by Abu Arif
Yes, you heard it right. After an 18-month run and six episodes of inspiring dialogue, I have decided to end the Leadership Under Fire seminar series.
Some of you know me; others may not. I’m Abu Arif—son of a Bangladesh liberation war freedom fighter and a poet; husband to a very handsome man; brother to some annoying siblings; an uncle to half a dozen mischievous nephews and nieces; and a self-proclaimed best friend of my best friend. I write to you from the comfort of my home while listening to Meghero Gohonokale and debating whether to record my husband’s snoring. My home is situated on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk peoples, known as St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. I am a doctoral candidate and PhD Fellow at the Faculty of Education at Memorial University and an assistant editor of the Critical Internationalization Studies Review.
It was my honor to curate six episodes of the Leadership Under Fire seminar series—a journey through the rugged terrains of internationalization in higher education, where each episode critically examined leadership in international higher education. After several conversations with peers, mentors, and colleagues, I have decided to end this journey so that another can begin.
For the past six months, my heart, like many of yours, has been stirred by global crises. Everywhere I look, I see valleys of loss—bodies, trees, rivers, progressive ideas and policies, our joy, dreams, and faith in our ability to weave a different world. These moments have impelled me to shift my focus from shedding light on the complexities of leadership in the internationalization of higher education to exploring how we might cultivate joy and self-care while living out our purpose amid forces intent on division and despair.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” Her wisdom reminds us that resistance work need not be devoid of relational care or moments of joy. As a disobedient son, loving partner, occasionally annoying brother, fun uncle, and an unsure scholar navigating these complex intersections, I affirm that our struggles are interwoven with the necessity of healing, creativity, and deep connection. Stay tuned for a new series launching this summer, where we will continue exploring how to live our truths and cultivate hope and joy—even when we must organize for profound resistance.
Reflecting on the Journey
Our series was a vibrant platform for critical reflection and bold ideas throughout six episodes. Each session offered a unique perspective on the complexities of internationalization in higher education and its intersections with equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Episode One: In our inaugural session, we opened with a candid exploration of the “bruises and breezes” of international higher education. Esteemed voices—Dr. William Radford, Dr. Clayton Smith, and Ms. Kate Jennings—set the stage by sharing their diverse experiences, sparking a dialogue about the human cost and promise of internationalization. I asked everyone to bring popcorn, and the panelists gave you the real talk – Dr. Radford stirred controversy, Dr. Smith hung on to his usual balancing tactic, and Ms. Jennings – like a truly international education cadre – walked the rugged terrain as if it were a breezy sea beach. You can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIvYQ8FAaIk.
- Episode Two: This session focused on the lived experiences of international students and the persistent challenges of racism in academic settings. My dear friend and brilliant student advisor, Georginne Worley, hosted the event. Under the guidance of Priscilla Tsuasam, the conversation was enriched by the insightful contributions of Danai Bélanger and Rohene Boujram. The powerful opening by Dr. Shetina M. Jones will hook you right away, and what follows can be described as weaving strategies for how far the light can reach. Their combined perspectives underscored the necessity of deep listening and systemic change to dismantle barriers to inclusion and Black women leaders’ experience in the Canadian higher education system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqsXuPaH3VE&t
- Episode Three: A pivotal moment came in the third episode, as the series shifted its lens to grassroots movements within international higher education. With an inspiring opening from Dr. Sharon Stein and thoughtful moderation by Dr. Melissa Whatley, panelists Dr. Santiago Castiello, Dr. Jenna Mittelmeier, and CJ Tremblay illuminated how community-led initiatives can challenge entrenched norms and ignite transformative change. I hoped for greater live participation, but people wanted to listen to the recording instead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHVz3XrbME8
- Episode Four: The fourth episode broadened our perspective by engaging leaders of national and regional organizations lobbying for the internationalization of education. Moderated by Dr. Sonja Knutson, this session featured the powerful contributions of Dr. Dorothea Antonio of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Dr. Lavern Samuels of International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), and Vinitha Gengatharan of York University. Their insights reinforced that equitable leadership in international education requires collaboration across borders and sectors. Participants were not shy to ask difficult questions – yes, that which shall not be named – was named. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj50l6gSb4I&t
- Episode Five: Shifting the focus to student affairs, the fifth session showcased how universities integrate global perspectives into local contexts. Opening speaker Dr. Birgit Schreiber, President of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS), laid a great foundation by emphasizing that student success is everyone’s business. Denai Belanger returned once again (this time as Vice President of Student Affairs of Bishop University – yes, the light will go further than our imagination) and, joined by Dr. Ainsley Carry, discussed the infamous cap that has thrown the “greedy internationalization complex of Canada” into a whirlwind. No, they did not address the unsettling chuckling of the Canadian Minister of Immigration as he bulldozed the dreams of many international students, but they covered everything else. Dr. Christine Arnold—who moderated the session—posed challenging questions for all the popcorn lovers. Their insights painted a vivid picture of the evolving role of student affairs in supporting the diverse needs of both international and local student populations, especially during crises like the “year of sledgehammering.” The recording is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHVz3XrbME8
- Episode Six: In our final episode, the dialogue came full circle by examining the intersections of internationalization, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The panel discussion, framed by Rohene Boujram (yes, she came back this time to moderate the conversation), explored the pandemic’s complex aftermath alongside rising geopolitical tensions, evolving international funding and immigration policies, and recent U.S. policy shifts. Panelists Punita Lumb and Dr. Amie Mclean shared personal journeys that underscored the nuanced definitions of DEI/EDI and internationalization in higher education. They debated how institutional frameworks—from neoliberal risk management to visions of socially just communities—intersect with lived experiences, emphasizing the need for safe, authentic dialogue and critical, relational practices. The conversation also highlighted practical strategies, such as co-leadership and decolonial approaches, to bridge gaps between policy and practice, ultimately urging a collective, hopeful journey toward justice and inclusion. You can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLzjFiGCGzA&t
Looking Forward
The conclusion of this series is not an end but a transformative moment—a turning point that signals the beginning of new explorations. The insights shared across these sessions have profoundly enriched our understanding of international higher education leadership and have sown the seeds for future initiatives that will continue challenging the status quo and amplifying the voices working at the margins.
We thank every speaker, panelist, moderator, and participant who supported these sessions. Your contributions—whether through thoughtful dialogue, courageous storytelling, or innovative ideas—have been the lifeblood of this series.
As we close this chapter, we remain dedicated to reimagining higher education—a journey fueled by the courage to confront inequities and the collective will to create spaces of hope, joy, and transformative resistance.
Critical Internationalization Studies Network 