2025 Award Winners
Distinguished Contribution
This award recognises the outstanding contribution of a professional colleague who has led ground-breaking initiatives to improve international education in Australia.
Winner: Saskia Loer Hansen
Saskia Loer Hansen made an enduring and transformative contribution to international education across four countries and multiple institutions, most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Engagement at RMIT University. Saskia brought intellectual rigour, generosity of spirit and an unwavering sense of fairness to every role she held. She was deeply committed to the social mission of education and to building institutions that create meaningful opportunity across borders.
A scholar of social anthropology with an early career spanning Denmark, Scotland, and England, Saskia's influence deepened as she took senior executive roles at Aston University, including Interim Vice-Chancellor, and then returned to RMIT. In every role she played, Saskia led with quiet authority and authenticity, trusted by government officials, admired by colleagues, and relied upon by the communities she served. She co-authored key texts on international education and graduate employability; advised both the UK and Australian governments on foreign interference; and spoke at major international forums including the ASEAN Leaders Summit and the Australia International Education Conference.
She was a national leader in policy dialogue and a “go to” voice for sector advocacy. In Australia, she shaped RMIT’s international engagement strategy and, during a pivotal period, led as Interim General Director of RMIT Vietnam, navigating government relationships and organisational change with trademark calm and diplomacy. Saskia's legacy lives on through the professionals she mentored and inspired. Her passing in early 2025 prompted Universities Australia’s Deputy Vice-Chancellors (International) group to cancel their scheduled meeting in tribute - a rare and powerful acknowledgement of her place in the heart of the sector.
High Commendation: Eve Ollerenshaw
With a career spanning higher education, vocational training, ELICOS and university pathways, Eve has influenced every major aspect of the international student lifecycle — from regulatory frameworks to welfare and employability — across diverse provider types.
As a longstanding and proactive National Board Director of Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA), Eve has served as Convenor of multiple sector networks and communities of practice, directly influencing the professional development of hundreds of leaders and practitioners. Her leadership has delivered outcomes of national significance, including sector-wide reforms to student support obligations, the reduction of regulatory burden through dual-sector initiatives with TEQSA and ASQA, and improved provider access to government through her contribution to expertly crafted submissions and policy briefings.
Through her mentorship, policy leadership and sector representation, she has shaped how professionals think about student safety, institutional responsibility and the value of collaborative leadership. Her role in strengthening the visibility and credibility of non-university providers in particular has advanced sectoral equity, while international students themselves — through better policy, safer institutions and enhanced employability — have been the ultimate beneficiaries of her legacy. Eve’s work exemplifies sustained impact, crosssectoral insight and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of international students and institutional excellence
Proudly sponsored by IDP Education
IDP
Leadership
This award recognises a professional colleague who has at least 10 years’ experience, an appreciable portion of which has been in leadership positions, in organisations or institutions with a significant role in international education.
Winner: Sophie O’Keefe
Since joining English Australia in 2014, Sophie has demonstrated outstanding leadership across a wide range of national initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the ELICOS sector. She is responsible for overseeing the design, delivery, and ongoing success of major projects related to sector professional development, including the English Australia Conference, Action Research in ELICOS Program, English Australia Journal, Industry Awards, Best Practice Guides, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), annual professional development webinar/workshop program, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework.
One of Sophie’s most significant achievements is her leadership in the development and evolution of English Australia’s CPD Framework. Launched in 2016 and reviewed and significantly expanded in 2023, the Framework includes integrated online self-paced courses and is used by more than 7,000 ELICOS teachers and managers. Sophie has forged partnerships with seven aligned organisations that recognise and allocate English Australia CPD points. Through her strategic vision and commitment, Sophie has strengthened the ELICOS sector benefiting institutions, ELICOS professionals, and international students nationwide.
High Commendation: Dr Alek Voninski
Dr Aleksandr (Alek) Voninski has 20+ years of leadership experience in Australia’s international education community. His experience is broad and spans education providers and supporting services, with his roles including marketing, communications and recruitment; leadership and strategy; partnerships and external relations; and research.
Alek’s passion for international education stems from his own studies and research in the United States, China, Japan and Australia. He completed his Doctor of Education at the University of Southern California in 2020 where his research centred on the importance of embedding core competencies and disciplinary-relevant skills development into the curriculum, leading to enhanced student experience, positive graduate outcomes and stronger cohesiveness between careers support services and learning & teaching units within universities. Alek is also an IEAA Senior Fellow, has full professional proficiency in Chinese and working proficiency of Japanese.
