Our Team - Illume Student Advisory Services Inc.

Meet Our Team

Our Amazing Team

Karuna Ausman

Founder and Senior Advisor to the President

With 23 years of experience in international student recruitment and more than 30 years of teaching experience, Karuna is enthusiastic about all aspects of international education. She has helped thousands of students pursue their education in Canada and is known around the world as “THE” expert on studying in Canada. Karuna has extensive knowledge of all aspects of international education from international student recruitment to capacity building, marketing, international partnership development, and market analysis. She speaks four languages and is equally comfortable speaking to a student as she is speaking to a foreign dignitary or university president. She has travelled with the Prime Minister of Canada and various government officials on trade missions and is an international advocate for Canada as a study destination.

Mike Henniger

CEO and President

Mike Henniger is an international education professional who brings two decades of success and experience in the university, vocational and language training sectors. Mike has helped education institutions across the globe build their international student recruitment capabilities. He is passionate about marketing, recruitment and student services and is a global thought leader in international education and a popular speaker at education conferences and institutions around the world. Mike firmly believes that to be successful in international student recruitment, institutions need to understand global student mobility trends, the student journey, and how to provide the best possible experience for their students. He prides himself on providing practical assistance to the clients he works with that ultimately helps them achieve their internationalization goals.

Jamshid Mirzabekov

VP, International Business Development

Jamshid Mirzabekov holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University and is currently completing a Master of Law (LLM) – International Commercial Law at the University of Salford. Over the past decade, he has held several senior management positions in various international recruitment organizations. Jamshid has worked diligently to build positive and productive relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to set, reach and exceed strategic business goals. His transparency, self-motivation and creative problem-solving skills have earned him credibility and trust across all levels of an organization. He enjoys mentoring, empowering and inspiring students as they embark on their study-abroad journeys.

Tasha Ausman

Director of Communications

Tasha Ausman is based in Quebec, Canada, and provides Illume Support from within Canada. Her primary responsibilities include liaison work with Illume team members, institutions and partners, production of reports and documents, and working with website design. As a member of the Illume team based in Canada year-round, she consolidates information from partners abroad and our networks within the Canadian context. Tasha’s education includes a B.Sc (Hons) in Physiology and Developmental Biology from the University of Alberta, B.Ed (Biology/Chemistry), MA (Society, Culture and Literacies), and Ph.D. (Mathematics Education) from the University of Ottawa. She is presently a full-time high school teacher in Quebec and a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa. When not teaching, she plays the bassoon for the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra and teaches children music.

Annie Li

Director Partnerships - Asia

A former international student herself, Annie brings a unique perspective along with her over 10 years of experience in the field of international recruitment. Annie also comes to us with an extensive knowledge of marketing, business administration, and project management as well as strong language skills and a keen sense of intercultural awareness. Her affinity for public speaking and superb interpersonal skills will be an asset as Illume forges new relationships in Asia.

Hazel Siromoni

Director, Operations

Hazel Siromoni holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from Delhi University and has worked in the international education sector for almost 30 years most of which have been spent in the Canadian education space. From 1999 to 2007, she was engaged with the Canadian Education Centre, India (CECN) which was set up with the support of the Canadian government to promote Canada as a prime destination for international education. Through CECN, she has worked with more than 200 Canadian institutions and travelled extensively across Canada visiting universities, colleges and high schools. In the subsequent years, she served as Managing Director of Maple Bear, South Asia, became the CEO of ICBC (Indo-Canadian Business Chamber) and eventually, the CEO of Modi Edutech which focused on the expansion of the education-related interests of the VK Modi Group. In February 2014, she received the Governor General of Canada's Gold Medal for her contribution to the promotion of Canadian education in India and for facilitating Canada-India relations. Other accomplishments include contributions to several articles and book chapters that focus on women in the workplace and breaking the glass ceilings, most notably Awaken the Magic by J. M. Beda and A. S. Balasundaram. Her other activities include volunteering for NGOs operating in the gender equality space, and serving as President of the YWCA, Delhi (2015, 2017-2019). Hazel is passionate about her work with youth, and continues to be actively involved in international education and recruitment.

