Message from the Co-Chair
As Co-Chair of the SACE PLC, I want to begin by acknowledging that 2025 was undoubtedly a challenging year, not only for international students but also for practitioners across the International Education sector. Amid these challenges, our community demonstrated resilience by staying connected and supporting one another when it mattered most. I am deeply grateful to every member who dedicated time and energy to contribute to SACE events and interactions throughout the year.
In 2025, the PLC delivered several key initiatives, including SACE Presents, SACE Connect, a session at the CBIE Western Regional, and the SACE Breakfast at the annual CBIE conference. This year also marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration with CIBC, which hosted an event for the SACE PLC that was very well received by our community.
Looking ahead to 2026, I am optimistic that we will see even greater engagement from our members. In times of change and uncertainty, a strong sense of community serves as an anchor, helping us navigate challenges together.
2025 was my first year serving as Co-Chair after six years on the SACE Steering Committee, and 2026 will be my final year in this role. I am confident that the PLC and the entire SACE community will continue to empower members through shared knowledge and experiences, just as we have in the past. The progress we’ve made and the work we will undertake this year would not be possible without the unwavering support of the SACE PLC Steering Committee and all our members.
With deepest gratitude,
Ravneet
Purpose
- Facilitate the role of student advising professionals at educational institutions across Canada.
- Promote an effective support network and forum of discussion amongst student advising professionals.
- Speak on behalf of the international student support professionals and their institutions for the purpose of providing information to CBIE that supports its advocacy efforts.
Mission
The mission of the PLC is to share knowledge, organize projects and activities, and enhance the competencies of student advising professionals at educational institutions across Canada, while supporting CBIE’s mission.
Objectives
- Establishing tools and resources that encourage the free exchange of ideas and information between professionals involved with international student support at different institutions.
- Encouraging the sharing of resources and best practices within the PLC community.
- Developing and promoting education and training for student advising professionals.
- Supporting research activities in the field of international student support and advising.
- Identifying and working to address the needs of those providing international student advising and support at our respective institutions.
Steering Committee
Ravneet Panech
Ravneet Panech
International Student Specialist,
University of Alberta
Lysange Gervais
Lysange Gervais
Immigration Advisor,
International Student Success,
Bishop’s University
Shanda Williams
Shanda Williams
International Transitions Advisor,
University of British Columbia
Imarú Baquero
Imarú Baquero
Manager,
International Student Services,
University of Lethbridge
Mayoori Malankov
Mayoori Malankov
Member,
International Student Advisor and Immigration Specialist,
York University
Melinda Meng
Melinda Meng
International Student Immigration Specialist,
Seneca Polytechnic
Natasha Clark
Natasha Clark
International Student Advisor,
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Carolina Costa Sato
Carolina Costa Sato
Manager,
Immigration Services,
Simon Fraser University
AR (Antriksh) Mistry
AR (Antriksh) Mistry
International Student Immigration Advisor,
Okanagan College
Overview of Membership
773 Members
From 733 members in 2024, SACE’s membership has been steadily increasing, with 40 new members joining in the last year.
Members by Province/Territory
Events & Initiatives
13 webinars hosted
webinars hosted
7 guest speakers from academia and external stakeholders
guest speakers from academia and external stakeholders
2 in-persons sessions including one SACE Connect at Western Regional and one Breakfast session at CBIE2024
in-persons sessions including one SACE Connect at Western Regional and one Breakfast session at CBIE2024
Special Thanks
The SACE Steering Committee extends sincere gratitude to all our guest speakers whose contributions made this year’s events possible. We also thank our members for their active participation and valuable input.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the incredible CBIE staff, especially Sophie Jodouin and Melissa Payne, for their ongoing support and encouragement. A special thank you to Larissa Bezo for your unwavering commitment.
We are deeply grateful to the Steering Committee members, whose dedication and efforts are instrumental in advancing the PLC’s mission.
To everyone who contributed in any way, a heartfelt thank you. Your support truly makes a difference.
Ravneet
SACE Co-chair