Alongside his professional experience, Alek has contributed to numerous international education advisory boards and committees through formal and informal roles, including IEAA, ATN and AUIDF. Alek has been a member of IEAA’s Research Committee since 2021 where he helps to advance IEAA's strategic interests supported by fact-based evidence and research. He has helped to shape IEAA’s National Symposia since their inception in 2023, and in 2025, he hosted the event. Alek has held leadership roles for the following organisations: The University of Newcastle, Australia (current); IDP Education; Edified; ETS; UNSW and Study Group.
High Commendation: Caryn Nery
Caryn has played a key leadership role in the IEAA’s Transnational Education Network for over 16 years. During this time the Network has grown substantially, and its TNE Forums have become amongst the most popular and often sold-out professional development events offered by IEAA.
Much of this growth can be attributed to Caryn’s leadership in shaping the annual TNE Forums to ensure content that is always timely and relevant to leaders and practitioners both in Australia and overseas. Caryn’s ability to leverage her huge network of colleagues from across the globe to provide expert contributions and comparative insights into current policy and market trends in TNE has benefited Australia’s TNE and broader international education community.
Caryn is generous in sharing her knowledge and experience and is regularly called upon to present at conferences such as the AIEC, UUKI, British Council, APAIE and CACIE, and has delivered workshops for agencies such as Austrade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.
As Director, TNE Partnerships at Victoria University and throughout her career managing a range of TNE partnerships and interstate campuses for institutions including RMIT, Monash College, and Curtin, Caryn is highly regarded for her collaborative and inclusive leadership and has nurtured many professionals to advance in their careers. Her work in implementing strong partnership governance, clear management and engagement frameworks has been highly valued by both partners and internal stakeholders.
Proudly sponsored by ETS TOEFL.
ETS TOEFL
Tony Adams Rising Star
The Tony Adams Rising Star Award recognises the outstanding work of an early career international education professional and has been established in honour of Professor Tony Adams.
Winner: Georgia Hooper
Georgia Hooper brings a comprehensive skillset across international higher education, with developing experience across admissions, recruitment, marketing, and communications at UniSC. With a strong understanding of both international and domestic education policies, she is committed to expanding global opportunities for students and driving institutional growth. Her strategic, collaborative, and values-driven approach has led to meaningful outcomes at both an organisational and sector level.
Georgia’s work has contributed to improved international student recruitment, greater cross-team collaboration, and enhanced global brand visibility for UniSC. Her commitment to building capability and supporting others has also influenced sector-wide practice and engagement. Including Recipient of the 2022 AUIDF Professional Development Grant (NAFSA, Denver), served as IEAA QLD Young Professionals Co-Chair, securing sponsorship to deliver a regional Townsville event and led members within the school engagement team to receive the 2025 Vice-Chancellor and President’s Commendation of Excellence (Community Engagement and Impact).
Georgia continues to make a lasting impact through strategic leadership and her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sector advancement.
Proudly sponsored by RMIT
Best Practice
This award recognises the work of an individual or team that has contributed to international education through a ground-breaking development in international development, internationalisation of the curriculum, marketing or communication, international support programs, pathway, mobility or social inclusion initiatives.
Winner: Orange College’s Education with Purpose: Learning that Builds Communities
Orange College’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative redefines vocational education by embedding applied learning into accredited qualifications. Moving beyond simulated assessments, students gain real-world experience through community projects such as building accessible play spaces for children with special needs, restoring heritage timber in places of worship, and creating environmental solutions like pollinator hotels and penguin habitats.
Led by OC’s leadership and training teams, the model transforms classroom knowledge into authentic industry practice. Students graduate with stronger employability, workplace confidence, and cultural adaptability, while trainers deliver more dynamic, purpose-driven education aligned with industry needs.
This CSR-focused approach creates shared value: communities receive lasting infrastructure, students gain industry-relevant skills, and employers benefit from adaptable, workforce-ready graduates. National recognition, including the 2025 Silver Stevie Award for CSR, highlights Orange College’s leadership in connecting education, employability, and social responsibility while advancing international student success and inclusive community development.
Innovation
This award recognises the work of an individual or team that has contributed to international education through an innovative initiative in an area including (but not restricted to) international development, internationalisation of the curriculum, marketing and communication, support programs for international students, pathway initiatives, mobility programs or social inclusion activities.
