A Conversation with Carmen Pitz (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Recipient of the Lily von Klemperer Award
Interviewer: Dr. Christina "Chris" Thompson, EAKC Chair Elect, Founder & Managing Director, COMPEAR Global Education Network
Christina:
Welcome, Carmen, and congratulations on receiving this year's Lily von Klemperer Award. Before we begin, I'd like to share a few words from your nomination letters:
"Carmen does not just volunteer, she strengthens people, builds community, and leaves every space better than she found it. Through her leadership, mentorship, and steady commitment to others, she has created environments where professionals feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow. Her impact extends far beyond titles or formal roles; it is reflected in the confidence, connection, and momentum she helps cultivate in those around her."
It is truly an honor to speak with you today, and thank you for everything you've contributed to our field.
Let's begin with this question:
What people, moments, or disruptions most shaped your path into global education, and how do they influence how you lead today?
Carmen:
Thank you so much. It's truly an honor, and a bit humbling, to hear those words.
When I think about the people who have influenced my career, there are so many. My current supervisor, Susan Lochner-Atkinson, was a tremendous encouragement in helping me become involved with NAFSA through volunteer leadership. I also think about Emily, our former Regional Liaison Coordinator, who took the time to talk with me about leadership opportunities and the ways I could contribute.
Beyond that, I think about the many regional liaisons and colleagues I've worked alongside over the years. Each of them has taught me something valuable.
The common thread I've carried forward is the importance of inviting people in.
The leaders who have influenced me most didn't simply lead by example, they intentionally brought others along with them. They've reminded people of the strengths they already possess and helped them recognize what they have to offer. That's the kind of leadership I strive to practice every day: paying it forward and creating opportunities for others to grow.
Christina:
Your leadership was recognized not simply as participation, but as field-sustaining leadership, leadership that strengthens the very infrastructure of global education.
Why does giving back to this field matter to you at this point in your career?
Carmen:
For me, it always comes back to the transformational power of education abroad.
When I studied abroad, it completely changed my worldview. It was the first time I had ever owned a passport. It was the first time I had ever flown on an airplane. Looking back, I don't even know where that courage came from, except that professors and mentors believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
That experience shaped who I became.
Before working in international education, I spent many years as a Spanish teacher, and I often think about the impact my former students are having on the world today. Now I have the opportunity to continue paying that forward by helping students discover experiences that may completely reshape how they see themselves and others.
Especially during challenging times, it's more important than ever to bring diverse voices together and create opportunities that expand students' understanding of the world.
Christina:
You've been an active NAFSA volunteer for many years.
How have professional communities like NAFSA supported your journey, and how can we continue strengthening those spaces for others?
Carmen:
NAFSA has supported me in countless ways.
Whether serving as a Regional Liaison, participating in Advocacy Day, or reconnecting with colleagues I've met throughout my career, NAFSA has continually provided opportunities to learn from others and build meaningful professional relationships.
One of the things I appreciate most is that these communities allow us to share ideas instead of reinventing the wheel.
At UW–Madison, I'm fortunate to work with a wonderful team, but I also recognize that many colleagues work in one-person offices or juggle multiple international education responsibilities. Professional communities become incredibly valuable support systems for those individuals.
I think we strengthen these spaces by continuing to invite people into them.
That means making introductions, encouraging colleagues to present, reminding people that they already have valuable expertise to share, and helping new professionals feel like they belong. Sometimes all someone needs is another person saying, "You should do this, you have something important to contribute."
Christina:
I've always appreciated that welcoming spirit you've brought to our profession.
What is one area where you think global education has an opportunity to think differently or do things better?
Carmen:
Education is always evolving, and I think that's one of its greatest strengths.
I'm genuinely excited about the possibilities AI presents. It can certainly help us work more efficiently and even help us rethink how we approach certain aspects of our work.
But at the same time, there are parts of education that must remain deeply human.
Much of my day is spent reassuring students who are navigating uncertainty, anxiety, and an increasingly complex world. Technology can support that work, but it cannot replace empathy, trust, and human connection.
As we continue embracing new technologies, I hope we remain intentional about preserving those human touchpoints that help students feel supported and confident.
Christina:
I appreciate that perspective. Technology may enhance our work, but it can't replace relationships.
Looking ahead,
What opportunities for growth do you see for global education over the next five to ten years?
Carmen:
It's hard to predict exactly what the future will look like.
What I do know is that people will always crave human connection.
The importance of engaging with people across cultures isn't going away. If anything, I think it will become even more important.
It will certainly be interesting to see how borders, mobility, and international travel evolve over the next decade. But regardless of those changes, the need for meaningful dialogue, diplomacy, and relationship-building will remain.
We've all experienced tremendous disruption over the past several years. One of our responsibilities moving forward is helping students relearn how to engage in thoughtful conversations, navigate differences respectfully, and grow from one another's perspectives.
Those are skills our world needs now more than ever.
Christina:
You mentioned diplomacy, and I couldn't agree more.
As global education evolves, and as policies and mobility continue to shift, I also hope we continue expanding opportunities beyond traditional destinations. Europe remains incredibly important, but there are extraordinary learning opportunities throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions that deserve greater attention.
Carmen:
Absolutely.
One of the things that excites me most is the opportunity to learn from new voices entering our profession.
We have valuable experience to share, but we also have so much to learn from new colleagues, their ideas, perspectives, and new ways of thinking.
Those conversations are where innovation happens, and I think the future of global education will be stronger because of them.
Christina:
Carmen, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and insights today.
Your leadership reminds us that some of the most meaningful contributions happen through mentorship, encouragement, and creating spaces where others can thrive. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition, and I look forward to celebrating with you at the awards ceremony.
Carmen:
Thank you so much. It truly means a great deal.