OUR TEAM

Laura E. Light

Laura E. Light, Executive Director

Laura Light is the Executive Director of The Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), which she joined in September of 2021. She brings to AAIE many years of experience working alongside school heads and senior leadership, supporting the most critical task of recruiting teachers and administrative talent.

Before joining AAIE, Laura was known in the international school world for her leadership and dedication as the Director of Global Recruitment at International Schools Services (ISS). Prior to joining ISS in 2007, Laura was an international educator for many years, with posts that included time in Kuwait, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Singapore, and London, as well as positions in Oregon, California, and New York. Her knowledge of international schools is deeply rooted in her upbringing as she is also a Third Culture Kid.

Laura has served on the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) Educational Board and is a member of the Diversity Collaborative. She understands the challenges faced, has an enviable network of longstanding relationships, and, already knowing so many in the international community, is a natural community builder and an assertive advocate for quality leadership in our international schools worldwide.

Laura greatly enjoys her work supporting international school leaders and values the interactions and experiences she encounters while traveling, which is her biggest joy. When not on the road, she resides in New Jersey with her partner where they enjoy the outdoors (walking, biking, hiking) or just spending time together.

Contact Laura

Email: laura@aaie.org
Phone: +1 917.414.7193

Paula G. Plaza-Ponte

Paula G. Plaza-Ponte, Membership Engagement Coordinator

Paula G. Plaza-Ponte is an experienced international educator known for her commitment to fostering community, nurturing relationships, and cultivating psychological safety among her students and teams. Prior to joining AAIE, she taught in the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States. Through intentional design, she champions agency, collaboration, reflection, and a strong sense of belonging. She believes that learning and connections occur when people feel they can show up as who they are. Colleagues admire her authenticity, commitment to building capacity in others and reimagining education through humanizing and sustainable ways. Aside from being a teacher leader, Paula is an instructional coach and has presented at various educational conferences. She also served as an IB MYP Workshop leader, facilitating workshops in different parts of the Asia-Pacific Region.

Paula currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband, Mario, and their son, Luca. When she is not working or spending time with her family, she is reading, journaling, dreaming, trying out recipes from IG or going on a photo-walk, tuning in to her breath and taking her time.

Contact Paula

Email: paula@aaie.org
Phone: +1 412.417.3712

Anna Santori

Anna Santori, Executive Coordinator and Assistant to the Director

Anna Santori is an organized and articulate professional with extensive experience in the international school community coordinating the full recruitment lifecycle for all educators including senior leadership roles and event planning. She is a relationship builder and facilitator who is known for her strong work ethic, organizational skills, and ability to connect people to create a collaborative team environment. Before joining AAIE, Anna worked at International Schools Services (ISS) as the Assistant Director of Global Recruitment, and the Global Recruitment and Leadership Searches Coordinator. During that time, Anna was also part of the organizing task force for the Diversity Collaborative (DC). She is a lifelong learner who is dedicated to and passionate about the international school community, the advancement of education, and cultural understanding.

Anna grew up in Poland and spent a year studying French in Tours, France. She currently resides in New Jersey, with her husband, David, and their daughter, Olivia. When she is not working or spending time with her family, she likes to read, listen to music, or go for walks.

Contact Anna
Email: anna@aaie.org
Phone: +1 609.506.2295