<aside> ✨ **Here at VI, we consider diversity and inclusion as an essential part of the workplace we strive to create - whether in person or remote.

We recently asked some of our team to vocalize their feelings about the importance of recognizing and celebrating a diverse team. We are delighted to highlight their voices below and thank them for sharing their words.** 👏🏽

Knowing that colleagues support a diverse and inclusive work ecosystem can be extremely empowering for those wanting to be their authentic selves in the workplace. We want to ensure that everyone is able to feel comfortable, happy, and productive at VI.

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Susanna del Carmen Hedström

Intern Coach - Based in France 🇫🇷

“Everyone deserves to work in a company where they feel accepted, considered and purposeful. A place where they thrive and experience belongingness. This is a new global era. It’s radically Multicultural, Inclusive, Humane, Resilient, Dynamic, Innovating and Cost-effective. Virtual Internships is onboard!”

About Susanna: The European Diversity Trainer serving Global markets. Inclusion & Performance strategist. Certified Professional Coach & Leadership Trainer. Expert in Multicultural Leadership, Team Performance & Career development. Working as an Internship coach at Virtual Internships.

Raksha Kini

Head of Company Account Management - Based in Mumbai, India 🇮🇳

*"I believe workplace equality is already being practiced at VI. I believe that regardless of who we are, where we are from, what's the color of our skin, or whom we choose to love, WE ARE HUMANS first. That itself defines our equality and our unique characteristics adds to the diversity and creativity in the workplace thus making us a bunch of ***global citizens aiming to achieve the same goal."

About Raksha: Raksha found her passion for Global Education during her undergraduate studies in the US and has been associated with the Overseas Education Management Industry ever since. With years of experience in assisting thousands of students, she hopes to have encouraged them to achieve global citizenry.

Andy Radelet

Global Head of Enrollment - Based in Albuquerque, USA 🇺🇸

“The more diverse our team is, the better! The combination of all of our differences is a true strength and unique advantage for VI!”

About Andy: A Chicago native and Michigan State graduate, Andy has worked within the international education & EdTech industries for over five years in a number of different roles. He is passionate about expanding opportunities for all students to enrich their employability, thus maximizing their potential. Outside of work, you'll find him skiing in the Rocky Mountains of the Western USA, connecting with friends, and supporting his favorite sports teams.

Katina Dell'Acqua-Lubich

Chief Financial Officer - Based in Vietnam 🇻🇳

“Inclusivity must be an active effort and a continuous conversation! The most successful organizations are those that routinely seek out opportunities to celebrate differences and to draw in individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives.”

About Katina: Katina has worked in finance and revenue operations in the higher education sector for the past eight years. She enjoys travel, distance running, and finding opportunities to learn new things. She has lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for nearly three years.

Alexander McLean

Enrollment Manager - Based in Scotland, United Kingdom 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

“Equality in the workplace is essential for any organisation - all employees should feel safe and welcomed. No individual should be made to feel otherwise. This not only allows for better productivity, but for the freedom to express oneself, allowing for more creativity and different perspectives.”

About Alexander: As an Australian, I come from a country that has embraced multiculturalism and acceptance of others, and I believe I have embraced these principles throughout my life. I have always enjoyed meeting new people all over the world (currently have visited over 25+ countries) from different backgrounds and identities, as I believe it adds to my worldview of others and allows me to better understand them. As an Enrolment Manager, my role allows me to speak with individuals from all over the world, which not only improves my own understanding of others but allows me to better understand each intern I speak with.

Nhi Nguyen

Marketing Social Media Associate - Based in Vietnam 🇻🇳

“The cool thing about being a Gen Z-er is that I've got the chance to look at the world I'm living in from multiple angles. The not-so-cool thing, however, is the fact that the more I get exposed to the world out there, the more I realize that it is full of chaos and inequalities - variating in myriad forms and towards various groups of people - whether by their race, gender, class or sexuality. A Gen-Z as I am, do not settle and accept those inequalities. We yearn for improvement and advocate for justice, especially in places where we spend most of our time like our workplaces.”

About Nhi: I'm Nhi - currently majoring in Professional Communications at RMIT University Vietnam and I’ve been a Social Media Marketing Executive at VI for more than 4 months. Planning to pursue the Creative industry, I always value diversity and authenticity. I believe there’s nothing more powerful than living and leading in your truest form - which should be fully embraced and protected under any circumstances.

Zoe Marlow

Head of International Partnership Development - Based in Brighton, United Kingdom 🇬🇧

“Equality in the workplace is essential to ensure that the widest possible range of talents are brought to the business; that these talents are nurtured and that ultimately they contribute to the development of a genuinely diverse leadership team. In essence, it just makes for a really stimulating culture to be working in.”

About Zoe: Hi, I'm Zoe, newly appointed Head of International Partnership Development. For 12 years, I've lived in super-liberal Brighton and Hove, informally known as the 'gay capital' of the UK and home to the largest Pride event in the country. Living here, it's easy to forget that not everywhere is as open and accepting, which is why it's really important to me to be an Ally. Outside work, we have a beach hut like the one in the photo, so we spend a lot of time by the sea.

Monica Dugo

Partnership Development Manager - EMEA - Based in France 🇫🇷

“What drew me to work at Virtual Internships was its diverse, global workforce; thus embracing a culture of inclusion and opportunities for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or any form of protected characteristics.” About Monica: Monica has worked in international education for over 10 years and has strived to achieve access and equality across various geographics and demographics. Her career has allowed her to live in 5 different countries and immensely grow through friendships, experiences, and love - in all of its forms.

Quynh Ly

Recruitment Coordinator - Based in Vietnam 🇻🇳

“A workplace that embraces myself regardless of my color will also know how to value my talent.”

About Quynh: An international-business student who is in love with the cultural topics and the idea of being a digital nomad. She desires to learn about human motivation and behavior, aiming to grow further in the human resources field.

Mirta Aguirre

Head of Employability - Based in Argentina 🇦🇷

“I believe in a world where anyone can live being true to themselves and having their rights and dignity respected. Companies play a big role in making this happen, and therefore equity and inclusion becomes essential in the workplace. I’m happy to work in a company where this is a reality.”

About Mirta: MA in Education and Certified Coach, Mirta is a curious polyglot passionate about self-improvement and professional development. Thanks to her grit, she won international awards that allowed her to build a global career in the areas of Education and International Development. She enjoys traveling and creating connections among people.

Ngoc Tran

Business Associate - Based in Vietnam 🇻🇳

“Fostering a culture of equality ensures that everyone is valued, trusted and rewarded for what they have achieved and not for what their identity/social background/race/religion is. It is, beyond a doubt, one of the most powerful things that any organization can do to attract, retain, and nurture diverse talent.”

About Ngoc: Having been organizing and volunteering for international programmes for the youth (SSEAYP 2018, ASEAN+3 Young Entrepreneurs Forum 2018, Vietnam-Japan Exchange Program 2019) has truly broadened my mind and helped me to embrace the importance of equality and diversity. Outside of work, I enjoy online studying, reading books, listening to music, and catching up with friends.

Shaun Butcher

Head of Partnership Development (EMEA) - Based in Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

“To get to a point where I am able to be my authentic self in the workplace has been (and still is!) a journey, but I’m proud to work for an organisation that values diversity and values all voices. It is also so empowering to hear colleagues from around the world express their support, as allies or as part of the LGBTQ+ community, for Pride.”

About Shaun: Shaun is a digital nomad and lives in Barcelona, Spain with his boyfriend. As Head of Partnership Development for the EMEA region, Shaun creates and develops new partnerships with Universities across the region with the aim of supporting more students gain global work experience, remotely.