Duarte Dias

Director Client Relations & Partnerships

Duarte Dias was born in Macau, China to parents of Portuguese and Brazilian descent. From a very young age, he had the chance to interact with people from various cultures throughout Asia which sparked his sense of curiosity towards others and fed his desire to help those less fortunate. As a result, he pursed his Bachelor of International Relations with a Specialization in Human Rights and Democracy at Coimbra University (Portugal), an MSc in Organizational Communication at Universidad Complutense in Madrid, and various diplomas in International Humanitarian Law from the UN Peace Operations Training Institute in Switzerland. After graduation, Duarte became involved in numerous projects with international and local NGOs across Africa, India and Thailand. In 2015, Duarte entered the education industry where he represented several reputable institutions and presented to students across Africa, Latin America, India and Southeast Asia. In so doing, he helped hundreds of students access high-quality international education. In his spare time, Duarte enjoys travelling, photography, and water sports. He takes great pride in being able to change people's lives through education.

Nesrin Khweldi

Marketing Director

Nesrin Khweldi was born in Tripoli, Libya and grew up in Madrid, Spain, which allowed her to experience both Middle Eastern and Spanish culture. With an Advanced Studies Diploma in Accounting and Business Organization from UAM University in Madrid, Spain and a strong belief that anything is possible, she has experienced great success in the many facets of her professional life. In 2011, she joined the international education field as a marketing expert and managed several initiatives in the Middle East and Latin America. Over the course of her work, she was able to reach students with an interest in studying abroad and help them make informed decisions about their educational paths. To this day, Nesrin continues to inspire young people from around the world to study abroad, experience new cultures, and make new friends. Building alumni networks to further the international education experience has also been a priority for her as she looks to ensure the student communities stay in touch, build strong support networks, and share their experiences. A lifelong learner herself, Nesrin enjoys taking courses in design, psychology, and any other areas that, at a given time, may peak her interest. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, dancing, and meditating.

Mariana Rodriguez

Associate Director Client Relations & Partnerships (Latin America)

Based in São Paulo, Brazil, Mariana has dedicated the last eight years of her career to assisting students across Latin America achieve their dreams of studying abroad. With her degree in marketing and vast professional experience, she works with all stakeholders to diversity the population of Latin American students in institutions across the globe. Having been an international student herself – with more than 12 years spent living abroad – her aim is to connect students with the right institutions and contribute to their long-term personal and professional growth.

Sai Henniger

Manager, Finance and Administration

Originally from Japan, Sai Henniger has spent the last 20 years living in North America. She has over 15 years experience in international education and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, Canada. Having worked in both the private and public sectors of international education, she brings a wide array of knowledge and skills instrumental to global operations. Her areas of expertise are finance and administration, and in these roles, she provides comprehensive support to the organization. Sai looks forward to collaborating with the Illume team on exciting new projects that will benefit the international student community. She also relishes the opportunity to contribute to the success of Illume's institutional partnerships.

Nancy Doan

Regional Manager, Southeast Asia

Nancy Doan was born and raised in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam and is currently based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Management) from Open University and has been working in international education since 2008. Prior to joining the international education sector, she worked in customer relations and marketing. Her most recent position was Manager, Partner Sales at Study Group where she built up a strong agent network that partnered with her to meet yearly recruitment goals. Nancy is excited about bringing Illume's brand and their university partners to a broad range of students in Southeast Asia. She will be looking to match students with well-suited programs in our partner portfolio for the benefit of students, families and institutions alike."

Meenakshi (Michelle) Joshi

Media Manager

Meenakshi (Michelle) Joshi is originally from India and now lives and works in Ontario, Canada. Michelle obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from Delhi University (India), a Master of Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University (India) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from Mohawk College (Canada). Michelle has worked in international student recruitment for over ten years and is an active human resource professional. She brings with her an extensive knowledge of many different cultures, most pertinently those of India and China. Michelle is a continuous learner who loves exploring web design, creating blogs and using social media tools. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Shivang Malik

Senior Recruitment Manager

Shivang Malik is a recruitment specialist based out of Chandigarh, India who began his work in international student recruitment in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Symbiosis Institute, Pune. Shivang is passionate about the international education field and prides himself on his in-depth knowledge of the Canadian education sector and more specifically, the Illume partner institutions he represents. He is an agent of growth whose energy and communication skills nurture productivity in every area of his work. Shivang loves to spend time close to nature, and enjoys hiking and road trips. He also loves to read and cook.

