Advocate for a more inclusive higher education experience that includes on the ground work to build cost-effective programming, cross departmental collaborations, and focus on inclusion for first gen, low socioeconomic, student veterans and BIPOC students to achieve their international goals. As a first generation college student, I have found education to be the key to moving out of economic hardships and broadening opportunities. Currently, working on becoming the first person in my family to complete a doctoral degree focusing on cross-cultural and inclusive programming.Study abroad experience in Japan (language immersion program) led to working abroad as a EFL teacher and solidified my career path in international education. In 2020 awarded the True Star award from student and residential life at Hamline University for my work with diversity and inclusion efforts. Learn more about my work here: http://katherinemarymeyer.wordpress.comDIVERSITY STATEMENT:I believe that education and, more specifically, transformative education experiences such as study away/abroad are the key to building up students and creating in them a future generation that can face our most striking global challenges. This means that these opportunities must be within reach for all students, no matter their identity, background, or financial circumstance. I also believe that diversity alone is not enough. As educators, we must collaborate with various populations and change processes within higher education to truly have inclusive mechanisms that support and embrace difference. My philosophy has evolved and expanded from my experiences as a rural, first-generation, LGBTQIA+, Pell Grant recipient, and extensive work in multiple communities. I am driven to foster real inclusion efforts, build up the community, and appreciate differences through mutual respect.