Our team is a passionate and diverse group of individuals committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all. With a shared dedication to promoting intercultural understanding, equity, and social justice, our staff members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and empathy to our work. As advocates for diversity and inclusion, we are here to support, guide, and empower you throughout your ODU journey. Get to know the faces behind our mission, and let us walk alongside you as we cultivate a community where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.
University Staff
Director
Rachawan "Aey" Wongtrirat began her career in international education as a Program Officer for Education and Advising Services and served as the EducationUSA advisor at the Institute for International Education (IIE), Southeast Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand. As the Director for International Initiatives, Rachawan oversees the comprehensive function of the unit which aims to integrate international, global, and intercultural dimensions that provide impactful global learning and engagement opportunities for members of the campus community. Additionally, Rachawan leads the assessment functions for the office and oversees OIR's engagement activities which include website management, social media, marketing & outreach activities. Rachawan co-authored the International Student Engagement: Strategies for Creating Inclusive, Connected and Purposeful Campus Environments which provides an analysis of the academic and social integration of international students on U.S. campuses and how their presence can be leveraged for an enriched experience for all. In addition to her role at Old Dominion, Rachawan has served as the Co-Chair for NAFSA: Association of International Educators' Foreign-Born International Educator MIG.
Assistant Director for International Initiatives
Sofia Calicchio (she/her) recently received a Master's in International Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University, focusing her research on decolonial theory, civil society and feminist advocacy, and youth mobilization through solidarity. As a young professional, her experience includes working on advocacy and research on mapping gender-based violence, engaging in digital activism with a focus on social development, and in-person NGO advocacy at the United Nations. She has also worked for the Peace Operations Training Institute and Red Dot Foundation-Safecity during her time as a graduate student. Sofia has been actively involved in community organizing, and spearheading programming on-campus that is aimed at educating the student body on different identities, cultures, and life experiences. Sofia served as the President of the Global Monarch Club (GMC) and the Chair of Student Life and Cultural Integration committee on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) during her time as a graduate student at Old Dominion University. In her free time, Sofia enjoys napping, eating good food, and going on adventures with her partner and their cat.
Director
Rachawan "Aey" Wongtrirat began her career in international education as a Program Officer for Education and Advising Services and served as the EducationUSA advisor at the Institute for International Education (IIE), Southeast Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, Thailand. As the Director for International Initiatives, Rachawan oversees the comprehensive function of the unit which aims to integrate international, global, and intercultural dimensions that provide impactful global learning and engagement opportunities for members of the campus community. Additionally, Rachawan leads the assessment functions for the office and oversees OIR's engagement activities which include website management, social media, marketing & outreach activities. Rachawan co-authored the International Student Engagement: Strategies for Creating Inclusive, Connected and Purposeful Campus Environments which provides an analysis of the academic and social integration of international students on U.S. campuses and how their presence can be leveraged for an enriched experience for all. In addition to her role at Old Dominion, Rachawan has served as the Co-Chair for NAFSA: Association of International Educators' Foreign-Born International Educator MIG.
Assistant Director for International Initiatives
Sofia Calicchio (she/her) recently received a Master's in International Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University, focusing her research on decolonial theory, civil society and feminist advocacy, and youth mobilization through solidarity. As a young professional, her experience includes working on advocacy and research on mapping gender-based violence, engaging in digital activism with a focus on social development, and in-person NGO advocacy at the United Nations. She has also worked for the Peace Operations Training Institute and Red Dot Foundation-Safecity during her time as a graduate student. Sofia has been actively involved in community organizing, and spearheading programming on-campus that is aimed at educating the student body on different identities, cultures, and life experiences. Sofia served as the President of the Global Monarch Club (GMC) and the Chair of Student Life and Cultural Integration committee on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) during her time as a graduate student at Old Dominion University. In her free time, Sofia enjoys napping, eating good food, and going on adventures with her partner and their cat.
Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistant for Latine Initiatives
Mariela Romero is originally from Escondido, California and she moved to Hampton Roads in 2016. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2022 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Mariela enjoys reading, playing video games, playing with her dog, taking naps, and relaxing at the beach or park.
As the graduate assistant for Latine Initiatives, Mariela hopes to encourage fellow Latine first generation college students to take care of their mental wellness while also supporting them on their journey to reaching their full potential. She also hopes to promote Hispanic/Latine student success by offering resources on campus. Email Mariela >
Graduate Assistant for Latine Initiatives
Mariela Romero is originally from Escondido, California and she moved to Hampton Roads in 2016. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2022 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Mariela enjoys reading, playing video games, playing with her dog, taking naps, and relaxing at the beach or park.
As the graduate assistant for Latine Initiatives, Mariela hopes to encourage fellow Latine first generation college students to take care of their mental wellness while also supporting them on their journey to reaching their full potential. She also hopes to promote Hispanic/Latine student success by offering resources on campus. Email Mariela >