Sophia Iliakis-Doherty, associate dean of international programs and PDSO of Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Wash., is the new 2022 president of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC). This elected position represents the second phase of her three-year leadership commitment to the growing organization.
Iliakis-Doherty is primed to play a vital role in advancing AIRC’s influence as a champion of international students and the educational institutions and agencies with whom they engage. Most recently, she co-chaired the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, which resulted in a formalized DEI Declaration and a strategic partnership with Diversity Abroad, a global community specializing in DEI for students living around the world. It is now her priority to help ensure these critical ideals are fully integrated throughout the organization and its work with its members.
“I’m thrilled to see Sophia extend important messages about diversity, equity, and inclusion to the broader international recruitment industry,” said Peninsula College president Dr. Luke Robins. “There is no doubt that our college is a better institution because of our diverse population of learners. For this reason, and the greater community at large, we prioritize practices that close equity gaps in enrollment and academic achievement, be they on campus or through our support of organizations like AIRC.”
In addition to DEI efforts, Iliakis-Doherty will focus on further expanding AIRC’s leadership within the international enrollment community, particularly fostering national support for international education through collaboration among the public and private sectors.
“Sophia is a visionary whose work is helping reinforce the United States’ reputation as a country welcoming to international students. The goals she’s setting for AIRC, and the larger connections she’s bringing, are critical for our industry,” said AIRC executive director Brian Whalen.
Iliakis-Doherty has been with Peninsula College for 14 years and is a proud graduate of Gonzaga University, having earned bachelor’s degrees in Public Relations and Italian Language and Culture, and a master’s in Communication and Leadership, with an emphasis in community college instruction. She has served AIRC in numerous positions, including chair of the Certification Committee.
“Anytime I see a challenge, I see an opportunity. Diversity keeps us strong, relevant, and useful. We worked hard to establish a clear, thoughtful, and formal DEI declaration as an organization. And it’s through this lens we will grow and strengthen AIRC’s services and partnerships. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be in this position at this moment,” said Iliakis-Doherty.