Our team


All
 Founders and Directors 
Advisory Board and Advisors
Admissions Team
Human Resources Team
Business Development Team
Operations Team
Digital Marketing Team
Program Management Team
Finance Team
University Partnerships Team

Edward Pitcher

Managing Director
Edward Pitcher

Managing Director

Van Pham

Head of Operations
Van Pham

Head of Operations

Van grew up in Hanoi, Vietnam and graduated from Hanoi University with a Bachelor degree in Accounting. She had then moved to Ho Chi Minh City to follow a career path in education and spent 6 years there working for different education organizations with various age groups and study objectives. Van always believes in providing a high-quality service to customers, as well as maintaining long-term and trusted relationships with partners and colleagues.

Van enjoys traveling, meeting and talking to people. In her free time, she spends time on studying Korean as she believes languages are such powerful tools in work and life.

Mi Tran

Head of Program Management
Mi Tran

Head of Program Management

Mi was born and raised in Vung Tau, a beach city in Southeast Vietnam before moving to Ho Chi Minh City attending University of Social Sciences and Humanities in International Relations. Despite staying for only a short period, the studies had provoked her curiosity in cultures around the world and eagerness to learn and see things from different viewpoints. At 20, she moved to Finland pursuing BBA degree in International Business whilst fulfilling her dream to explore different parts of the country and travel around Europe.

Mi started her career at CRCC Asia as an intern supporting 2019 Ho Chi Minh City Summer Program where she met a lot of young internationals and gained valuable experience. After graduation, she decided to return to Vietnam and dedicate herself to bringing in the best international experience for students around the world.

Mi loves cooking and baking in her free time and has a deep passion for Korean cuisine and culture.

Maia Edmunds

Head of Admissions
Maia Edmunds

Head of Admissions

Alexander Lindow

University Partnership Manager (APAC region)
Alexander Lindow

University Partnership Manager (APAC region)

Andreea Sandu

University Partnership Manager (UK)
Andreea Sandu

University Partnership Manager (UK)

Originally from Romania, Andreea moved to the UK to pursue higher education within a prestigious academic environment. Her background includes a BA in International Relations (Coventry University) and an MSc in International Development (University of Edinburgh).

From studying in the UK, to working & traveling in the US, volunteering in Madagascar, interning in the UK civil service, and enhancing her language skills (French, Spanish& Swahili), she is a strong advocate for the transformative power of international experiences.

For the past three years, she played a pivotal role within an international mobility programme in the UK, managing scholars from 160 countries. Her passion for education led her to establish a blog for international students, offering insights from her personal experiences and robust professional background.

She is excited to bring her expertise to the CRCC Asia team, where she will be fostering partnerships within the UK university sector and championing international education.

Chau Bui

Business Development Manager
Chau Bui

Business Development Manager

Kelsy Nguyen

Business Development Manager
Kelsy Nguyen

Business Development Manager

Born in HCMC, Vietnam, Kelsy has been studying, working and traveling across South East Asia and Europe. Accumulating 7 years working in the Business fields from various industries from Private to NGOs sectors in Netherlands, Denmark, Barcelona and Vietnam, she strongly believes in sustainably profitable partnerships for all joint stakeholders both at work and in life.

In the long-term, her life-long passion is to help close the gap between higher education’s knowledge and applicable business practices.

On a daily basis, she aspires to living by contributing added-value to the goals she sets her mind and puts her heart on.

In her spare time, you can spot her thinking out loud in English, chatting in Dutch, negotiating in Vietnamese, learning German and listening to French, Spanish while doing yoga or traveling.

Trang Ruong

Business Development Manager
Trang Ruong

Business Development Manager

Trang R. has worked across L&D and Commercial functions, with experience in leading diverse projects and managing a large portfolio of high-profile clients for the Vietnam market. After working overseas for several years, as a learner at heart, she is now based in Vietnam, looking to connect with and be inspired by local businesses and individuals.

Feel free to reach out to Trang if you're interested in partnering with CRCC Asia.

Victor Lee

Business Development Manager
Victor Lee

Business Development Manager

My name is Victor, and I have over 20 years of experience living in South Korea and working for multinational companies like Nestlé, British American Tobacco, and Henkel. Throughout my career, I've honed my skills in business development, key account management, trade marketing, e-commerce, and supply chain management.

