The 2025 judging panel for the Study UK Alumni Awards brings together a wealth of expertise in international education, business, and national policy. Find out more about them and their work below.

Doctor Fanta Aw

Executive Director, NAFSA

Dr. Fanta Aw is the Executive Director & CEO of NAFSA, the world’s largest international education association. With over 30 years at American University, she is recognized for leadership in internationalization, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Aw addresses global trends, public policy, and the intersection of humanity with AI, emphasizing educators' role in fostering empathy. Born in Mali, she has lived in several countries and traveled to nearly 60, shaping her global perspective.

Frances Sterling

North America GREAT Program Lead, British Embassy

Frances started out as a creative producer in the UK – most notably for Wilton’s Music Hall in East London where she produced over 1000 shows and raised several million to re-open the heritage building to the public. Frances has a very rewarding job, based in the British Embassy in Washington, working for the GREAT Campaign. She covers North America, delivering GREAT campaigns for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as well as national campaigns delivered through the Cabinet Office.

CMG Joanna Burke

Joanna Burke is the Regional Director for the British Council’s Americas region, based in Buenos Aires, leading the organisation's work in 12 countries. Joanna is a China specialist and has spent the majority of her British Council career in East Asia, as Regional Director China and Hong Kong and Minister (Cultural and Education) British Embassy China, and as Country Director Japan. In 2013 she was awarded a CMG for her contribution to UK-China cultural relations.

Rajiv Jain

CEO, ThinkSys Inc

Rajiv Jain is an internet and software executive with more than 30 years of experience. Since 2012, he has been the CEO of ThinkSys Inc. Prior to this, Rajiv served as senior-level executive in public and private companies. He was the CTO of Perion, leading the acquisition and integration of SmileBox. He has also led engineering teams in B2C and B2B experiences, including American Greetings Interactive, AT&T Wireless, Portal Software, IBM, and Corbis, where he worked with Bill Gates.