Travis Mandel

Communications Coordinator

Travis Mandel was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) where he continues to live and work. He holds a Master of Music (performance) from the University of Ottawa and in 2012, he completed the preparatory year to the Master of Conference Interpreting in their School of Translation and Interpretation. During that year, he worked extensively on his writing, editing and translation skill set while continuing his work in the music industry. Several years later, Travis is now an established musician, conductor, and business owner whose language skills have allowed him to build a strong freelance career. His experience as a small business owner has given him a knowledge of marketing, communications, customer service, and finance that are vital in the international education industry. As a Performance Instructor at Carleton University, he also has an understanding of academia and how Illume can work in conjunction with educational partners in the service of the international student community. Travis was recently published in the McGill Journal of Education and looks forward to sharing his research and writings in the coming years. In his free time, he enjoys score studying musical works, playing tennis, skiing, and spending time with his partner and their two children.

Nalini Kidambi

Recruitment Specialist

Nalini Kidambi is a recruitment specialist based in Hyderabad, India. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Bangalore University, and a Diploma in Commercial Practice from GR Institute of Commercial Practice, Bangalore. Nalini comes to us with several years of corporate experience where she worked in marketing and customer support. She also brings an all-important parent's perspective having helped her two children gain admission to top-tier universities in Canada and the USA. She has received several notes of appreciation from parents and students for her diligent mentoring and guidance and is recognized by her colleagues for the quality of support she provides. Aside from her work in international education, Nalini and her family run a non-profit initiative for children with type 1 diabetes in India of which she is a Trustee. In her free time, Nalini loves to travel and explore. She also enjoys gardening, cooking and jewelry designing.

Imran Ghayas

Recruitment Specialist

Imran Ghayas was born and raised in New Delhi, India where he continues to live and work. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi where he specialized in marketing and international business. As a skilled marketing and brand development professional, he has led a successful career in international education by providing exceptional service to students, their families, and institutional partners. His keen sense of intercultural awareness has allowed him to work with students from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Middle East. Imran is a firm believer that strong interpersonal and communication skills are key to establishing trust with the students and giving them the confidence to embark on their journeys abroad. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering with local NGOs and hiking in the wilderness!

Achim Ngonamei

Recruitment Specialist

Achim Ngonamei is recruitment specialist based in Manipur, India, who holds a Bachelor of Sociology from Mithibai College of Arts and Science, Mumbai and a Master of Social Work from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi. She began her work in international recruitment in 2019, and specializes in Canadian study-abroad destinations. Achim is a fast learner who loves to explore and learn about the vast field of international education. In working with students, her goal is to give them the right advice by helping them choose the program that best suits their gifts. Her hobbies include hiking - as she comes from a hilly region of India - and reading. She also enjoys travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Samanyu Sharma

Recruitment Specialist

Samanyu Sharma is a recruitment specialist based out of Chandigarh, India. He holds a Bachelor in Commerce from Punjab University, Chandigarh and has been working in the international education industry since 2018. Through his engagements with various institutional partners, stakeholders and students, he has gained a strong knowledge of agent networks, sales, immigration services and student visas. Aside from his work in student recruitment, Samanyu was employed at Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment in Mumbai as Additional/ 4th Assistant Director on the sci-fi motion picture Ra.One (2011); Over the years, he also took part in the production of various commercials. During his time in university, he won various intercollegiate photography and quiz competitions, and he still takes an interest in these activities to this day. Samanyu's pastimes also include reading, contact sports, world cinema, music, and hiking with his dog.

Khurram Khan

Recruitment Specialist

Khurram Khan is based in New Delhi, India and specializes in student recruitment in the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration from Jamia Millia Islamia, one of India's most prestigious institutions. Khurram brings with him 12 years of experience in various sectors of student recruitment along with his expertise in IT and marketing. He has a keen interest in exploring and growing new markets, and has successfully realized international projects in Singapore and UAE through both in-person and remote means. Khurram takes great pride in training staff and consulting with institutions to further develop the field of international recruitment. When engaging with students and institutional partners, he applies a solution-oriented approach to help them find the perfect match. In his free time, he loves reading articles, learning new things, going on motorbike trips, and engaging in fervent discussion.

Mohtashim Khan

Recruitment Specialist

Mohtashim Khan was born and raised in Udaipur, India where he completed his Bachelor of Technology at Pacific University. He also holds a Certificate Diploma in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Howard University, Washington, D.C. Mohtashim has always had a keen interest in international student recruitment and, as a result, has worked for several recruitment organizations over the past decade. His in-depth understanding of students' needs and interests along with his strong relationships with institutional partners have allowed him to excel is his role as Recruitment Specialist. In his spare time, he loves travelling, riding his motorcycle, and playing sports.