Most recently, I served as the Business Development Manager for Korea in a Singapore-based startup filled with diverse and talented individuals from all corners of the globe, from South Africa to India. This experience further solidified my belief in the power of "Diversity" as a critical driver of success.

I am confident that my diverse and seasoned background can be an invaluable asset in your own international career aspirations. I am eager to share my experiences and insights to help you achieve your goals.

Sally Chu

Digital Marketing Manager
Sally Chu

Digital Marketing Manager

Aaron Tran

Digital Marketing Manager
Aaron Tran

Digital Marketing Manager

I was born and raised in Thai Binh, a small agricultural province in Northern Vietnam. I'm lucky enough to have graduated from Foreign Trade University and had my first full-time internship at RMIT University, which helped me expand my perspective as a fresher in the workforce.

Since then, I have worked in many fields and industries, including eCommerce, Technology, F&B, Outsourcing, etc. in Vietnam & Singapore. And the experience and knowledge gained over the years are the most valuable asset, not only to apply to my career ladder but also to share with students & freshers who are in need of career advice and mentorship.

I'm positive and hardworking. My favorite motto is "Hustle wins game". I also love sports and biking on a sunny day.

Our Team Simona Lu Financial Operations Manager

Simona Lu

Global Finance Manager
Our Team Simona Lu Financial Operations Manager
Simona Lu

Global Finance Manager

In her role with the CRCC Asia Shanghai office, Simona coordinates budget projections, manages payments, and oversees other accounting processes required our internship programs in Shanghai. Simona is a fresh post-graduate from Ecust. She majored in Accounting for her Bachelor’s degree and decided to learn something new by studying International Politics for her Masters degree.

She has internship experience in different departments of foreign companies and domestic start-ups, such as HR, Admin. and Procurement; She is a self-described extrovert, tends to think about things from a different perspective, and is always willing to communicate with others to ensure a successful experience of planning activities between companies.

Minh Le

Finance Manager
Minh Le

Finance Manager

I’m living in Ho Chi Minh and have 10 years experience in the Finance and Accounting field. In my role with the CRCC Asia Ho Chi Minh office, I am responsible for Financial Management and overseeing the accounting arm of the business.

I enjoy working in multicultural environments. Interacting with colleagues from various countries allows me to broaden my understanding of diverse perspectives, customs, and traditions. It's not just about work, but also the chance to make new friends who can offer unique insights into their perspective.

Mishu Callan

Program Lead (Tokyo)
Mishu Callan

Program Lead (Tokyo)

Mishu was raised between Tochigi, Japan and Ontario, Canada and grew up in a multilingual household speaking English, French, and Japanese. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication studies and has previous experience working with University students as a mentor and writing advisor. Since relocating to Japan in 2019, she has reconnected with her Japanese roots and has discovered a love for creative writing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading poetry, watching films, as well as exploring the rural areas of Japan. As a Tokyo Program Coordinator, she looks forward to sharing the beauty of this eclectic city and hopes to create a meaningful experience for incoming interns.

Michelle Lin

Program Lead (Kansai Region)
Michelle Lin

Program Lead (Kansai Region)

Having lived and studied in China, the UK, the US, and Japan, Michelle spent most of her student days meeting and connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. She is passionate about learning foreign languages, which is what led her to learn Japanese and study abroad at Waseda University during college. Later, she decided to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Oxford in Japanese Studies, where she wrote her dissertation on the adoption and foster care system in Japan. In her free time, she likes to catch up with her long-distance friends, walk around the city, and find nice cafes for coffee and cake.

Tess Kim

Program Lead (Seoul)
Tess Kim

Program Lead (Seoul)

Sammy Pham

Program Lead (Ho Chi Minh City)
Sammy Pham

Program Lead (Ho Chi Minh City)

An analytical, pragmatic, and intensely curious September Virgo. A perfectionist at heart. A dedicated and hardworking ISTJ who values traditions, structure, and consistency. Can sometimes be a blast—with mercurial wit, dry humor, and a bit of a wild side. Would like to regard my own self as a hodophile, an explorer, and a learner of life.

