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Pronouns: She/her
Hometown/Country: Spokane, Washington, USA

Amber McKenzie has worked in international education for nearly 30 years, inspired by a life-changing study abroad experience to Japan when she was 20. Her background includes ESL administration, teaching, international recruitment, study abroad, curriculum development, and global student services across private, public, and community college settings. She is passionate about authentic leadership, mentoring, and expanding worldviews through global engagement. Amber is a passionate advocate for the access, diversity, and opportunity that community colleges offer, and she finds deep fulfillment in her role at Spokane Colleges, where she builds meaningful connections with both students and colleagues!

Why should international students’ study at Spokane Colleges? Community colleges benefit international students in several ways, but here are my top two:

SCC/SFCC offers a high quality two-year undergraduate education at half the cost of university.

We are student-centered and offer extra student support services, including tutoring, smaller class sizes, individualized support, counseling services, food security, on-campus work opportunities, and more!

Best part of your job? Working with international students and helping them with their life in the U.S.A. and learning about cultures and traditions that are different than my own. International students have taught me more about the world than any other education I’ve received!

Pronouns: She/her
Hometown/Country:  Jerusalem

My name is Majda Ritchie I am originally from Jerusalem, I moved to the United States in 2008 as an international student, and my journey as an international student has shaped my passion for supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Working with and advocating for international students is not just my job—it's my dream career; one I deeply connect with and care about. I earned my bachelor's degree in international relations and international law from Gonzaga University. Throughout my career, I’ve felt a strong calling to advocate for justice and uplifting underserved communities. For over a decade, I’ve dedicated my work to supporting refugees and immigrants through various organizations, before transitioning into Spokane colleges—where I continue my commitment to equity, access, and student success.

Why should international students study at Spokane Colleges? I graduated from Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) before transferring to Gonzaga University. As a product of community college, I am a strong believer in the transformative power and value of our institution. Community college not only provided me with affordable education—reducing my tuition costs significantly—but it also helped me navigate my career path, whether in the U.S. or beyond. At SFCC I built lifelong friendships and formed meaningful connections with mentors, many of whom I’m still in touch with today.

Best part of your job? The best part of my job is our students! seeing our international students thrive. I am passionate about ensuring that they feel supported, heard, and understood, especially as they navigate life far from home. I strive to create a sense of family for them, providing the care and advocacy they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Another aspect of my work I cherish is the incredible team I’m privileged to work with. I am deeply grateful for my colleagues, whose collaboration and support make every day fulfilling and rewarding.

Pronouns: Her/She
Hometown/Country: Russia

I was born and raised in Russia. I received my Bachelor’s Degree is in Teaching English from a university in Russia and started my instructional journey there teaching English as a foreign language. Upon immigrating to the United States, I earned my Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) from Gonzaga University, where I taught ESL to college-bound international students for several years. I worked for Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) for 9 years (2011-2020), 8 of which I was an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) co-director and an ESL instructor. In 2022, I returned to CCS in a non-instructional capacity as an ABE Enrollment and Onboarding Advisor (later renamed Pathway Specialist) in Registration at SCC Student Services. I am now excited to continue my journey as an International Admissions Specialist with the Global Education office, where I get to work once again with international students! When I am not working, I love attending cultural events in the Spokane area and beyond, working out, hiking, downhill skiing, spending time with friends, and reading!

I love traveling and out of all the counties I got to experience, I loved Thailand and Vietnam the most, for many reasons but mainly because of indescribably hospitality

Best part of your job? 

I love working with all the students, but the international students have a special place in my heart! In my new role, I want to continue doing my part to ensure that students have a positive experience at Spokane Colleges and feel included, supported, and heard.