Our team is a passionate and diverse group of individuals committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all. With a shared dedication to promoting intercultural understanding, equity, and social justice, our staff members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and empathy to our work. As advocates for diversity and inclusion, we are here to support, guide, and empower you throughout your ODU journey. Get to know the faces behind our mission, and let us walk alongside you as we cultivate a community where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.
Rachawan "Aey" Wongtrirat, Ph.D.
Director
Pronunciation: Rachawan (Rach-sha-wahn) Aey (Ay) Wongtrirat (Wong-trai-raht)
Dr. Aey leads the team in the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) to promote campus interculturalization, a process that integrates intercultural, global, and international dimensions through impactful learning and cross-cultural engagement opportunities. Drawing on her extensive experience in intercultural and multicultural education as well as global engagement, Aey aligns OIR’s initiatives with the university's forward-focused vision, supporting the Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement & Services’ strategic plan, "Igniting Innovation and Excellence." In collaboration with departments and student communities across campus, Aey and the OIR team leverage collective expertise to create program initiatives that enhance student learning, engagement, well-being, belonging, and success.
Sofia Calicchio
Assistant Director for International Initiatives
Sofia Calicchio (she/her) recently received a Master's in International Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University, focusing her research on decolonial theory, civil society and feminist advocacy, and youth mobilization through solidarity. As a young professional, her experience includes working on advocacy and research on mapping gender-based violence, engaging in digital activism with a focus on social development, and in-person NGO advocacy at the United Nations. She has also worked for the Peace Operations Training Institute and Red Dot Foundation-Safecity during her time as a graduate student. Sofia has been actively involved in community organizing, and spearheading programming on-campus that is aimed at educating the student body on different identities, cultures, and life experiences. Sofia served as the President of the Global Monarch Club (GMC) and the Chair of Student Life and Cultural Integration committee on the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) during her time as a graduate student at Old Dominion University. In her free time, Sofia enjoys napping, eating good food, and going on adventures with her partner and their cat.