I recently graduated from RMIT University in HCMC, Vietnam with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management. I have a passion for travel, culture, and particularly education, in every aspect of it. Before coming to CRCC Asia, I worked for a few study abroad offices at universities such as RMIT University Vietnam and HCMC University of Technology (also called as Bach Khoa University).

Tulika Tripathi

Program Lead (Mumbai)
Tulika Tripathi

Program Lead (Mumbai)

Born in Mumbai, I grew up exploring the city’s museums, art galleries and cultural spaces which culminated in a BA in History. Ever curious about the complexities and interdependence of the world, I went on to study International Relations and completed my MA in Peace and Conflict Studies from Rutgers University. After working at an art gallery, I delved into the world of higher education and working with students, which I enjoy the most. In my spare time, you can find me teaching social studies at a local NGO, cooking without recipes, making artworks with glue and toothpicks, dreaming about publishing a poetry collection, and zooming into obscure locations on Google maps.

Mumbai

Tu An Le

Global HR Manager
Tu An Le

Global HR Manager

I was born in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. After living and working in France for over 15 years, I recently moved back in hope to reconnect with life and culture in Viet Nam. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to rock music, podcasts about mythology and crimes.

My Le

Global Operations Coordinator
My Le

Global Operations Coordinator

Miley, with her deep appreciation for the value of studying abroad and fostering international experience, spent 7 transformative years of education in the Pacific Northwest, United States – a place she cherishes as her second home. During this time, she skillfully launched several e-commerce online B2C businesses and gained valuable insights into B2B dynamics through her role as an Associate at Amazon.

Her journey eventually brought her to Ho Chi Minh City, where she found a sense of belonging within the global-minded community at CRCC Asia. Currently, her dedication is centered around the growth of EdTech startups. Miley is passionately engaged in integrating emerging technologies, while also finely-tuning operational efficiency and refining business strategies.

Binh Hoang

Admission Advisor
Binh Hoang

Admission Advisor

I was born and raised in the south-central of Vietnam. I went to the US to study and work for more than five years which I got to experience from living in a rural town of West Texas to working in the Big Apple; while I was studying in the US, I also went to study abroad in Belgium for almost half a year.

I am a traveler at heart, but it's always nice to sit down and have meaningful conversations with people around me. During the weekend, you can find me in the coffee shops or go to live concerts.

Trang Pham

Admission Advisor
Trang Pham

Admission Advisor

I have studied and worked in Australia for several years, I understand that the decision to work in a foreign country is a significant one. It’s not just about employment experience; it’s about discovering new cultures, expanding horizons, and pushing boundaries. At the end of the day, it is human nature to test limits.Having a deep passion for connecting with people and helping them explore their career options, I want to make your journey as seamless and enriching as possible.I like to create my own adventures, from finding hidden gems in Saigon like niche cafes and cute restaurants to riding a camel through the sand dunes of Dubai or camping in the Outback and watching kangaroos jump around.

Huy Le

Global HR Specialist
Huy Le

Global HR Specialist

Hello, I'm Huy Le, but I go by Louis. I believe that while we can't choose our place of birth, we have the power to shape our lives. I grew up facing adversity; my father is a traditional Vietnamese rider, and my mother works as a street vendor. Despite these challenges, I graduated with Distinction and now work as a young HR Professional. My true passion lies in empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. On weekends, you might find me leading workshops for Vietnamese youth or simply chatting with friends at local coffee shops. During my free time, I enjoy listening to K-pop or diving into a chapter of my favorite manga. I cherish diversity and value differences, as they remind me of the vastness of our world.

Michiyo Ikemoto

Business Development Associate
Michiyo Ikemoto

Business Development Associate

Michi has been a multilingual influential change agent working for China, the US and Japan in multiple roles. She joined CRCC Asia to support more and more interns to come visit Osaka and gain unique experiences, Michi is a native Osakan. Her passion for cultures and history like "Silk Road" made her traveled around the globe. In her spare time, Michi enjoys photographing, discovering new things and aroma therapy.

