DA Global builds the infrastructure, tools, and partnerships that connect global engagement to student retention, career readiness, and institutional impact. DA Global is a student success organization that leverages global engagement to achieve institutional priorities. We work at the intersection of global engagement strategy and operations — helping institutions build the capacity to make global learning measurable, scalable, and connected to the outcomes that matter most. Who We Are DA Global is a strategic advisor and operational partner for higher education. We work across the institution — not only global education offices — to make global learning a driver of student outcomes. Our network includes institutions, global education organizations, and the professionals who work across both. Our Goals Our work is build around three questions: How do we scale access to global opportunities across the entire student population — and build the preparation infrastructure to support full participation and reduce institutional risk? How are we strategically connecting global engagement to the outcomes institutions are being measured on? Retention, persistence, first destination success. How do we build the cross-campus collaboration that makes global learning a shared institutional priority? Become an Impact Partner 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 Community We cultivate a sense of community and belonging across cultures, identities, and geographies. DA Global partners are united by a shared commitment to advancing student success, workforce readiness, and institutional impact through inclusive global education. Curiosity We are lifelong learners, driven by a desire to grow. We actively seek new ideas, perspectives, and skills—embracing change and challenging assumptions to stay responsive in the evolving landscapes of higher education and society Impact-Driven Our work is rooted in a clear framework—awareness, assessment, action, and accountability. We pursue programs and partnerships that are evidence-informed, mission-aligned, and focused on delivering measurable impact for students, institutions, and communities through global education. Inclusive Access We champion inclusive access to global education by addressing barriers and advancing strategies that ensure all individuals can meaningfully engage, thrive, and benefit from transformative global learning experiences Innovation We are mission-driven and embrace forward-thinking solutions that respond to global trends and the evolving needs of education, as well as the public and private sectors. By leveraging technology, diverse perspectives, and collaborative creativity, we co-create innovative strategies that drive student success and institutional impact. Professionalism We lead with respect, humility, and accountability. Grounded in deep expertise, we strive for excellence in every interaction—delivering high-quality content, services, and experiences that reflect our commitment to impact and integrity. 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 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.
