At iCEP, we know that international student success flourishes when advisors bring passion, energy, and clarity to every interaction. Our iCEP Advisor Spotlight 2026 series celebrates graduates of the iCEP 1.0: Cross-Cultural Advisor Academy who embody these qualities, boosting student confidence and turning insights into meaningful action.
Today, we are proud to spotlight Nina Roa, an iCEP Academy graduate whose dynamic approach to cross-cultural advising creates real impact for students.
– Nina Roa
Associate Director for Career Development and
Placement at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Background and Commitment to International Student Success
Nina currently serves as the Associate Director for Career Development and Placement at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, supporting students across master’s and PhD programs. Many of these programs enroll a significant number of international students.
Her passion shines in every interaction. Nina is continually inspired by students’ dedication, eagerness to learn, and drive to contribute meaningfully to their communities. She deeply admires the courage it takes for students to pursue advanced education far from home and channels her energy to guide them confidently along their career paths
Why iCEP Academy: Strengthening Cultural Intention and Awareness
Nina joined the iCEP Academy: Cross-Cultural Advisor Academy to strengthen her ability to serve international students with intentionality, cultural awareness, and proactive energy.
Recognizing the unique challenges international students face, Nina aimed to expand her advising toolkit and integrate strategies that empower, motivate, and illuminate the path forward. Through the iCEP Academy, she has enhanced her ability to create meaningful, culturally responsive experiences that leave students confident and inspired.
Translating iCEP Academy Learning Into Real-Life Advising
For Nina, the iCEP Academy has been both inspiring and affirming. The engaging content and high-quality resources energized her approach to advising. She quickly implemented strategies in her daily work, bringing a spark of innovation and encouragement to her interactions with students.
The iCEP Academy also validated her existing practices, giving her the confidence to amplify her natural energy, insight, and encouragement to support students more effectively than ever.
Advice for Advisors Considering iCEP Academy
Nina encourages other advisors to embrace the iCEP Academy for the chance to energize their practice and enhance their impact. She highlights the self-paced structure, diverse resources, and real-world applicability of strategies that allow advisors to ignite positive change for international students.
For her, the iCEP Academy was not only about expanding skills but also about fueling the inner drive that inspires meaningful, culturally responsive advising.
Why Nina’s Story Matters
Nina Roa’s journey illustrates how advisors can combine passion, warmth, and energy with cross-cultural insights to empower international students. By pairing knowledge with genuine engagement, she helps students feel seen, supported, and confident in pursuing their academic and professional career goals.
Her work reminds us that effective cross-cultural advising is about more than strategies—it is about bringing light, energy, and inspiration to every interaction.
Stay tuned for more stories in our iCEP Advisor Spotlight 2026 series, where we celebrate advisors shaping the future of international student success through intentional and inspiring practice.