Yuki Inata

Business Development Associate
Yuki Inata

Business Development Associate

Yuki was born and raised in Japan with international experiences including studying in the US with support from the Japanese government, MEXT, and working in a bilingual environment. Her biggest personal growth occurred during the time she studied abroad and worked in a professional capacity in other countries or international multicultural settings. This naturally led to a passion and personal ambition: creating a similar opportunity for younger generations.She loves to travel and interact with people from different backgrounds. During her spare time, she enjoys dancing, playing sports, being in nature, and learning other languages.

Madison Ragland

University Partnership Associate (US region)
Madison Ragland

University Partnership Associate (US region)

I am from North Carolina where I obtained both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Spanish. After studying abroad in Central America and Spain, I found my passion for global experiences and international education. I went on to teach Spanish at several colleges and universities and still enjoy doing this in my free time. Later, I became a study abroad specialist and focused on the engagement of global communities at a Florida college.
I am still located in southern Florida where I hope to build wonderful University connections and help students on their own journey to gain world perspectives.

Johnny Ngo

University Partnership Associate (US region)
Johnny Ngo

University Partnership Associate (US region)

Born and raised in Oregon to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Johnny has learned how different cultures are a key aspect into learning how the world functions. This has led him to want to understand different perspectives that cause a global exchange. Johnny graduated from the University of Oregon majoring in Global Business with minors in Business Admin, East Asian Studies and Korean. Throughout his time in college, Johnny had experienced both studying and working abroad, being an exchange student at Korea University in Seoul and partaking in a global internship program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with CRCC Asia. Johnny believes that developing a cultural perspective and awareness can understand the world better.

Shreya Silori

University Partnerships Associate (APAC)
Shreya Silori

University Partnerships Associate (APAC)

With a diverse background spanning India, Thailand, and the United States, my international experiences have significantly influenced my identity and cultivated a global perspective on diversity and inclusion. Having relocated to Oregon, U.S., I dedicated my undergraduate studies to Global Studies and Journalism. Immersing myself in the international student community on campus, I found my passion for paving the way for myself and others to explore study/intern/work abroad opportunities. Being an international student in the U.S. was a game-changer for me, both professionally and personally and I believe that having an international education can pave an extraordinary path for those who decide to take up the experience. In my current role at CRCC Asia, I look forward to fostering meaningful connections with partners across the globe and assisting students in navigating the exciting realm of international education.

Jesse Flores

Program Coordinator (Tokyo)
Jesse Flores

Program Coordinator (Tokyo)

Growing up, Jesse spent time on both the East and West coasts of the United States, in Southern California and Central North Carolina. Education and cultural exchange have always been at the top of Jesse's interests along with creative pursuits such as writing, music, and filmmaking. He loves storytelling and believes it plays a crucial role in education and human connection.

Jesse is on his sixth year living in Japan. For two of those years, Jesse lived and worked in a rural town in Kagoshima Prefecture
teaching children ages 3-13. He recently completed a Master's degree in International Culture and Communication Studies at Waseda University and wrote his dissertation on the role of children's media in the identity formation of children.

In Tokyo, Jesse spends his time touring museums, going to film/ musical events, and singing for hours at karaoke.

Eaint Cho

Program Coordinator (Kansai Region)
Eaint Cho

Program Coordinator (Kansai Region)

I have studied in Japan for 4 years as both research and master's student with the support of MEXT. I am thrilled and excited to assist international students on their internship journey here.

Hieu Dao

Program Coordinator (Ho Chi Minh City)
Hieu Dao

Program Coordinator (Ho Chi Minh City)

Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Hieu started his journey abroad on Long Island, New York where he completed his high school program. Afterwards, Hieu graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events management. Throughout his time as a student in the United States, Hieu got involved in various internship opportunities and was able to explore different backgrounds.

Hieu is an Mediator at heart but can be adventurous at times. He is open to learning and experiencing new things in life. However, Hieu will never decline the opportunity to sit down and recharge. A cat lover, movie enthusiast, and a tea enjoyer is what people would describe Hieu as.

Sakshi Narang

Assistant Head of Program Management
Sakshi Narang

Assistant Head of Program Management

Sakshi is an enthusiastic person who likes to talk about education, foreign languages and cultures. As she is passionate about learning languages, she speaks Hindi, English, French and learning Japanese. She thinks that the best way to learn is by travelling. Her love for research and cross-cultural communication brought her to Japan where she is pursuing research to understand academic mobility and the motivational factors of international students. She has worked with people from over 30 countries and has trained thousands of learners ranging from 6 to 61 years. She always tries her best to help students achieve their goals by remaining empathetic.

