Our Team

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Meet Our Team

For each of us here at World Endeavors, our career path, perspective of the world, or even our life was altered because of our decision to go abroad. The opportunity to transform others’ lives through our international education programs is what drives us and inspires us each day when we come to work.

Elaina Kropf

Managing Director

Elaina’s love of travel began on a high school trip to Northern France, inspiring her to study abroad in Cannes. After earning her BA in International Relations and French from the College of St. Benedict, she returned to France for an internship with the Cannes Film Festival. Since then, she has traveled extensively throughout Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. When she’s not traveling, Elaina can be found chasing her three kids or Goldendoodle, Gnarly, or searching for the best Thai food in Minneapolis.

Elaina's top travel tip: "Ask a local where they eat lunch on a Tuesday or find the longest line at a street vendor and get in it. That's where the real food is."

Gabriel Alvarez

International Business Development Representative

Gabriel is based in Missouri and is a member of our Academic Relations team. Gabriel studied Business Marketing and is eager to share his experiences in Colombia and South Africa.

Gabriel’s travel advice? “Take detours! Sometimes the greatest experiences aren't at the typical tourist sites. One of my personal favorite things to do is to try to find a soccer game and really connect with the locals!"

Hannah Cabrera

Specialized Programs Advisor

Hannah is based in Minnesota, and is one of the newest members of the World Endeavors team.

Her top travel tip: "Do your research to prepare as best as you can, but keep in mind that things likely will not be exactly as you envision and that’s okay - it’s all part of the process in helping you grow to understand the world around you!"

Francesca Marelli

Key Account Manager

Francesca is based in Italy and is a member of our Academic Relations and Operations teams. She studied Foreign Languages with a focus on International Management and has a passion for travel, discovering new cultures, and connecting with people. One of her most meaningful experiences was volunteering with World Endeavors in Arusha, Tanzania, which holds a special place in her heart. She also loved exploring Norway and its mountains, snow, and breathtaking landscapes. Outside of work, Francesca enjoys traveling, spending time in the mountains and with her Golden Retriever, and listening to music, singing, and dancing.

Francesca’s travel recommendation is: “Be flexible, stay open-minded and curious, and appreciate every single moment of your experience, because you’ll definitely miss it once you’re back home!”

Leigh Nelson

Program Success Manager

With a passion for experiential learning and global engagement, Leigh brings extensive experience working in recreational and educational programming across a variety of settings. Her time living and working as an ESL instructor in Seoul was the catalyst to a career rooted in fostering growth through hands-on experiences across the globe. Leigh continually strives to provide high-quality learning opportunities for diverse audiences!

Favorite travel tip: "You must get lost in order to find your way!"

Carlee Simpson

Marketing Coordinator

Carlee is passionate about meaningful travel, human connection, and experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones. With a background in zoology and conservation biology, she studied abroad in Belize, Thailand, and Kenya, experiences that deepened her love for exploring new places and cultures. Outside of work, you can usually find her planning her next adventure or spending time with her two cats.

Words of travel wisdom: "Travel changes you. If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move as far as you can, as much as you can."

Javier Remache

General Programs Advisor

Javier is based in Ecuador and is part of our Sales and Advisor team. He majored in Local Development and has spent years working on sustainable tourism and conservation projects. Having lived abroad several times, including in Yosemite National Park, Javier believes travel is about gaining meaningful experiences and opening your mind to the world. Since then, traveling has become one of his greatest passions, taking him to countries across his bucket list.

As he says: “The only risk about going abroad is that you won’t be able to stop doing it. Life is too short, so there’s only one shot!”

Sheila Banez

Placement Administrator

As a dedicated mom and wife, she finds joy in venturing to unfamiliar destinations with her family, adding a touch of spontaneity to her family’s life. Fortunate to embark on annual journeys, her family has cultivated a tradition of exploration, using travel as a means to strengthen their bond and create cherished memories. Together, they revel in the excitement of discovering new places and embracing novel experiences, making each trip a unique chapter in their shared adventure.

Her travel tip: Don’t try to plan every moment of your trip. Leave a little room for spontaneity—you never know what places, people, or experiences you might discover along the way!

Ruby Caures

Marketing Assistant

Ruby is based in the Philippines and is one of the newest members of the World Endeavors team. She has spent the past few years working with organizations focused on travel, volunteering abroad, and creating meaningful experiences overseas. She’s always loved the idea of exploring new places, meeting people from different backgrounds, and discovering what each destination has to offer.

Her top travel tip: “Travel with people who are on the same wavelength as you! The right travel buddies can make every adventure more fun. Be open-minded, flexible, and ready to enjoy the experience, because sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments along the way!"

Maren Miner

Specialized Programs Advisor

Maren is the newest member of the World Endeavors advising team based in Minneapolis. She brings a blend of international experience from studying abroad in Spain and Chile, and has also lived in Norway for 5 years. Prior to this role, she worked as a college study abroad advisor and is excited to continue connecting people with unique international opportunities. Aside from travel, she enjoys spending time outdoors.

Favorite Travel quote: "Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection." — Lawrence Durrell

Lady Nicole Ramos

Placement Administration

Lady Nicole studied hospitality management and tourism, reflecting her love for travel and learning about different cultures. Her experience in program coordination and administration has allowed her to work closely with participants and help make their program experiences as smooth as possible. She is especially curious about Asian cultures and hopes to explore more of Asia and Europe, from their diverse cuisines to historic sites. Outside of work, Lady Nicole enjoys playing badminton, spending time with family and friends, and, as she puts it, “whatever keeps me happy!” Her family also enjoys volunteering and supporting children and elderly communities, inspiring her appreciation for giving back.

Her travel tip: Travel with curiosity, keep an open mind, and take the time to appreciate the little things, whether it’s a local meal, an old building, a new tradition, or a conversation with someone you meet along the way.

Join our team

Interested in joining our team? World Endeavors has several internship positions available year-round, and we occasionally have permanent staff positions available.

Please contact jobs@worldendeavors.com for more information about career and internship opportunities!

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