Diversity Abroad selected Amaris ‘Ami’ Vázquez-Vargas, a program coordinator for Education Abroad at Texas A&M University, as the recipient of its 2022 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education Rising Star Award. The EDIIE Rising Star Award recognizes an international education professional whose work has made significant contributions to increasing access, fostering diversity and inclusion in international education, and promoting an inclusive environment for international students on campus.
Vázquez-Vargas was recognized for her dedication to diversity and leading efforts in advancing international education on campus. She co-led the development of Texas A&M’s new Intercultural Change Leadership program and digital badge curriculum as well as the establishment of an interdisciplinary First-Year Experience course framed around diversity and global learning. Going into its second year, the course has doubled the number of offered sections. Vázquez-Vargas also developed a cultural and identity orientation module for students scheduled to study abroad that focuses on identity exploration through international education.
“I am very grateful for this recognition from Diversity Abroad's EDIIE Awards,” Vázquez-Vargas said. “My commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives stem from my own intersecting identities and my experiences in being supported, tokenized, and more due to my identities.”
Since joining Education Abroad in 2019, Vázquez-Vargas has dedicated countless hours to finding ways to increase access to international education opportunities. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work and continuously engages in creating and implementing resources for students throughout their abroad experience as the program coordinator for faculty-led programs at Texas A&M University.
As an active member of Education Abroad’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee, Vázquez-Vargas serves as a unit liaison to the university’s Veterans Resource Center and Department of Multicultural Services. Additional service to the university includes membership in the University Advisors & Counselors of Texas A&M, membership in the Academic Affairs Climate & Diversity Committee, and serving as staff mentor for the LGBTQ+ Pride Center.
Vázquez-Vargas’ commitment to DEI extends beyond the Texas A&M campus. Having worked professionally in international education since 2016, she has created and facilitated numerous sessions at NAFSA and the Forum on Education Abroad conferences. In 2020, she was also recognized with ACPA’s Service to the International Community Award by the Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development. Most recently, she was published in the Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine, in which she authored a piece centered around education abroad opportunities for LatinX students.
Vázquez-Vargas is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
“I will continue this critical work,” she said. “I hope to provide support and fight for growth for minoritized communities.”