With an academic upbringing in cultural anthropology and professional experiences in higher education, cross-cultural communication, and programme management, Hongnan has been involved in various dimensions of the Global Cornell endeavor for over a decade. In her current role as director of international alumni relations, she oversees Cornell's international alumni engagement activities outside of the US and Canada, providing strategic insights and staff leadership toward aligning these activities with university priorities. She and her cross-cultural team of professional staff and volunteer leaders regularly engage 200+ alumni volunteers in 50+ parts of the world, building meaningfully engaged Cornell communities and supporting the university's institutional advancement goals through balanced, coordinated, and sustainable programming.