Amy Choo
Amy is a branch committee member since 2014. She took role of branch Secretary from 2014 to 2017, and Treasurer from 2018. Her involvement in International Students’ arena has brought me to ISANA, an organisation that is very passionate to promote, advocate and facilitate professional in this industry with professional developments, forums, information exchange by working in partnership with stakeholder organisations including students, educational, government, business and community groups.
She has been in International Student industry for over 10 years dealing with scholarship/sponsorship international students in tertiary studies and student under 18 years old doing High Schools and Colleges in ACT Public Schools.
She is currently working as Marketing Manager at the International Education Unit of ACT Education and Training Directorate.
Sharon Cook
Sharon is an experienced Service Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Sharon is skilled in Non-profit Organizations, Analytical Skills, Government, Event Management, and International Relations. Sharon is a strong management professional graduating from Melbourne Business School.
Samantha Hilbig
Sam has worked in the International student sector for over 20 years.
After extensive travel around Australia and a year overseas she resided in Darwin for several years working as a conference manager before joining Charles Darwin University. Sam commenced as Admin Assistant in the Student Equity Division and then later as an International Student Facilitator arranging student visas, orientations, accommodation and dealing with all issues relating to International student support.
In 2008, Samantha was appointed both Homestay and Off campus service Coordinator, her role includes looking after family recruitment for 700 hosts, homestay placements of up to 1300 students per year and airport reception services for campuses between Brisbane and the Gold Coast Griffith Homestay.
In her role she has experienced many highs and lows as this role is very diverse and involves interacting with students, families, agents and both internal and external community sectors.
Samantha has been an active member of ISANA for many years and Vice President Professional Development since 2019.
ISANA has provided her with the opportunity to interact with many people from different sectors, develop her skills and create lifelong friendships. Her interests lie in Under 18 welfare and accommodation, professional development and creating resources to benefit members and colleagues in the International sector.
Annette Kalczynska
Annette’s 12 years’ experience in International Education has been gained from working in both the public and private education sectors across VET and Higher Education in marketing, admissions, compliance, events, student engagement and student welfare. Her strong passion for International Education in Australia comes from experiencing being an international student herself.
Before joining the international education sector, Annette was an entrepreneur and worked in management positions in number of different industries such as construction, accommodation, advertising and marketing. She is also involved in volunteering for number of organisations in the Polish community in Australia, and was a member of board of directors at Polish Club Ltd.
Sarah Lisle
Sarah is a high energy project manager and engagement professional with over 20 years of industry experience across non-profit and public sector both in Australia and UK.
Sarah brings together a business head and empathetic heart, giving her the ability to strike mutual benefit in strategic collaborations and business improvement, with the aim of creating shared value.
Sarah’s current role with the University of Wollongong as Special Project Manager (International & Wellbeing), managing the team responsible for International Student Programs and student wellbeing. She draws on her strong track record in leadership and program and relationship management to ensure the University’s strategic student goals are achieved.
Sarah is also an experienced board director having completed the Foundation for Directors course, with the Australian Institute of Company Directors, of which I am a member. I have served on a number of boards since 2016.
Some of my notable directorship experience includes:
– Working with UOW Pulse, a non-profit organisation with revenues of approximately $23 million, to ensure University of Wollongong continues to bring value to its communities through facility investment, student experience services and cultural and artistic initiatives.
– Working with Junior Chamber International (JCI), a world-wide network of 200,000 young active citizens and serving as the 2018 JCI Australia National President to develop young leaders in our communities through grassroots initiatives while making positive impact, Glocally.
As a lifelong learner, I graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration with the Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong. I look forward to future opportunities particularly in Social Justice, United National – Sustainable Development Goals and Shared Value areas.
Jen Walsh
Jen Walsh has worked in adult education since 2002, specialising in teaching and assessing (VET sector), student wellbeing service delivery, student experience and international compliance.
Jen works closely with external partners to ensure consistently high standards of student safety, security and wellbeing within a range of approved accommodation options for students under the age of 18.
Her extensive experience in business development, strategic planning, change management and leadership in recent years has led to the design of higher education policies and development of student centered wellbeing programs.