Nipun Grover

Recruitment Specialist

Nipun Grover is a recruitment specialist based in Punjab, India. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Chandigarh University, Mohali and a Master of Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from IBS, Hyderabad. He began his work in international education in February 2020, and has a strong knowledge of the education landscape in both Canada and the United States of America. He is a lifelong learner and a keen observer who is determined to achieve great heights in the industry. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Grishma Ambani

Recruitment Specialist

Grishma Ambani was born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and is currently based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She is a Recruitment Specialist who started her career in international education in 2015. Grishma holds a Bachelor of Sciences and a Master of Statistics from Nagpur University. Prior to her work in the international education field, she worked as a teacher which gave her a deeper understanding of how to relate to students and understand their needs. Grishma is multilingual with a strong grasp of Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, and English, and has lived in various cities throughout India, most notably Nagpur, Ahmedabad, and Ludhiana. Her background has informed her knowledge of the regional and linguistic differences that are key to understanding the international student recruitment market in her geographic area. Grishma is an avid traveler who enjoys road trips, biking and local cuisines.

Edel Quinn Okubo

In-country Representative, Trent University (East Africa)

Edel Quinn Okubo is from Nairobi, Kenya, and holds a Bachelor of Science (Sociology, Political Science) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Her experience in customer care, real estate, and the education sector has taught her that striving for customer satisfaction is the key to success. She loves meeting and interacting with new people who have diverse backgrounds and varied life experiences. Edel considers herself fortunate to work in the international education industry where this social element is an integral part of her work. In her free time, she visits the sick and volunteers in underprivileged communities.

Joyce Nyokabi Njihia

In-country Representative, Mohawk College (East Africa)

My name is Joyce Nyokabi. Born and raised in Kenya. I studied Tours and Travel and worked in the tourism industry for some time, only to realize that my passion was elsewhere. So I’ve finally settled in International recruitment, which satisfies me to help people find the best college where they can realize their dreams and pursue them. During my free time, I visit children’s homes and spend some time with them.

Caroline Abigael Okoth

In-country representative, AUC and Georgian ILac

With over 18 years experience in the field of international recruitment, Caroline Abigael Okoth has helped countless students achieve their study abroad dreams and consequently, reach their career goals. As a lifelong learner, Caroline loves the challenging environment of international recruitment and works tirelessly to better her own skillset as she believes there is no end to education. Every day presents a new opportunity to learn!

Martin Mburu

In-country representative, Wilfrid Laurier University

Martin holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi and has vast experience in the international education sector. With over seven years experience as a recruitment agent, he acquired important knowledge of the field and was able to apply his many qualities, notably his attention to detail, excellent customer service, strong administrative skillset, and marketing abilities. Martin has taken extensive visa training where he gained an understanding of the end-to-end process of acquiring a student visa – a vital document for international students. Martin takes great joy in seeing the students he has guided excel on their educational path and in their chosen professions.

Elline Jane Manalo

Recruitment Specialist

Elline Manalo is a recruitment specialist based out of Tagaytay City, Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Cavite State University and was a member of their student-led publication. After completing her degree, Elline accepted an internship with the Knowledge Channel, a non-profit organization that promotes free, quality education for Filipino students. Her career path also includes teaching experience in journalism and languages. In her current role, Elline supports Southeast Asian students who aspire to study in a quality, career-focused and reputable international institution - in countries such as Canada. Her knowledge of teaching and of the international recruitment field has allowed many students to make their study-abroad dreams a reality. Elline believes education is an end to generational poverty and this is at the core of her work in international education.

Neeraj Malik

Recruitment Specialist

Neeraj Malik has over 3 years of experience in the education industry and is currently completing an MBA in Marketing at Sikkim Manipal University. His other work experience includes positions in IT and aviation. He first began working with students by sharing his knowledge of website development which evolved into a new career in international education. As a creative thinker and innovator, he looks to bring new strategies to the education industry. His planning, communication and marketing skills are also an asset as he organizes events for institutions and presents programs to prospective students. His personal interests include travel and culture as well as volunteering at animal shelters.

