InnovateEA Mentors Share the Significance of the Inaugural Pitch Competition

2/27/2025

Innovation is at the heart of progress in education abroad, and The Forum on Education Abroad’s InnovateEA pitch competition is where groundbreaking ideas take center stage.

To be held as part of Annual Conference 2025, this interactive event brings together forward-thinking international educators who are transforming the future of global education. InnovateEA showcases visionary projects that have the potential to redefine global learning experiences.

A key component of the competition is the mentorship process, where experienced leaders guide InnovateEA finalists in refining their pitches and strengthening their ideas.

Our first InnovateEA mentors include (pictured below from left to right):

Martha Johnson, CEA CAPA
Emily Merson, AIFS Abroad
Chris Thompson, Compear Global Education Network
Kyle Rausch, University of Illinois Chicago
Kelly Holland, AIFS Abroad

To gain insight into the impact of InnovateEA and the role mentorship plays, we spoke with this year’s competition mentors. In the following Q&A, they share their perspectives on why this event is a must-attend, what kinds of innovations to expect, and how attendees can stay engaged with the ideas beyond the competition.

What is the InnovateEA pitch competition? How did the idea come about?

Emily Merson (EM): “In 2024, we shared a vision of innovation leadership at the Annual Conference’s Closing Plenary, challenging the attendees to think bigger, to dare more greatly, and to be the change they want to see in the field. In 2025, we are welcoming those colleagues with the next bold ideas to present their innovative concepts in a pitch competition format with the winner receiving a $5,000 prize to turn their idea into action. International educators need to counteract disempowerment with action if they seek to advance and expand the important work of our field. I am excited to see a full house, a stage with the bright ideas and our field innovating together.”

Why is InnovateEA an important part of the Annual Conference?

Chris Thompson (CT): “The InnovateEA pitch competition is more than just a showcase of ideas—it’s a call to action for those of us who are serious about driving change in education abroad. This competition creates a space where bold, equity-centered solutions take center stage, and we, as attendees, play an active role in selecting the most impactful idea. While every idea brings value and innovation to the field, this event empowers us to engage critically, reflect on important questions, and ultimately vote on the proposal we believe has the greatest potential to create meaningful change.

Why should education abroad professionals attend the InnovateEA pitch competition?

Kyle Rausch (KR): “The InnovateEA pitch competition is an exciting way to close out the conference because it gives education abroad professionals a direct role in shaping the future of the field. Building on the energy of last year’s collective leadership closing plenary, this event isn’t just about hearing new ideas—it’s about engaging with them. The audience will vote to select the winning proposal, making this a unique opportunity to be part of the change process in real time. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, fresh perspectives, or a way to contribute your voice, this session will leave you motivated to bring new ideas back to your own institution.”

EM: “Attendees of Friday’s Closing Celebration Luncheon and InnovateEA can expect to experience an inspiring set of 5: five-minute presentations that are a mix between your favorite TED Talk and a Shark Tank event, with the excitement of the Oscars.”

Martha Johnson (MJ): “I think it will be exciting for everyone to be involved in building the future. Participants will be able to look back and say, ‘I was a part of making that happen.’”

What kinds of ideas or solutions will be presented during the competition?

EM: “To make it as a finalist at the first InnovateEA in 2025, ideas had to be field changing concepts that were simple but significant enough for the audience and industry professionals to see change happening and challenges addressed.”

How does mentorship play a role in the competition, and what impact do mentors have on participants?

Kelly Holland (KH): “Mentoring in this setting is unique because it offers an outside perspective. When you’re working with your own teams on projects you can easily get into an echo chamber, where you lose the ability to actively listen, and challenge what’s being presented. I enjoy asking questions to find out why the topic is being presented in a certain way and trying to turn it around in new and different ways. Both mentors and participants have a chance to ask questions, be candid, and try things out in a safe and supportive space.”

MJ: “When you are engaged in the work, it is easy to be too close. The mentors can ask important questions and identify areas where clarity is needed. It is also important to support new innovation; there is great power in someone believing in your idea!”

What is one thing you’re excited to see at this year’s competition?

KH: “The finalists are bringing their creativity and energy to the stage and addressing concepts that can not only better a campus but the field. To reinvest in the field this way is a reminder that we can only move forward if we continuously review what we have in place and consider how to reinvent ourselves. It also reminds me that this field was built on the good ideas of many—we are surrounded by great source material, so you often don’t need to start from scratch, but from the foundation someone else has started for you.”

What have you enjoyed most about the InnovateEA project so far?

KR: “One of the most rewarding aspects of InnovateEA has been connecting with new colleagues who bring fresh, creative ideas to the table. The ideation process has been incredibly energizing—there’s something powerful about bringing together diverse perspectives to tackle shared challenges. I’ve already been inspired by the innovative thinking from this year’s finalists, and I can’t wait to see their ideas come to life on stage at the annual conference.”

How can attendees engage with the ideas and innovators beyond the competition?

CT: “The impact of InnovateEA doesn’t end when the pitches are over. I plan to continue the conversation by connecting directly with the innovators and exploring potential collaborations, pilot projects, or even mentorship opportunities. Every idea presented has merit and contributes to a broader vision of innovation in education abroad, and I have the chance to support these concepts beyond just selecting a winner. Many of these ideas have the potential to scale, and I can play a role in bringing them to my own organization.

“Additionally, InnovateEA fosters a community of forward-thinking professionals who can share insights, provide feedback, and push these innovations forward through ongoing dialogue and partnerships. Whether through follow-up discussions, conference networking sessions, or virtual connections after the event, I see this competition as just the beginning of a broader movement toward a more accessible and impactful field.”

Participants of The Forum’s Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada, will vote to select the first-ever InnovateEA winner in real time at the Closing Celebration on Friday, March 21, 2025. Register now for Annual Conference 2025 if you haven’t already!

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