Katie Rigney-Zimmermann, Director of Admissions at the American International School of Budapest, offers the kind of perspective schools need more of, one that understands admissions as a critical intersection of business, sales, relationships, and long-term growth. But what makes her voice especially powerful is that she holds this commercial and strategic understanding alongside something equally important: mentorship, generosity, and the role of professional community in helping others rise.

In this International Women’s Day spotlight, Trillium Hibbeln, Director of the Commission on International Education at NEASC, reflects on the biggest shifts shaping global education today. From belonging and wellbeing to student voice, accreditation, and women in leadership, she shares what schools must prioritize next—and why courageous, values-based leadership matters more than ever.

As part of our International Women’s Day spotlight series, we are proud to feature Cyrielle Bazin — a strategic leader in external relations whose work is helping schools build trust, strengthen relationships, and show up in the world with clarity and purpose. In this thoughtful conversation, Cyrielle reflects on leadership, strategy, and the realities women continue to navigate in education today.