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

Executive Director

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

Accounting/HR/Business Management

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. 

Yvon Desportes

International Partnerships

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.

Nathalie Plaire-Virovac

Vatel USA Program Director

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.

Sandra Maisonneuve

Business Development & Placement

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

Cristina Maagad

Manila Office Manager

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

Business Development & Placement

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.

Erika Salcedo

Lead Generation

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.

Isabel Siazon

Enrollment Counselor

More About Isabel

Isabel specializes in the MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management, as well as the DBA and PhD programs. She is dedicated to guiding students through a fulfilling educational journey. By actively engaging with prospective students and providing comprehensive support throughout the application and enrollment process, Isabel ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, making each student feel valued and empowered.

Brixter Del Castillo

Enrollment Counselor

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 Counselor

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.

Kobe Dayego

Enrollment Counselor

More About Kobe

Kobe is a dedicated professional focused on assisting international students in navigating the complexities of pursuing postgraduate studies in the U.S., particularly in Alliant International University. He collaborates directly with university admissions and provides essential support to students from different backgrounds, leveraging his in-depth knowledge of enrollment standards and policies to ensure a smooth application process for the Executive-Style MBA Program.

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.

Maria Parra

Change of Status Counselor

More About Maria

As a Change of Status consultant, Maria is dedicated to helping individuals in the U.S. transition to an F1 Visa. With a proven track record and high approval rate, she takes pride in the positive outcomes achieved with clients. Maria provides personalized support throughout the application process, ensuring clients understand the requirements and have the resources needed for F1 status.

Our Office Locations

EduConnect USA operates globally with offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Montpellier, and Manila. Our presence in these key locations allows us to better serve students, universities, employers, and partners worldwide.

Los Angeles

California, USA

Miami

Florida, USA

Montpellier

France

Manila

Phillippines