Ritcha Sahay

Legal Counsel (Ho Chi Minh City)
Ritcha Sahay

Legal Counsel (Ho Chi Minh City)

“I am a lawyer having practiced in multiple jurisdictions and have been truly blessed to have worked in multicultural environment. With 8 years of experience under my belt I develop legal strategies, negotiate contracts and tackle legal disputes. I love watching courtroom dramas and can have endless long chats on geopolitics!” Favorite hobby : “Reading books especially biographies, history and culture. I also enjoy listening to podcasts on YouTube and Spotify. This helps me to define, redefine and develop ideas, knowledge and also understand ideological diversity. I also enjoy cooking as I find it therapeutic.”

Linh Ngo

Business Development Intern
Linh Ngo

Business Development Intern

Hailing from Vietnam, Linh has spent the past four years in Japan, immersing herself in the dynamic multicultural environment while pursuing her Bachelor's in Strategic and Management Organisation. This experience fostered a passion for personal growth, particularly for empowering young people through cross-cultural opportunities. Witnessing the transformative power of these exchanges firsthand, Linh is eager to contribute to CRCC's mission, leveraging her academic background, multicultural perspective, and passion for human development.

Osaka, Japan

Vinh Do

Sales & Email Marketing Intern
Vinh Do

Sales & Email Marketing Intern

Karev, a young individual, is driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of numbers as a faithful reflection of reality. Embarked on the path of Information Management, he is resolute in his ambition to become a professional Data Analyst. He approaches this new chapter with a set of clear expectations which are to gain experience in various tasks and be exposed to different functions of the department and, hopefully, to create memorable memories with CRCC Asia.

Dat Pham

Sales & Email Marketing Intern
Dat Pham

Sales & Email Marketing Intern

Currently in his third year of undergraduate studies, Dat is pursuing a major in International Business at UEH University.

Born and raised in the Central Coast of Vietnam, Dat has developed a deep appreciation for educational values. His journey into the world of business may seem unconventional for someone with a passion for education, but Dat firmly believes that the principles of learning and giving back can be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life.

He finds fulfillment in the commitment to being a positive force in the world. His outlook on life aligns with a creative spirit, always eager to explore opportunities for self-expression and outside-of-the-box thinking.

Dat has gained valuable lessons during his university experience. Now, as an intern, he's excited to bring his unique perspective and contribute meaningfully to our team at CRCC Asia.

Our Team Edward Holroyd Pearce Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Edward Holroyd Pearce

Co-Founder
Our Team Edward Holroyd Pearce Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Edward Holroyd Pearce

Co-Founder

Ed’s passion for travel and Asia started early – at age 8, his mother sent him to Greece unaccompanied to stay with a Greek family.  At 12, he started to learn Japanese, later switching to focus on Chinese which became his Major at Cambridge University. He still managed a GCSE in Japanese, and also speaks conversational Thai and fluent Spanish.  He later achieved a Masters of Science in International Management from the University of London (SOAS).

He has lived in several countries throughout Asia (and spent his honeymoon in Vietnam), and has a real passion for the culture, food and language of the many places he has visited.  He enjoys sharing his knowledge of worldwide cultures, and considering how they might improve the employability and global confidence of today’s students and graduates.

Ed co-founded CRCC Asia in 2006 and has been heavily involved in various M&A projects, company due diligence and strategic analysis.  He has been published in print and in media such as Businessweek, The Sunday Times and the BBC. Ed has undertaken voluntary roles at the Young Icebreakers, part of the 48 Group Club, improving understanding between China and the UK, and he has also been a trustee at the Karen Hilltribes Trust, working to improve education, sanitation and health in Northern Thailand. Ed is currently studying for an executive MBA at Cass Business School in London.

Daniel Nivern

Daniel Nivern

Co-Founder
Daniel Nivern
Daniel Nivern

Co-Founder

Daniel has a long held passion for foreign languages and culture, studying French and German at The University of Oxford, and spending a year living on the border of France and Germany, in Strasbourg and Freiburg. As his interest and attention turned to Asia, he completed a Masters Degree in International Management for China from the University of London (SOAS) and taught at a university in Hebei Province and a private school in Fujian Province.

