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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

Senior Director of Institutional Relations

Elaina’s love of travel began on a high school group trip to Northern France, which inspired her to study abroad in Cannes, France. After receiving her BA in International Relations and French at the College of St. Benedict, she returned to France for an internship with the Cannes Film Festival. Along with extensive travels through Europe, Elaina has also visited New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and China, meeting amazing friends along the way. When she’s not traveling, you can find Elaina chasing her two kids or Goldendoodle, Gnarly, or trying to find the best Thai food in Minneapolis.

Gabriel Alvarez

Academic Relations 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!"

Heilwig Jones

Executive Board Member

Heilwig is the Founder and Director of Kaya Responsible Travel - World Endeavor’s sister company - and sits on the World Endeavors board of executives sharing her extensive industry experience. Heilwig’s specialism is in experiential programs, non-traditional destinations and ethical community engagement practices, and has supported thousands of travellers discover new countries. Originating from the UK, she is based in Colorado, where she was once a study-abroad student, and a perfect example of how study-abroad can shape your life!

“Always look for real connections when you are abroad - spend time with locals, embrace the local ways of doing things and consider, without judgement, what is different from what you know. Your experience will be richer, your stories wilder, your connections more meaningful and you will become a better person”

Cian Hackett Cantabrana

Program Delivery Manager

Cian is half Irish/half Spanish and grew up in Wicklow, Ireland. Cian is currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is our Program Delivery Manager. He studied History and Classical Studies at UCD - University College Dublin and graduated with a Masters Degree in Medieval History. After University, Cian worked as a TEFL English language teacher for five years in Spain and two years teaching online while travelling.
Cian has travelled all over Europe and is eager to share his travel advice and local recommendations!

Sullivan Ojala-Hembolt

Specialized Programs Advisor

Sullivan is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a member of our program advising team. Between teaching English in Spain as an Auxiliar de Conversación and his work as an opera singer, he has found himself traveling all over the world from the United States and Mexico to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. Sullivan loves to share his passion for travel and is eager to help others transform their lives by experiencing more of the world.

When you travel, make a plan and trust it, so you don’t spend all your time worrying! One of the best parts of travel is finding joy in the unpredictability. As Ursula K. LeGuin said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Francesca Marelli

Program Coordinator and Advisor

Francesca is based in Italy and is a member of our Academic Relations and Operations teams. Francesca studied Foreign Languages with a focus on International Management. She is eager to share her once-in-a-lifetime experience as a World Endeavors volunteer in Africa, leaving her heart in Arusha, Tanzania. She has also enjoyed exploring Dublin, Paris, Norway and the US. Francesca loves dancing, traveling and talking to people. She truly believes in the power of kindness.

When it comes to travel, Francesca’s main recommendation is: “Be flexible, be open to new cultures, and appreciate every single moment of your experience, because you’re definitely gonna miss it once you come back!”

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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