Karen McBride - GLOW ED Award Winner 2020

Karen McBride's leadership in international education spans her 25-year career in the field.

Her career includes senior roles at the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (now Universities Canada), the Canadian Bureau for International Education and Mitacs. From developing AUCC's first-ever policy statement on Canadian universities and internationalization, to advocacy for federal and provincial government investment in the sector, to leading best practice workshops, Karen is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise in internationalization and her effectiveness in advancing its goals in Canadian education at all levels. Whether you were from a small rural college or representing a large prestigious research university, Karen always made time to listen to your concerns or triumphs.

Under Karen’s leadership CBIE built the strong relationships necessary to move the organization forward, particularly with boards, membership, internal teams, as well as external partners and funders. Of note is her effective advocacy with government departments and officials and the raising of the profile of the organization with her exceptional, bilingual public and media relations skills. She almost single-handedly convinced the government to support the Libyan students stranded in Canada during their civil war.

Karen's active mentorship of women in the field throughout her career has contributed significantly to empowering women in the international education profession across Canada and in partner countries. Karen’s leadership has also been recognized more broadly. She has been awarded with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Women's Executive Network (WXN) Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.

Thank you Karen!