Barcelona SAE is pleased to announce that NAFSA: Association of International Educators has selected Kyle Keith (he/him/his), Director of TODOS & Assistant Director of University Relations, as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 NAFSA Award for Impact in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Education.
Kyle joined Barcelona SAE in August 2022, and prior to that, he worked for 6+ years in education abroad advising roles at North Carolina State University and Wofford College. A first-generation college student from the rural Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Kyle was able to study abroad thanks to the Gilman Scholarship Program; an experience which served as a catalyst for his enduring interests in widening access to education abroad for more students.
“The NAFSA Award for Impact in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Education honors our members who passionately foster these values through their work. Kyle embodies the spirit of this award,” said Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA. “As the Director of TODOS & Assistant Director of University Relations at Barcelona SAE, he actively leads and contributes to programs and initiatives that promote intercultural understanding, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout his accomplished career, Kyle has championed diversity and equity for all identities, and at all levels. We congratulate Kyle for his leadership and look forward to his continued impact on the evolution of our field.”
Kyle with his Barcelona SAE colleagues at the NAFSA Annual Conference in New Orleans
The NAFSA Award for Impact in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in International Education is given annually in honor of a NAFSA member who has shown sustained commitment to the association’s mission, vision, and values by advocating for the interests of under-represented populations; improving recruitment and retention of under-represented populations; or incorporating diversity or anti-oppression training in international education programming.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Kyle and his well-deserved recognition with this prestigious award,” said Miko McFarland, Director of University Relations at Barcelona SAE. “But for those who know Kyle, this moment doesn’t come as a surprise - it’s a reflection of who he is everyday. As his North Carolina roots suggest, Kyle has been ‘moving mountains’ to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across international education. Every single day, Kyle remains steadfastly dedicated to ensuring that all students feel safe, affirmed, and empowered in international education.”
Kyle with Barcelona SAE & Georgetown University colleagues accepting the 2024 Diversity Abroad - Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion in International Education Award
Left: Kyle making a Paella in Barcelona; Right: Kyle and Angel Vazquez, an Alumni Ambassador at New Mexico State University
But don’t take our word for it. Here is a sampling from some of Kyle’s nominators:
“What truly sets Kyle apart is his humanity. He leads with compassion, empathy, and a genuine care for the people around him. Whether he’s advocating for LGBTQIA+ students as an active member of the Rainbow SIG, mentoring colleagues, or simply offering a listening ear, Kyle’s presence is a reminder of what it means to lead with heart.” - Chris Thompson, COMPEAR Global Education Network
“Throughout his service on the Executive Board of NCAIE, Kyle has always brought his perspective on diversity and equity inclusion to the forefront of all that he does. He has a unique way of reaching out to people of all backgrounds and making them feel comfortable and included in events that the Board organizes.” - Kristen Cruz, Amanda Mills, Ashley Szulak, NCAIE Chair Stream
“Through my work as a Co-Chair of the Rainbow SIG and Chair of the Global Respectful Disruption Initiative, I have been directly impacted by the actions that Kyle has taken to push the field towards equity and inclusion. He has developed resources for supporting LGBTQIA+ students, facilitated honest conversations on professional well-being and burnout, and provided actionable strategies for achieving DEI goals in both university and third-party provider offices.” - Hannah Benson, Georgetown University
Kyle will be recognized for this achievement during the upcoming NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference and Expo in San Diego at the end of this month.
NAFSA is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. The association believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community.
The complete list of NAFSA awardees is available at www.nafsa.org/awards/.