Maria Fernanda (Fer)

Recruitment Specialist, Northern College (Latin America)

Maria Fernanda (Fer) was born and raised in Mexico City where she continues to live and work. She holds a degree in International Trade Relationships from the Universidad Intercontinental, Mexico City and a degree in Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. As a former international student herself, she understands the value of studying abroad and how it can help students reach their career aspirations. As an entrepreneur and presenter who is passionate about ethical and eco-conscious business practices, she found a community while studying in Canada that still serves as an important business network to this day. As she embarks on a new career in international student recruitment, she wants to convey what she has learned through her study-abroad experience. She credits international education with helping her develop resiliency, tenacity and intercultural awareness not to mention helping her form vital personal and professional relationships. Fer wants students to strive for greatness and continuous self-betterment as they help create the world of tomorrow.

KWAME OTUAPEM ODAME

In-Country Representative, Trent University

Kwame Odame is an international education professional with over seven years experience in the industry. He holds a degree in General Psychology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. His academic experience helps guide and shape his approach as he works with students and families. He knows education is a significant investment and as such, aims to help students make informed choices about their educational paths. In his time away from work, he enjoys reading, travelling and listening to music.

Zeain Rattansi

In-Country Representative, Columbia college

Zaein Rattansi is recruitment specialist based out of Nairobi, Kenya. Zaein holds a Diploma in Management from the KIM School of Management, in Nairobi, and has been working in the international education sector since 2017. As a former representative of one of Africa's leading recruitment companies, she has a strong knowledge of the Sub-Saharan market and a keen understanding of students' needs and interests. It is her belief that international education makes students global citizens with a greater understanding of diversity and an openness to new cultures that serves them in both their personal and professional lives. In her spare time, she enjoys philanthropic pursuits, listening to music and leisure travel.

Aminat Liasu

In-Country Representative, Douglas College, (West Africa)

Aminat Liasu was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from nearby Fountain University in Osogbo. In 2018, she started her career in international student recruitment and has successfully placed over 90 students in their dream universities and colleges. Having worked with students from various walks of life, Aminat has found a great sense of fulfillment in guiding students towards an educational path that suits their career objectives as well as their budget. With her intimate knowledge of the recruitment process, she has an impressive track record of successful student admissions. The joy she gets from a successful visa application continues to be a strong motivating factor in her work.

Grace Uchech Nwachukwu

In-Country representative, Alexander College

Uchechi Grace Nwachukwu is a trained educational counsellor with over a decade of experience in student recruitment. She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and Extension at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria. In forging her career path, she employs primarily the extension portion of her degree which involves reaching out to contacts with up-to-date information about the industry and communicating its best practices. As an expert in marketing and educational counselling, Uchechi provides global education solutions to students and institutional partners and ensures that every student, parent or school community she works with is satisfied with the level of service they receive. In the last decade, she has attended training sessions both locally and internationally which have kept her up to date on the latest developments in the international education industry. Outside of work, Uchechi enjoys a good soap opera and has a passion for travel!

Van Anh Tran (Chloe)

In-Country representative, MITT

Van Anh Tran (Chloe) was born and raised in Nam Dinh City, Vietnam and currently resides in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital. She holds a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Hanoi University (Vietnam) and is currently pursuing a Master of Hospitality Management from the University for the Creative Arts UK (Berlin Campus). During the course of her over 10 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, she had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Europe. In so doing, she developed strong communication skills that traverse cross-culture boundaries and became quite adept at problem-solving. One of her great passions is organizing free English classes for people of all ages in low-income households as she sees English-language knowledge as a gateway to opportunity. As an international student herself, she came to understand the difference in quality between the education systems of developed countries and those of developing nations. For that reason, her career has shifted towards the international education industry in hopes of allowing students to become global citizens and make their study abroad dreams a reality.

Hur Jusab

In-Country representative, Northern College

Hur Jusab holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has recently completed a course in finance and accounting at Intel College, Nairobi. In recent years, she worked at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel (Hurlingham) where she managed front and back office operations. Hur is known to maintain good working relationships with her colleagues and management team as they work towards achieving organizational objectives. She enjoys helping clients by ensuring they are well served and obtain the services they require. Hur also welcomes new challenges and seeks to apply new knowledge as she develops her skill set in international recruitment. In her free time, she looks to travel, explore new places and meet new people.