Winner: : ‘Passport to Maths (P2M)’ by Monash College
Passport to Maths (P2M) is Monash College’s innovative support ecosystem addressing the wide variation in international students’ maths skills and readiness.
Launched in February 2024, P2M takes students from diagnosis to personalised support. A Needs Analysis Test generates an individual profile, unlocking a tailored set of self-paced interactive modules with instant feedback, drawn from a bank of 48. Delivered through Moodle for seamless integration, the program is reinforced through optional on-campus maths studios and one-on-one support.
Impact has been significant. Despite the removal of maths entry requirements, average marks for STEM and Business maths increased by 7.5% and 7.9%, with pass rates rising by 9.5% and 8%. More than 6,900 students across Monash College and partner campuses have engaged with P2M, with strong correlations between module use and higher grades.
Scalable and sustainable, P2M is already being adapted by international partners and applied to English language support, offering a reproducible model and advancing equitable, learner-centred education.
Proudly supported by Pearson | PTE Academic.
Pearson
Professional Commentary
This award recognises excellence in journalism, social media commentary and/or publications which focus on aspects of the international education sector.
Winner: Keri Ramirez
Keri Ramirez is an established and significant contributor to public debate and discussions on international education trends in Australia. He is a leading Australian expert on international education datasets, a lens which he consistently brings to his commentary. His work, which spans 15+ years, is informed by a strong evidence base effected through robust interrogation of key international education data sources.
Through his work, Keri produces original evidence-based analysis which is used by international education practitioners in decision-making and strategy-formulation as well as by journalists and other commentators to substantiate their articles. His commentary regularly appears in international education publications and is sought after by other media outlets.
Keri’s first role in Australia’s international education ecosystem was an international postgraduate coursework student from Mexico. He then worked in the international office at Macquarie University under Tony Adams’ leadership in the early 2000s.
Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis
This award aims to assist with establishing the research career of a recent masters or doctoral graduate.
Winner: Dr Elena Williams
‘Transforming the self, transforming the relationship? Understanding the impact of study abroad programs on Australia-Indonesia relationship-building’
Dr Williams’s research is a unique and timely study examining Australia's most significant learning abroad investment: the New Colombo Plan (NCP). Through a case study of The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (Acicis) and the NCP, Dr Williams highlights that Australian student experiences in Indonesia are not homogeneous but highly variable, and that Indonesian host communities are critical to NCP-funded program success.
Just as individual students and hosts can be transformed by learning abroad programs, so too are their surrounding communities through a 'ripple effect' of attitudinal change. This research provides compelling evidence for learning abroad's value as an effective pedagogic and public diplomacy tool for Australia in the region.
Findings from this research informed DFAT’s review of the NCP in 2024, and Dr Williams served as a member of DFAT’s NCP External Advisory Group. She also serves as a current board member with DFAT’s Australia-Indonesia Institute, Acicis, and IEAA’s Emerging Researchers Group.
Life Membership
Janelle Chapman
Janelle Chapman (IEAA-SF) has been a passionate advocate for Australia’s international education community for over three decades, particularly in the vocational education and training sector. She has previously served as Executive Director of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition and Executive Director Executive Director TAFE Queensland International.
Janelle was a VET expert member on the Council for International Education from 2019 to 2022 and held positions on the Ministerial Advisory Council for Skilled Migration (MACSM) and the IDP Advisory Panel. She first joined the IEAA Board in 2013, held the position of Vice President from 2015 and 2016 and again from 2018 to 2020, then served as President from 2020 to 2022. Janelle is an IEAA Senior Fellow.
Melissa Banks
Melissa Banks (GAICD, IEAA-SF) has a rich history in international education spanning multiple senior leadership roles at various Australian universities through to Federal government and Head of Research at IDP. Currently Senior Partner at The Lygon Group, Melissa was previously Head of Education at Austrade (International Education Centre of Excellence) and prior to that, Pro Vice Chancellor International at James Cook University. Melissa’s involvement with IEAA stems from the complimentary data workshops she conducted with Alan Olsen in IEAA’s early years and multiple years of membership of the IEAA Research Committee. Melissa was awarded the IEAA Excellence Award for Distinguished Contribution in 2012. Melissa joined the IEAA Board as Vice President in 2016, then served as President from 2018 to 2020. Melissa is an IEAA Senior Fellow.