Meet the incredible people behind ECE! Our "Meet the Team" blog series gives you a glimpse into the talented individuals who make ECE shine. Learn more about the faces behind our success!
Meet Amy.
Meet Amy Kawa, Senior Manager of Evaluation at ECE, and someone whose journey in international education started as a student working in a university’s international office, where she first discovered ECE! Amy now leads a team of incredible evaluators while also diving into credential reports herself. She's passionate about the variety her role brings and the impact of her team’s work. Outside the office, Amy’s likely on the golf course (golf runs in the family) or planning her next adventure, having already explored 46 states and 23 countries. A lover of food tours, craft beer, and hosting gatherings with her husband, Amy brings joy, energy, and thoughtfulness to everything she does. Ready to learn more? Let’s jump into her Q&A!
Q & A Session.
Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?
I've spent my entire professional career in higher education, starting as a student working in an international office where I was first introduced to ECE evaluation reports. I spent several years in a registrar's office working with domestic students while earning a master's degree before making the switch to international education and credential evaluation with ECE. Some of my favorite previous part-time jobs included working in a retirement home dining room and driving a golf course beverage cart.
Q: What do you do at ECE? What excites you most about your position and/or your team.
I am one of the Senior Managers of Evaluation, which means I lead a team of our amazing Evaluators and Senior Evaluators while also producing evaluation reports myself. I love the variety that each day brings—there's never a dull moment at ECE!
Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.
In the spring and summer, you can often find me on the golf course. As the daughter and sister of two golf professionals, I've had a club in my hands since I could walk, and I can't wait to teach my son to play.
Q: Where have you traveled inside or outside of the U.S.? Do you have a favorite country, city, or region that you like to visit?
I was bitten by the travel bug at an early age, and I've been lucky to travel extensively, both within and outside of the U.S. My current tally is 46 states and 23 countries. Some of my favorite experiences have been a safari in Uganda, visiting the distilleries on the island of Islay, Scotland, and several trips to Rome, Italy.
Q: If you went to university, did you engage in any Study Abroad? If so, where?
I studied abroad for a semester in Lille, France, and then returned to southern France to teach English for a year after I graduated. The people I met while abroad are still some of my closest friends today—we've attended each other's weddings and take vacations together every couple of years.
Q: Do you have a favorite cuisine? If yes, a particular dish you love?
This is a tough one! If I had to pick just one, it would be Italian—I'm always in the mood for pasta! One of my favorite things to do while visiting a new place is to take a food tour. It's a great way to learn about the history and culture of a city while experiencing delicious local cuisine.
Lightning Round!
Q. Vacation or Staycation?
Vacation - I love every aspect of travel—from the anticipation and planning before a trip to reminiscing on the adventures after I've returned home. In another life, I would be a travel writer or tour guide.
Q. Night or morning?
Morning - I am my most productive in the morning—after coffee, of course.
Q: City or Country?
City - I love the buzz and excitement of cities and enjoy walking around aimlessly to get my bearings.
Q: Wine or beer?
Beer - Both are delicious in their own way, but more often than not, I'm reaching for a craft beer.
Q: Cooking or being cooked for?
Being cooked for - My husband is an excellent cook, so while I enjoy cooking from time to time, it's nice that I rarely have to.
Q: Attend a party or host a party?
Host a party - My husband and I love to host, whether it's for a holiday or watching a big game. There's always an abundance of delicious food and laughter filling the house. The only bad part is cleaning up at the end!
Q. Lose sleep or skip a meal?
Lose sleep - As a new mother of a 5-month-old, I've learned to function on very little sleep. Some of my colleagues can attest that I cannot do the same on an empty stomach.
Q. Reality shows or documentaries?
Documentaries - I love history and learning about new things, so give me a documentary any day!
Our "Meet the Team" blog series showcased the incredible people behind ECE, highlighting the talents and passions that shaped our culture and fueled our success. Thank you for joining us on this journey!