Learn more about ICAway, visit https://www.icaway.com/

In this special recap edition of Hope & Optimism, Kwan and Betsy come together to reflect on the powerful insights shared by our four recent guests—Dylan Rust, Fiona McEntee, Dr. Ling Gao LeBeau, and Dr. LaNitra Berger. From building belonging and navigating immigration challenges to implementing frameworks for student success and championing inclusion, each conversation added a new layer to our understanding of international student support.

🎙️ Hope & Optimism Podcast | Season 1 Finale

And just like that, we’ve arrived at the final episode of Season 1 of the Hope & Optimism podcast! Kwan, Betsy, and Dania wrap up the season with an inspiring conversation on how institutions can build stronger, more supportive communities for international students through fairness, equity, and inclusion.

🎧 This week’s special guest: Dr. LaNitra M. Berger—award-winning scholar, educator, and past President of NAFSA—joins us to explore how colleges and universities can foster belonging, break barriers, and advocate for justice in international education.

🗣️ From inclusive program design to strengthening cross-cultural connections on campus, Dr. Berger offers both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement for educators, advisors, and international students alike.

💡 Highlights include:

• How institutions can center fairness and access in student services

• Real-world strategies to support belonging and community

• Why hope is essential in shaping the future of international education

• Advice for international students navigating uncertainty and seeking belonging

Plus, we hear from an audience member with a powerful question about how to thrive in the U.S. despite feelings of exclusion—and close with key takeaways and a mindfulness reflection to carry forward.

🌍 No matter your role—student, advisor, or advocate—this episode is for you.
Let’s continue to build bridges of understanding, one conversation at a time.

🔗 Resources mentioned:
📘 "Social Justice and International Education" by Dr. LaNitra M. Berger
🌐 NAFSA.org for articles, webinars, and advocacy tools

#HopeAndOptimism #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #InclusionMatters

Learn more at ICAway.com 🌐

In this inspiring episode of Hope & Optimism, we sit down with Dr. Ling Gao LeBeau to explore her powerful 5 Pillar framework for supporting international students. From academic success to career development, Ling shares stories, strategies, and insights that help students thrive in the U.S. and beyond.

🎓 Discover what truly matters in international student support
🌍 Learn how cultural understanding can transform advising
💡 Be inspired by Ling’s journey and her optimistic approach to change

Whether you're an advisor, educator, or advocate, this episode will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to support global talent on your campus.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

#InternationalStudents #ICAwayCoaching #HigherEd #StudentSupport #HopeAndOptimism

For more information, visit: https://www.icaway.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by international students, particularly focusing on the emotional and legal hurdles that arise from visa revocations and the increasing concerns around AI surveillance.

About Fiona McEntee.

Fiona is the founding and managing attorney at McEntee Law Group, a nationally recognized immigration firm based in Chicago. She’s an award-winning lawyer, a passionate advocate for startups and creatives, and a leading expert on O-1 visas, EB-1A green cards, and pathways that help international talent build their futures in the U.S. She’s also the author of Our American Dream, a children’s book that celebrates immigrants and her second book- U.S. Immigration Options for Startups: Accelerate Your American Dream.

Today, she’s here to talk with us not only about the challenges—but about the hope, advocacy, and resilience that define the international student journey in 2025.

In this inaugural episode of Hope & Optimism, host Kwan Segal, founder of ICAway, is joined by co-hosts Betsy and Dania for an important conversation with Dylan Rust, a leader in international student inclusion at Northern Arizona University.

Together, they explore:

• How a sense of belonging drives student retention and success

• The impact of hope and optimism during times of uncertainty

• Real-world stories of international students overcoming challenges

• The evolving landscape of global talent and student support

• Practical strategies for supporting students facing immigration stress

Dylan also answers a powerful listener question on navigating the job market with visa uncertainty, and Dania closes the episode with a simple mindfulness practice for staying grounded in hope.

✨ Whether you're in student services, advising, or simply passionate about supporting international students—this episode is for you.

👉 Subscribe at icaway.com/subscribe and follow along with #ICAwayCoaching

Welcome to the very first episode of the Hope & Optimism podcast, a space where international student advocates, experts, and changemakers come together to build a more supportive, resilient future.

In this pilot episode, host Kwan Segal, founder of ICAway and a dedicated career coach for international students, introduces the heart behind this podcast and is joined by two powerhouse co-hosts:

Betsy Cohen is a respected leader and longtime advocate for immigrants and international talent. As the founding Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, she spent over a decade advancing the region’s growth and inclusion efforts. Her visionary work has made a lasting impact on immigrant communities and positioned St. Louis as one of the most welcoming regions in the country. She is now a Philanthropic Futurist at FutureGood, the organization that helps leaders that do good for a living predict and shape the future through strategic insights and strategies for success.

We also have, Dania Javaid a Doctoral Fulbright Student and Instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose research on mindfulness and self-compassion representing the international student community.

🔗 Stay connected:
Subscribe at icaway.com/subscribe and follow us for future episodes.
Tell us what topics matter most to you—we’re in this together.