Meet The Team

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Raised on the East Coast, I found my home in Miami in 2019 and have since fallen in love with the many cultures, beautiful nature and warm winters. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of North Florida and my Master’s in Global Politics from Malmö University.

What do you enjoy most about your role at FIU?
One reason I love working in International Admissions is because I was an exchange and international student in Spain, Germany, South Korea and Sweden. I love seeing students realize their dream of studying abroad! Now as an evaluator, I work with transcripts from nearly every country which keeps me learning about international education every single day.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working you can find me riding my bike, watering my plants, taking care of my cats, and planning my next international adventure.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a USMC veteran, and an FIU alumni. I have earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Information Technology. I am currently in graduate school, working towards my Master of Science in Higher Education Admin.

What do you enjoy most about your role at FIU?
I enjoy working with multiple departments across the school, and assisting them in order to have our international students show up to FIU and achieve their academic goals. It also helps to come to a beautiful campus when reporting for work!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy watching anime, reading fantasy/sci-fi books,  listening to music, playing dungeons & dragons.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello everyone, my name is Lynette Luis! Originally from Cuba, I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Havana University. My husband, two kids, and I went over to live in Chile and, seven years later, we travelled to the United States.  I joined the FIU staff almost 10 years ago as Program Assistant and clerical on UGS. I have been in Office of International Admissions for the past 4 years. I have passion for good design and decoration, I love creating things and doing arts and crafts. I am result-oriented in my daily work, finding what we need to do to accomplish it and constantly checking in with the goal to determine how close or far away we are from it. I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. A successful work day for me is when all tasks can be accomplished and you can solve various problems.

Favorite travel spot/where would you like to visit?
My favorite place I’ve traveled would have to be Chile because the landscape varieties and the sceneries breath taking. There is so much culture and tradition that is intertwined in every aspect of daily Chilean life that can be felt at the core of their being.

What do you enjoy most about your role at FIU?
My job offers a wide variety of opportunities. This brings varied work and challenging projects. The most rewarding aspect of my job is developing my skills and helping to foster the growth of my team

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I work in the international admissions office as an Enrollment Officer, primarily helping the staff in the FIU Global First Year program with H.S credential evaluating, immigration advisement and document processing. I’m also responsible for ensuring that the students who complete the pathway program have met the necessary requirements to advance to degree-seeking program in order to then process their registration.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Off work, I’m passionate about tennis and love to play every chance I get. Biking is another treat. Love to watch HGTV and try the do-it-yourself tips, which do not always come out right. The gardening tips have worked—mostly!

Tell us a little about yourself:
New to Miami, I am always eager to get out and explore this multicultural, vibrant, and sunny city! I grew up in New York and I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Peace & Justice from Villanova University in Philadelphia. I have always adored my past work with international and exchange students and feel privileged that FIU is now a part of my journey.

What do you enjoy most about your role at FIU?
I have been lucky enough to call many places across the world home. My international background living and working in places like London, Morocco, and China has taught me many skills that I bring to my work at FIU every day. Despite now working stateside, my role here as an evaluator keeps me feeling connected to the rest of the world while constantly learning more about international education. I love playing a part in students achieving their goals with FIU!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working I can be found at the thrift store getting an awesome deal, soaking up the sunshine at the beach with friends, or lusting after my next international travel adventure.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m originally from Miami, but my parents moved here after immigrating from Italy. I love being outdoors, and one of my personal goals is to visit every major National Park in the U.S. If we’re being honest…I’m also guilty of spending too much time indoors watching twitch streams- it’s called balance. As for education, I received both my undergrad and graduate degrees from FIU.

Describe a successful work day?
When traveling I consider it a success if I don’t lose my passport (which has happened in Denmark, India, Singapore, and Korea).  If I’m in the office, a successful day includes working with our evaluation team to admit future FIU students- it’s cool to experience both sides of the admissions process.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Head to the beach! Florida is the Sunshine State which means I can count on great weather. I’ve recently picked up running and biking so I spend a lot of time outdoors finding new paths and trails with my dog. Even if you’re not keen on an active lifestyle, there are still plenty of things to do in Miami. We have Miami Music Week for those interested in EDM (deep house/minimal are my favorites), Art Basel, the SOBE Wine and Food Festival, and so many other great events in the city year-round.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Italy, but my parents are originally from Albania. A small little country located in Eastern Europe. As a kid I found myself spending a lot of time traveling between Italy and Albania, and I believe that’s where my passion for travelling began. At the age of 14 I moved to the United State and since then my life has been filled with many great travel adventures! After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a major degree in International Relations and a double minor in Human Rights and French I was given the opportunity to work at FIU as an International Admission Recruiter. I feel fortunate that every day I can put my passions into the work that I do.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Being completely honest, there are only two sides of me. You are either going to find me working out at the gym or I’m at home taking a nap. Occasionally, when I feel bold enough to step out of my daily routine, I will be at the beach sunbathing. However, you will never catch me in the water. I don’t like getting wet, but I will spend hours under the sun.

Favorite travel spot/where would you like to visit?
Without a doubt the number 1 country on my travel bucket list is Botswana. Followed by Namibia, Uganda, Seychelles, Senegal, Tanzania, Kenya and pretty much all of Africa! Generally, I prefer visiting new places instead of going back to countries that I have already been to; however, I will always happily return to Thailand anytime I have the chance to. As my time there in 2019 was a complete life changing experience, Thailand will forever have a special spot in my heart.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Born and raised in Colombia, I moved to the United States when I was 15 years old. I have a majors degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from FIU.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family, watching Disney movies with my daughter and playing soccer whenever I can.

What do you enjoy most about your role at FIU?
I enjoy helping out students that literally come from all over the world start forging their dreams and every student in particular reminds me of myself when I started my academic career.

Tell us a little about yourself:
Hi there! My name is Marlee and I am a born and raised Georgia Peach. I attended the University of Georgia where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. I served with AmeriCorps as a College Success Coach at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently in the Higher Education Administration Master’s program here at FIU.

Favorite place you have visited/where would like to go next?
My favorite place that I have traveled is the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel. It may be silly, but my dream travel location is the island of Vis off of Croatia. It is best known as the filming location of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I am not working, you can typically find me going to team trivia with my friends, going to a baseball game, or checking something off of my Miami bucket list.