About DA Global Access Network
DA Global Access Network—DA Global—is an educational consortium and strategic partner advancing access to global opportunities. For nearly two decades, we’ve been a trusted advisor to higher education institutions, nonprofits, private sector companies, and government agencies. Together, we drive institutional impact and prepare students and professionals with the global competencies to succeed—academically, professionally, and as engaged citizens.
Who We Are
DA Global is a leader in connecting global education directly to student achievement, career readiness, and institutional success. Through our extensive network of educators, policymakers, and employers, we provide innovative solutions and actionable insights that support student success, strengthen professional growth, and drive organizational effectiveness worldwide. With our partners, we advance three key goals:
- Leverage Global Opportunities as a Driver to Success: Promote global education as a driver for student success, professional growth, and organizational impact.
- Broaden Access to Global Education: Advance strategies that ensure access to the benefits of global education for all students.
- Recruit and Retain Talented Professionals: Elevate practices that increase professional access to the international education sector and promote belonging in the workplace.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Empower success through access to global opportunities in education and careers.
Our Vision
A society where all individuals have access to the educational, interpersonal, and professional opportunities needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
Our Purpose
We connect organizations to the people, insights, and tools that maximize the impact global engagement has on their stakeholders’ success.
Our Team

Andrew Gordon
CEO & Founder

Lily López-McGee
Senior Advisor

Claudio Castaneda
Director of Content & Programs

Eden Taylor
Community Engagement Manager

Victoria Pope
Director of Operations

Nicole Tobias Aibar
Marketing & Administrative Assistant
Advisory Council

Brian Whalen
The University at Albany
International Education Leadership Fellow

Charu Thakral, PhD
University of Illinois Chicago
Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Engagement

Gbemi Disu
Northeastern University
Vice President – Global Network Expansion

Jill E. Blondin
Virginia Commonwealth University
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives

Kalpen Trivedi
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Vice Provost for Global Affairs

Tia McNair, Ph.D.
Sova
Partner

Kara A. Godwin
Senior Global Fellow
Pomona College

Mark Lenhart
CET Academic Programs
Executive Director – Vice President, ATA

Sherif Barsoum
New York University
Senior Associate VP Global Services
Our Story
DA Global Access Network was founded as Diversity Abroad. For nearly two decades, Diversity Abroad set the standard for expanding access to global education, ensuring that students from all backgrounds could benefit from international learning experiences. While our scope has expanded with DA Global Access Network, our commitment to leveraging access to global education to achieve success for all students and greater institutional impact remains unwavering.
Our Values
Global Opportunity For All Students
At DA Global, we believe the full impact of global education is only realized when students from all backgrounds can access, participate in, and take full advantage of the rich opportunities – academic, personal, and professional – afforded through meaningful global learning.
About Our Name
Our name reflects the full breadth of our vision, mission, and purpose. Global Access Network underscores our commitment to expanding access to global learning and its transformative impact on all students, institutions, and communities.
DA stands for Diversified Action—an approach rooted in the understanding that every institution, organization, and professional operates within unique contexts. Factors such as size, location, culture, and mission shape their priorities, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Diversified Action reflects our commitment to working across institution and organization type, using tailored strategies and insights to support the integration of global education into student and institutional success efforts.
