About Us

 Liza Carbajo is an accomplished leader in global engagement and international education with over two decades of experience driving innovative programs and institutional partnerships. She has held executive positions at major urban institutions of higher learning and non-profit organizations, spearheading award-winning international education initiatives, directing multimillion-dollar programs and cultivating partnerships with governments, universities, corporate foundations and non-profits worldwide.

Throughout her career, Liza has been at the forefront of fostering meaningful global and community engagement. She has successfully designed strategies that have expanded study abroad opportunities, virtual international learning programs, and cross-cultural exchanges. Her expertise in managing complex budgets and securing external funding has significantly enhanced institutional impact and sustainability. As a consultant for various organizations, Liza has played a key role in developing impactful policies and strategies that have enhanced their national and international initiatives, while deepening community engagement with local governments, business leaders, and non-profit organizations. She has served on several academic boards and currently sits on the advisory boards of the World Affairs Council (Miami Chapter), and Istituto Marangoni Miami (Miami’s School of Fashion and Design), where she champions initiatives that promote cross-cultural dialogue and economic collaboration. Liza holds a Master’s degree in Educational Policy Studies with a focus on Global Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Florida International University. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and exploring fashion and design. Liza can be reached at lcarbajo@yourpotentialrising.com 

Dr. Magnolia Hernández is a results-driven professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and the non-profit sector. With a proven track record in strategic planning, student success, institutional engagement, and  program management, evaluation, and accreditation, