About Us

Our team is a passionate and diverse group of individuals committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all. With a shared dedication to promoting intercultural understanding, equity, and social justice, our staff members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and empathy to our work. As advocates for diversity and inclusion, we are here to support, guide, and empower you throughout your ODU journey. Get to know the faces behind our mission, and let us walk alongside you as we cultivate a community where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.

University Staff

Director

Rachawan "Aey" Wongtrirat began her career in international education as a Program Officer for Education and Advising Services and served as the EducationUSA advisor at the Institute for International Education (IIE), Southeast Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand. As the Director for International Initiatives, Rachawan oversees the comprehensive function of the unit which aims to integrate international, global, and intercultural dimensions that provide impactful global learning and engagement opportunities for members of the campus community. Additionally, Rachawan leads the assessment functions for the office and oversees OIR's engagement activities which include website management, social media, marketing & outreach activities. Rachawan co-authored the International Student Engagement: Strategies for Creating Inclusive, Connected and Purposeful Campus Environments which provides an analysis of the academic and social integration of international students on U.S. campuses and how their presence can be leveraged for an enriched experience for all. In addition to her role at Old Dominion, Rachawan has served as the Co-Chair for NAFSA: Association of International Educators' Foreign-Born International Educator MIG.

Director Of Intercultural Relations Intercultural Relations

Assistant Director for International Initiatives

Sofia Calicchio (she/her) recently received a Master's in International Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University, focusing her research on decolonial theory, civil society and feminist advocacy, and youth mobilization through solidarity. As a young professional, her experience includes working on advocacy and research on mapping gender-based violence, engaging in digital activism with a focus on social development, and in-person NGO advocacy at the United Nations. She has also worked for the Peace Operations Training Institute and Red Dot Foundation-Safecity during her time as a graduate student. Sofia has been actively involved in community organizing, and spearheading programming on-campus that is aimed at educating the student body on different identities, cultures, and life experiences. Sofia served as the President of the Global Monarch Club (GMC) and the Chair of Student Life and Cultural Integration committee on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) during her time as a graduate student at Old Dominion University. In her free time, Sofia enjoys napping, eating good food, and going on adventures with her partner and their cat. 

Assistant Director for International Initiatives Intercultural Relations

Director

Rachawan "Aey" Wongtrirat began her career in international education as a Program Officer for Education and Advising Services and served as the EducationUSA advisor at the Institute for International Education (IIE), Southeast Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand. As the Director for International Initiatives, Rachawan oversees the comprehensive function of the unit which aims to integrate international, global, and intercultural dimensions that provide impactful global learning and engagement opportunities for members of the campus community. Additionally, Rachawan leads the assessment functions for the office and oversees OIR's engagement activities which include website management, social media, marketing & outreach activities. Rachawan co-authored the International Student Engagement: Strategies for Creating Inclusive, Connected and Purposeful Campus Environments which provides an analysis of the academic and social integration of international students on U.S. campuses and how their presence can be leveraged for an enriched experience for all. In addition to her role at Old Dominion, Rachawan has served as the Co-Chair for NAFSA: Association of International Educators' Foreign-Born International Educator MIG.

Director Of Intercultural Relations Intercultural Relations

Assistant Director for International Initiatives

Sofia Calicchio (she/her) recently received a Master's in International Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University, focusing her research on decolonial theory, civil society and feminist advocacy, and youth mobilization through solidarity. As a young professional, her experience includes working on advocacy and research on mapping gender-based violence, engaging in digital activism with a focus on social development, and in-person NGO advocacy at the United Nations. She has also worked for the Peace Operations Training Institute and Red Dot Foundation-Safecity during her time as a graduate student. Sofia has been actively involved in community organizing, and spearheading programming on-campus that is aimed at educating the student body on different identities, cultures, and life experiences. Sofia served as the President of the Global Monarch Club (GMC) and the Chair of Student Life and Cultural Integration committee on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) during her time as a graduate student at Old Dominion University. In her free time, Sofia enjoys napping, eating good food, and going on adventures with her partner and their cat. 

Assistant Director for International Initiatives Intercultural Relations

Graduate Assistants

Graduate Assistant for Latine Initiatives

Mariela Romero

Mariela Romero is originally from Escondido, California and she moved to Hampton Roads in 2016. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2022 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Mariela enjoys reading, playing video games, playing with her dog, taking naps, and relaxing at the beach or park.

As the graduate assistant for Latine Initiatives, Mariela hopes to encourage fellow Latine first generation college students to take care of their mental wellness while also supporting them on their journey to reaching their full potential. She also hopes to promote Hispanic/Latine student success by offering resources on campus. Email Mariela >

Graduate Assistant for the International Initiatives

Amulya Sai Jonnalagadda

Amulya Sai Jonnalagadda is from India. She is currently pursuing her masters in Computer Science. She is the founder of a social action project called Kratu which focuses on developing English and public speaking skills for adolescents and has been volunteering in many non-profit organizations in her home country. She also worked as a facilitator for one year in Arts and Craft. She likes to socialize and learn about other cultures. She was a Liaison for International Student Advisory Board and a student leader at Global Student Friendship. She likes to Travel, read books, Gardening, running, Arts and Craft and playing basketball.

Graduate Assistant for Latine Initiatives

Mariela Romero

Mariela Romero is originally from Escondido, California and she moved to Hampton Roads in 2016. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2022 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Mariela enjoys reading, playing video games, playing with her dog, taking naps, and relaxing at the beach or park.

As the graduate assistant for Latine Initiatives, Mariela hopes to encourage fellow Latine first generation college students to take care of their mental wellness while also supporting them on their journey to reaching their full potential. She also hopes to promote Hispanic/Latine student success by offering resources on campus. Email Mariela >

Graduate Assistant for the International Initiatives

Amulya Sai Jonnalagadda

Amulya Sai Jonnalagadda is from India. She is currently pursuing her masters in Computer Science. She is the founder of a social action project called Kratu which focuses on developing English and public speaking skills for adolescents and has been volunteering in many non-profit organizations in her home country. She also worked as a facilitator for one year in Arts and Craft. She likes to socialize and learn about other cultures. She was a Liaison for International Student Advisory Board and a student leader at Global Student Friendship. She likes to Travel, read books, Gardening, running, Arts and Craft and playing basketball.

Intern

Paphawee Prupetkaew

Paphawee Prupetkaew is a PhD student studying Kinesiology & Rehabilitation sciences, Health Sciences college at ODU. She is originally from Thailand and came to the U.S. in 2022 to pursue her doctoral degree. Shortly after arriving at ODU, she joined the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) in spring 2022 and has been involved in the Housing & Public Safety committee as an ISAB Liaison. Being part of ISAB has given her valuable experience working with diverse groups of people. In her free time, Paphawee enjoys reading, traveling, and trying do new things. As an intern at the Office of International Relations, she hopes to gain extensive experience and connect with people from around the world.

Paphawee Prupetkaew

Paphawee Prupetkaew is a PhD student studying Kinesiology & Rehabilitation sciences, Health Sciences college at ODU. She is originally from Thailand and came to the U.S. in 2022 to pursue her doctoral degree. Shortly after arriving at ODU, she joined the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) in spring 2022 and has been involved in the Housing & Public Safety committee as an ISAB Liaison. Being part of ISAB has given her valuable experience working with diverse groups of people. In her free time, Paphawee enjoys reading, traveling, and trying do new things. As an intern at the Office of International Relations, she hopes to gain extensive experience and connect with people from around the world.

Student Engagement Team

Amya Marrow is a Sophomore at Old Dominion. She is currently majoring in Exercise Science in hopes of becoming an Athletic Trainer. She is from Georgia but moved over to Richmond while young. She is a first- generation student as it has been her hopes to attend college since an adolescent. Amya likes to spend her free time appreciating nature, cooking, and doing creative activities. Amya is the Vice President of Black Student Alliance at ODU & loves to volunteer on campus. As an Intercultural Engagement assistant Amya is excited about the opportunity to help guide students to the correct resources and learn about various cultures. Email Amya >

Intercultural Engagement Assistant

Nicolas Paul

Nicolas Paul is a Sophomore student at Old Dominion University and is majoring in Computer Engineering. He is originally from Germany. Through his mother's work in the German military, Nicolas was able to fulfill his dream to study in the U.S. and earned his high school diploma from Virginia Beach before he joined ODU.

As an international student, Nicolas can relate to students who have challenges when they first arrive in a foreign country. He appreciates the support and experience he has gained in the U.S. and at ODU and is eager to share his experience and assist others. Nicolas joined the International Student Advisory Board in the Fall of 2022 and is right now the chair of Public Relations. Nicolas hopes by joining ISAB he can increase his skills in leadership and communication.

Through his role as the Intercultural Engagement Assistant, Nicolas utilizes his skills and friendly manner to welcome, assist, and engage with the Monarch community. During his free time, Nicolas enjoys playing table tennis, badminton, and soccer, and he likes to go to the gym. His dream is to become a successful programmer and help many people in the future!

Graphic Designer

Hind Al Saffar

Hind Al Saffar is a junior undergraduate student studying graphic design at ODU. She was born in Iraq, then moved to the United States at the age of seven. She loves spending time with family and friends who encourage her to do many great things and conquer challenges. She is an organized and well-balanced individual who considerably shares that experience with others. Her hobbies include art, cooking, singing, and playing the piano whenever she has the chance. In the future, she hopes to have found OIR helpful in terms of her getting the dream job of a product designer at a high-end technological company. She is grateful to have been given this position so early in her career and hopes to gain as much experience as possible to achieve her goals.

Amya Marrow is a Sophomore at Old Dominion. She is currently majoring in Exercise Science in hopes of becoming an Athletic Trainer. She is from Georgia but moved over to Richmond while young. She is a first- generation student as it has been her hopes to attend college since an adolescent. Amya likes to spend her free time appreciating nature, cooking, and doing creative activities. Amya is the Vice President of Black Student Alliance at ODU & loves to volunteer on campus. As an Intercultural Engagement assistant Amya is excited about the opportunity to help guide students to the correct resources and learn about various cultures. Email Amya >

Intercultural Engagement Assistant

Nicolas Paul

Nicolas Paul is a Sophomore student at Old Dominion University and is majoring in Computer Engineering. He is originally from Germany. Through his mother's work in the German military, Nicolas was able to fulfill his dream to study in the U.S. and earned his high school diploma from Virginia Beach before he joined ODU.

As an international student, Nicolas can relate to students who have challenges when they first arrive in a foreign country. He appreciates the support and experience he has gained in the U.S. and at ODU and is eager to share his experience and assist others. Nicolas joined the International Student Advisory Board in the Fall of 2022 and is right now the chair of Public Relations. Nicolas hopes by joining ISAB he can increase his skills in leadership and communication.

Through his role as the Intercultural Engagement Assistant, Nicolas utilizes his skills and friendly manner to welcome, assist, and engage with the Monarch community. During his free time, Nicolas enjoys playing table tennis, badminton, and soccer, and he likes to go to the gym. His dream is to become a successful programmer and help many people in the future!

Graphic Designer

Hind Al Saffar

Hind Al Saffar is a junior undergraduate student studying graphic design at ODU. She was born in Iraq, then moved to the United States at the age of seven. She loves spending time with family and friends who encourage her to do many great things and conquer challenges. She is an organized and well-balanced individual who considerably shares that experience with others. Her hobbies include art, cooking, singing, and playing the piano whenever she has the chance. In the future, she hopes to have found OIR helpful in terms of her getting the dream job of a product designer at a high-end technological company. She is grateful to have been given this position so early in her career and hopes to gain as much experience as possible to achieve her goals.