Daniel co-founded CRCC Asia in 2006 and moved to China to launch CRCC Asia’s programs in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, overseeing the placement of 4000 students in internships in China between 2007 and 2012. In recent years, he has been located in the USA, where he works with the CRCC Asia teams globally to develop global partnerships and to refine best practises for running optimal international internship programs in Asia, helping students to improve their employability and enhance their cultural awareness. Daniel has helped to form lasting partnership programs with the Ministry of Education in China, The British Council and the Israeli Embassy in Beijing. He has been featured on CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Guardian and The Sunday Times for his work with China and has presented on the subject of internships in Asia at various conferences including NAFSA: The Association of International Educators, The Forum on Education Abroad, The Global Internship Conference and at The House of Lords (UK).

Daniel has acted in a number of voluntary roles, including being a UK Government connector, with the role of encouraging entrepreneurship amongst young Brits, the Vice President of the Oxford Cambridge Club Beijing, a founding member of the China Advisers Network and an early Founder of the China-US Entrepreneurship Club. He speaks French, German and Chinese, is a keen follower of international affairs and politics and enjoys all sports, most notably as an avid Manchester United fan, a boxing enthusiast, and a new convert to American football (Go Eagles!). Above all else, he most enjoys time with his wife Danielle and young son, Hugo.

Our Team Thomas Kirkwood Director

Thomas Kirkwood

Director
Our Team Thomas Kirkwood Director
Thomas Kirkwood

Director

Tom was born in Thailand in 1967 and educated in Singapore, Pennsylvania and England. He has an MA degree in Oriental Studies (Chinese) from Cambridge University and wrote his Master’s dissertation on “China’s Oil & Gas Development Strategy”.

Tom began his career at the emerging Markets Group of Wall Street investment bank, Wasserstein, Perella & Co. In 1991 he moved to China where he established several businesses in oil & gas, property, telecommunications and investment. He is the owner of Kirkwood & Sons LLP, a board member of Sino Geophysical, a shareholder in Yeepay and an adviser on energy matters to KW&Co.

Tom is fluent in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese and his interests include family time, oil and gas exploration, geophysics, fly-fishing, ice hockey and tennis. Tom and his wife Kate have been involved in co-sponsoring China’s first private charity for the blind (The Bright Angel Fund) and are active supporters of the Peace Corps and Special Olympics in China.

Our Team David Armstrong Senior Adviser

David Armstrong

Board Advisor
Our Team David Armstrong Senior Adviser
David Armstrong

Board Advisor

J. David Armstrong, Jr. is the sixth president of Broward College, one of the largest and most diverse institutions in America, with 63,000 students across 11 campuses and centers in South Florida. With more than 33 years of experience as a state and national leader in higher education and economic development, President Armstrong recently celebrated ten years leading the College.

With a strong commitment to the community, a business owner’s understanding of the evolving workforce landscape and the changing role of higher education, President Armstrong has led a redesign of the College to focus on new programs that better address skills gaps for students and employers. Several workforce bachelor’s degrees, for example, have been added in the fields of information technology, nursing, supply chain management, education, and aerospace science.

President Armstrong serves in a variety of positions with non-profit, workforce and educational organizations. He is currently the co-chair for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance Six Pillars Economic Program and serves on the Board of Directors for the Broward Workshop, the Broward College Foundation, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), Fulbright Scholar Program. He is also past chairman of Leadership Florida and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

United States
Our Team Marcus Shapiro Board Advisor

Marcus Shapiro

Board Advisor
Our Team Marcus Shapiro Board Advisor
Marcus Shapiro

Board Advisor

After practising as a corporate lawyer with CMS in London, Marcus Shapiro pursued a 25 year investment banking career with Charterhouse Bank, Crédit Commercial de France and HSBC in London and New York, and ran his own M&A advisory firm, Amethyst Corporate Finance, prior to immigrating to Canada in 2014.  Since then, he has pursued a variety of roles assisting growth companies achieve their objectives, including serving as Chair of fintech company, Katipult Technology Corp (TSXV: FUND), and serving on the Advisory Boards of Bit Stew Systems Inc. (sold to GE for $200mm), NovoBind Livestock Therapeutics and SHM Controls, and he is currently Chair of the Advisory Board of Sikeleli Africa Safaris.  In addition, he has operated as a Trustee of the West Vancouver Memorial Library and as a Director of the West Vancouver Library Foundation, among his voluntary roles.

