Our Team & Offices

Rodrigue Colaianni

CEO & Founder

More About Rodrigue

Rodrigue Colaianni is the CEO and Founder of EduConnect USA. With  27 years of experience in the US, he leads the organization in fostering international partnerships and student mobility. His creative work and innovative concepts open doors for international students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom might not have considered studying in the U.S. as a feasible option. Rodrigue also serves as the President of Vatel USA Hospitality and Management School where he helped establish its U.S. campuses and continues to oversee academic programs. Previously, Rodrigue founded and led International Trainee Network (ITN) and co-founded Odyssey International, facilitating J-1 internships opportunities to over 1,600 international students per year in the U.S. His leadership is driven by a commitment to advancing global education through strategic innovation, collaboration, and expanding access to opportunities.

Jessica Record

President

More About Jessica

With over 20 years experience in education through teaching, program design, and internationalization. Jessica specializes in creating programs and processes that empower international students to reach their education goals in the United States. Jessica is committed to making education dreams a reality for aspiring global scholars.

Aya Kaiho

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

More About Aya

Aya came to the US as an ESL international student with a F1 visa and, to pursue her goal to be successful in the US,  studied both Business and Accounting at the college in Los Angeles. She started her career through OPT after graduation just like our students and since then, she has successfully built the career in accounting for over 15 years. 

Colonel Dignos

Sales Development Director

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Michael Chai

Michael Chai

International Partners Director

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Michael began his career in 2006 at Nanjing Forestry University (China). From 2009 to 2018, he worked in Paris, promoting French-Asian intercultural training and professional education programs. After returning to Asia, he collaborated with institutes in Australia and New Zealand, overseeing professional training and internship programs. Passionate about international education and career development, Michael remains dedicated to creating opportunities that connect global talent with professional growth.

Anastasia Titova

Business Development Manager

More About Anastasia

With over 10 years of experience in student recruitment, global partnerships, and community engagement, Anastasia Titova has helped more than 1,000 students study abroad, find cultural exchange programs, and transition into long-term educational opportunities. She has attended 50+ international education conferences worldwide and organized dozens of workshops to support students in their academic and career journeys.

Having been a J1 student twice, Anastasia understands the challenges and opportunities international students face. Her own experience sparked her career in education, allowing her to guide students through J1 and F1 transitions.

At EduConnect USA, she focuses on expanding outreach to J-1 students, helping them navigate their studies, cultural adaptation, and MBA opportunities. Specializing in partnership development, student recruitment, and ambassador programs, she creates pathways for students to succeed in the U.S. and beyond.

Yvon Desportes

International Development

More About Yvon

Yvon, an experienced professor at Sorbonne University and former Director of International Relations, has extensive expertise in academic network management and major education systems. He fosters innovation in international cooperation at Alliant International University and EduConnect USA, believing in the transformative power of global experience for academic and professional growth.

Sandra Maisonneuve

Career Development Manager

More About Sandra

Sandra Maisonneuve has built her career in hospitality, specializing in operations and employee development. With global experience, she returned to Paris in 2015 as an educator and academic judge, redefining hospitality programs. Sandra holds a Bachelor’s and MSc in Hospitality Management and is a Certified Hospitality Education

Nathalie Plaire-Virovac

Career Development Coordinator

More About Nathalie

In this role, Nathalie is responsible for developing partnerships with hotels and hospitality companies, while assisting students in securing the best internships throughout the program.

Cristina Maagad

Enrollment Director

More About Cristina

Cristina excels in screening, training, and managing education partners while building strong connections with partners and students. She ensures the Enrollment Team provides effective support and coordinates closely with university admissions for a smooth process. Her achievements include creating a strategy that improves visa outcomes for international students.

Maggie Beruk

Career Development Coordinator

More About Maggie

Maggie found her passion for international relations at 9, which led her to pursue a Bachelor’s in International Relations. After graduation, she began teaching in South Korea, cultivating a love for bridging cultures. With a strong background in Education, Hospitality, and Compliance, Maggie is dedicated to fostering positive global relationships, one international talent and employer at a time.

Sam Gutierrez

Marketing Coordinator

More About Sam

Sam is the Marketing Coordinator at EduConnect USA, with a bachelor’s degree and a passion for global studies and marketing. Dedicated to continuous personal growth, Sam excels in understanding consumer behavior and using data-driven strategies to achieve impactful marketing results.

Erika Salcedo

Enrollment Coordinator

More About Erika

Erika specializes in lead generation and marketing, guiding prospective students from inquiry to endorsement to the enrollment counselor. She collaborates with colleagues to refine lead strategies and actively supports marketing events and campaigns, ensuring the right message resonates with the target audience. Her commitment makes her a trusted resource for both students and her team.

Brixter Del Castillo

Enrollment Coordinator

More About Brixter

With his expertise, Brixter supports international students in finding their ideal program, guiding them through the application process, and ensuring a smooth transition to the U.S. He specializes in identifying and assisting top applicants for the Executive Style MBA program from around the world.

Aubrey Mendoza

Enrollment Coordinator

More About Aubrey

Aubrey is dedicated to supporting prospective students in both the Regular MBA and Executive-Style MBA program. She provides personalized guidance, helping them navigate their choices and ensuring they feel supported throughout the enrollment process. With her enthusiasm and commitment to student success, Aubrey encourages individuals to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys.

Our Office Locations

Los Angeles

California, USA

Miami

Florida, USA

Montpellier

France

Manila

Phillippines