Huy Do

In-Country representative, Columbia College

Huy Do holds a a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance from University of London, UK, and a Master of Art in Media and Communications from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. With his experience in branding and marketing campaigns at one of Vietnam's most prestigious universities, Huy understands Vietnam's higher education market and possesses valuable insights into the decision-making process of Vietnamese students and their parents. He believes that education is crucial in shaping a person's future. For that reason, he goes to great lengths to ensure students understand the choices presented to them and, from there, choose a suitable path. His goal is to empower Vietnamese students to start taking control of their future, one step at a time.

Adetoke Olukanmi

In-Country representative, Keyano College

Adetoke Olukanmi holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of West of England, United Kingdom and a Masters from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland. Having experienced the unique benefits of schooling internationally and working in the legal space for some time, she chose to become a recruitment specialist in 2018 to help students fulfil their desires of obtaining education abroad. Her goal is to create awareness of quality education and study opportunities by guiding students and equipping them with the right information. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, cooking and leisure travel.

Marina dos Anjos

Recruitment Specialist - Latam

Born in Brazil and raised in Argentina, Marina Dos Anjos graduated in Tourism and Hospitality from (CESUMAR) Centro Universitário de Maringá in, Brazil. Since 2011, she has been working in international education supporting students across Latin America in applying for university programs across the globe. Her vast industry experience includes knowledge of executive sales, marketing as well as student and institutional support. Marina is also well positioned to advise prospective students and their families as she, herself, has lived in the United States, Mexico and Canada. She sees international education as an opportunity for students to improve their language skills and connect with people from different cultures and diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she loves to travel, meet new people and spend time with family.

Sahil Chawla

Recruitment Specialist

Sahil Chawla was born and raised in Dehradun, India where he continues to live and work. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Economics from Hansraj College, Delhi University. During his university studies, Sahil received many accolades for his work in street theatre which he greatly enjoyed. Upon graduation, Sahil worked in marketing and supply chain management in both the manufacturing and retail sectors. He joined Illume Student Advisory Services Ltd. in 2019 and began his career in international education focusing primarily on recruitment for Canadian education institutions. Along with his recruitment tasks, Sahil builds business relations with new educational partners throughout the United States and Canada. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports and reading books.

Gurpreet Kaur (Preety)

Recruitment Specialist

Gurpreet Kaur (Preety) is originally from Mohali and is now based in Chandigarh, India. She holds a Bachelor of Computer Applications from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Having started her career in the ITES sector, she has over 10 years of experience in BPO and KPO working for clients based in the United States. During her tenure in IT, she also conducted training sessions, developed standard operating procedures, and prepared reports for clients. Gurpreet is known for maintaining good working relationships with her colleagues, management team and clients. She has received praise for various aspects of her work including handling special projects, helping identify gaps in the provision of services, and giving input to improve performance. Gurpreet is always ready to accept new challenges and enhance her skills as she strives to improve her knowledge base. In her spare time, she loves watching suspenseful shows and movies.

Chetna Saini

Recruitment Specialist

Chetna Saini is originally from Punjab, India and now lives and works in Chandigarh. She holds a Master of Information Technology from Sikkim Manipal University, Chandigarh centre and is also a Certified Digital Marketer and Cuemath teacher. After working in a variety of other fields, she joined the international education industry [in 2016]. Through her varied work experience, Chetna acquired a wealth of knowledge in related areas such as teaching, career and educational counseling, marketing, and business development. Chetna leaves no stone unturned in fulfilling her commitments to both students and families as well as institutional stakeholders. In her work with students, she ensures that they feel at ease through active listening as she engages them in the process of finding the best program and institution for their life and career goals. As a patient, strong, positive and self-motivated person, Chetna believes she has the power to change students' lives for the better! In her free time, she loves reading books, playing badminton and meditating.

John Lee

Regional Recruitment Specialist

John Lee is a regional recruitment specialist based in Beijing, China, He holds a Bachelor of Communications Engineering from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and has been working in the international education field since 2016. Over the course of his career, he has developed a strong knowledge of all aspects of the Canadian education space. His years of work experience in North America and in China have also given John a deep understanding of the international education sector throughout North America as well as what appeals to students in the Chinese international education market. His industry knowledge paired with his listening skills and reliability allow him to build bridges between students and institutions for the benefit of all stakeholders. In his free time, John enjoys sports, music, traveling, and tasting food from around the world.