Impactful Leaders Podcast | Breaking Down Borders and Building Up Leaders in Global Higher Education: A Conversation with AIEA CEO Clare Overmann
Clare Overmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), brings a uniquely global perspective shaped by a lifetime of cultural connection and curiosity. Adopted...
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Clare Overmann, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), brings a uniquely global perspective shaped by a lifetime of cultural connection and curiosity. Adopted from South Korea as an infant and raised in Boston, she describes this early transition as her “first homestay experience,” one that sparked a lifelong fascination with language, identity, and the way cultures intersect. In this Impactful Leaders Podcast episode, Clare Overmann speaks with WittKieffer Consultant Robert Springall about the winding path that led her into international education—a journey she says has always followed a “throughline of connection, cultural curiosity, and being in awe of this big world.”
Throughout the conversation, Overmann reflects on the role mentorship has played in shaping her as a leader. She recalls early experiences at the Institute of International Education (IIE), where colleagues recognized her potential and pushed her into ambitious assignments that expanded her confidence and capabilities. One mentor’s thoughtful and candid feedback—shared “with love and care”—left a lasting imprint on how she now supports and elevates emerging leaders. Those formative moments, she explains, prepared her to step into larger roles and ultimately lead a global association dedicated to strengthening international education leadership.
As CEO of AIEA, Overmann is navigating a landscape that brings both opportunity and complexity. Transitioning from a large institutional environment to a small-team association model has presented new dynamics, from working closely with a governing board to embracing the responsibility and visibility that accompany the top leadership role. She describes the shift as both intimidating and liberating, noting that it has broadened her understanding of the field and opened doors to spaces and conversations she hadn’t previously accessed. This first year has centered on envisioning AIEA’s next evolution—one that honors its 40-year history while positioning it for relevance and resilience amid global change.
Looking ahead, Overmann sees community-building, leadership development, and expanding the tent of who belongs in international education as essential to the field’s long-term health. “We need to be expanding the tent and making more room for people to lead,” she emphasizes, reflecting her commitment to nurturing future leaders alongside seasoned senior international officers. Whether convening global colleagues at AIEA’s annual conference or shaping programs for emerging professionals, her vision is clear: cultivate strong relationships, create inclusive pathways for leadership, and strengthen the profession through shared learning and collective purpose.
