating foster care, college, and beyond.