Octavio di Leo has studied and worked in 6 countries (Argentina, Italy, Spain, Germany, United States, and Brazil), mostly in the field of education abroad, where he tried to inspire students to learn languages and leave their comfort zone. He was born and raised in Buenos Aires, where he returned after living for 30 years out of the country and has fun setting up international teams, producing documentaries that advocate for social action, and practicing outdoor sports, like rowing and horse riding. Every time he moved to a new place, he built long-lasting personal and institutional relationships and learned how people from all walks of life negotiate in different cultures. He developed curricula, managed media projects, and taught seminars with a focus on conflict studies and oral history.

Octavio spent 8 years living in Rome and would like to discuss with the students the implications of the idiom: “While in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Tracey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management with a double minor in Mathematics & Agricultural Economics from The Ohio State University. Later, she completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on non-profit management. She has been working for the past 13 years in the field of education abroad in public institutions in Massachusetts, connecting with students, faculty and staff to provide professional development opportunities and campus internationalization programs. In her free time, she is completing a Master of Arts in History with a focus on travel & exploration, and serves as Chair of the Fitchburg Conservation Commission. Tracey loves to travel with her family (ask about her favorite city- Istanbul!)

Devika Milner is Assistant Dean & Director of Study Abroad at the University of Miami, where she administers over 100 academic programs in 35 countries. In this role she is responsible for program development and management of the unit, safety and security, and global and civic affairs. Previously, she has lived and worked in Bangkok, Thailand, and has professional experience in the corporate sector and non-profit industry. Devika is an evaluator for the US State Department Critical Language Scholarship program, and a member of several professional academic boards, committees, and associations in international education.

She was awarded the International Education Administrators Fulbright grant to France and has presented at numerous conferences. She holds a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies. She believes strongly that all undergraduate students should have access to an educational experience abroad. Outside of work, Devika enjoys reading, travel, and spending time with her family.