Ambassadorial Scholar 2005-2006
LISA REYNA

Lisa Reyna of Houston, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gulfway/Hobby Airport, was selected by Rotary District 5890 as recipient of a 2005-2006 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship and plans to study the academic year at the United Nations’ University for Peace in San José, Costa Rica.

Lisa graduated Cum Laude from the University of Houston in May 2000. While at the University of Houston, Lisa was given the unique opportunity to work as a student assistant, teaching English as a Second Language, at the University of Houston’s Language and Culture Center (LCC). It was at the LCC where Lisa acquired her passion to work with students from all around the world. After teaching and advising, for over eight years and approximately 1,000 international students later, Lisa decided to pursue a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration/Cross-Cultural Studies from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor.

At the University of Michigan, Lisa worked as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Office of International Programs; working closely with students interested in studying abroad. After obtaining her Masters degree in 2003, Lisa worked with the Department of State- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs- Office of International Visitors. Here Lisa got to work closely with diplomats, delegates, and high-ranking international visitors, in addition to meeting President Bush, Senator Kerry, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and President Karzai of Afghanistan. Currently, Lisa is working with the Department of Agriculture Office of Higher Education Programs- Grant Allocation; collaborating with various universities and institutes interested in applying for government grants to further pursue the mission of the department.

Lisa is thrilled and honored to be a part of the Ambassadorial Scholarship program. She is especially excited about studying at a United Nations’ chartered university, particularly since it will entail a program where the demographics of the students are similar to that of the United Nations. After gaining such wonderful experience and expertise, Lisa plans to return to Houston and open her own venture in 2007. International Consul© offers services and training specific to the needs of international students, incoming foreign employees, and businessmen and businesswomen traveling abroad for international business.