Our Team Luise Schafer OBE Senior Adviser

Luise Schafer OBE

Senior Advisor
Our Team Luise Schafer OBE Senior Adviser
Luise Schafer OBE

Senior Advisor

Luise Schafer is a senior international executive with 30 years’ professional experience of China. A literate and fluent Chinese speaker, completing postgraduate studies in Beijing in 1983, she is a sought-after commentator on China’s business environment. Her early career included positions at American and Japanese technology firms in Beijing, followed by a Consultancy role assisting British companies break into the China market. A stint as First Secretary, Commercial at the Embassy in Beijing in the 1990′s allowed Luise to lead on a broad commercial portfolio, building UK-China partnerships across a range of key industries and ministries. She successfully led on the visit of the British Deputy Prime Minister in 1996 in the run-up to Hong Kong’s handover and brought to signature an important bilateral maritime treaty opening up huge commercial opportunities to UK shipping.

Latterly head hunted into the Abacus Group, as Vice Chairman of Abacus’s China operations she grew the business and brand significantly over 15 years, in China and E. Asia, and in 2010 delivered on a new, larger greenfield design/manufacturing facility in Shanghai.

Luise is the immediate past-Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and has held a number of other board positions, in the past, including Vice Chair at The 48 Group. She was honored at the Chinese Embassy in London in 2010 with an award acknowledging her deep contribution to Sino-British relations.

Luise was honoured with an OBE in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for services to British business in China.

Our Team Rachel Criso PHD Senior Adviser

Rachael Criso, PhD

Senior Advisor
Our Team Rachel Criso PHD Senior Adviser
Rachael Criso, PhD

Senior Advisor

In her role within the LSA Opportunity Hub at the University of Michigan, Rachael leads the Global Opportunities team that strives to provide quality international work and volunteer experiences for students enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Rachael sources international internships in over 20 countries, often connecting students with international UM alumni who serve as local mentors. Rachael is expanding the program to include: English as a Second Language training workshops, the Touchdown Series (survival language and culture instruction for departing interns), and Global Immersions (group visits to Global UM alumni in their workspace to learn about their industry). Rachael maintains strong ties with colleagues, partners, and UM alumni across the global in order to enhance the experiential component of the University of Michigan undergraduate experience.

Rachael has been placing UM students in international internships since 2001; 140 were placed summer 2016 and the projection for 2017 is 200+.  Having placed more than 500 students, she has witnessed how adaptable and effective liberal arts undergraduates can be in off-campus, out-of-country, out-of-comfort zone work situations; and how much they can learn from these transformative experiences.

Rachael also serves as a faculty member in the UM Romance Languages & Literatures department, teaching courses in Business French. In addition, she has developed the curriculum for two UM internship classes that prepare students to live and work abroad, connecting the practical experience they will gain with their undergraduate studies and career path.

Our Team Symone Sanders Senior Adviser

Symone D. Sanders

Senior Advisor
Our Team Symone Sanders Senior Adviser
Symone D. Sanders

Senior Advisor

Symone D. Sanders is a strategist who served as the youngest presidential press secretary on record for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Symone was featured on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 16 young Americans shaping the 2016 election. As a CRCC Asia Beijing Program Alumni, Symone has a deep understanding of the intern experience, providing key insight in her role as a Senior Adviser.

A communicator with a passion for juvenile justice, Symone is the former chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee and former member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice. While serving on the committees, Symone worked to bring millennial perspectives to policy conversations. Now, Symone draws from her experience on the national stage to provide perceptive analysis and results-oriented problem solving on political and social issues. Through her work, Symone challenges the conventional wisdom that strong communities are only defined by what we have in common. Instead, she outlines the way our differences contribute to effective social movements and impactful media narratives.

Symone has been featured on NPR, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, BET, TV One and currently can be seen on CNN as a Political Commentator. She has been profiled in the Washington Post, the New Yorker, ESSENCE Magazine and ELLE.


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