Join the Early Career Professionals affinity group for a casual coffee chat event with a focus on networking and conference attendance. Did you recently return from a conference? Headed to the annual NAFSA conference in Orlando shortly? Just want to chat about networking in general? Join us for an informal discussion on conference attendance, presenting, networking tips, and more. Come prepared to share something that makes you nervous about conferences, something you look forward to at conferences, or your favorite pointer!

If you have feedback, ideas, or questions for affinity group meetings, please email hayley.barriere@uvm.edu and kclaggett@ceacapa.com. See you there!

Katie Claggett is a Partner Engagement Manager at CEA CAPA Education Abroad. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in International Education Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where she also serves as a Mentor Fellow for the Conflict Transformation Fellowship Program. Katie calls Maryland home, and has worked, volunteered, and studied in various countries including Chile, Morocco, and Belize. Katie's professional experience centers in education abroad with a focus on marketing and alumni relations. Katie holds a Bachelor's Degree from Guilford College in Sociology and Anthropology, and is an avid Ultimate Frisbee player and aspiring gardener. 

Hayley Barriere is the Education Abroad Programs Coordinator at the Office of International Education at the University of Vermont. She has held this position since 2022. Hayley primarily works with faculty-led study abroad programs and students participating in independent international travel opportunities. She is a UVM alum, graduating with an undergraduate degree in Global Studies in 2019 and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in 2025. In her free time, Hayley enjoys traveling, riding her bike, skiing, and searching for the best ice cream in the state of Vermont.