Melanie Koenderman

Melanie Koenderman is a Partner at Cross Borders Education Group, an organization that supports higher education institutions in developing innovative global programs.1 Her background and expertise make her well-suited for this role:

Professional Experience

Melanie has a diverse career spanning diplomacy, education, and international program development:

• Foreign Service Officer: She worked for the Government of Canada, drafting international student immigration policy and serving in diplomatic posts across South and Southeast Asia and Europe.1

• Dean of Students: For 15 years, Melanie served as the founding Dean of Students at two institutions:

  1. Quest University Canada (Canada's first secular, not-for-profit university)
  2. Schwarzman Scholars Master's Degree fellowship program at Tsinghua University in Beijing1

In these roles, she developed and implemented various programs and policies shaping the student experience, including housing, health and wellness, orientation, language programs, student governance, and leadership development initiatives.1

Education and Training

• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from McMaster University
• Bachelor of Education in secondary school teaching from the University of Ottawa
• Master of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Leadership coaching training from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute1

Current Role

As a Partner at Cross Borders Education Group, Melanie collaborates with educational institutions and foundations in Canada and abroad to design, deliver, and implement programs and policies.2 Her work focuses on helping institutions navigate challenges while remaining true to their mission, values, and stakeholders.1

Melanie's expertise in cross-cultural competence and global dialogue makes her particularly valuable in fostering environments that enhance institutions' global aspirations.1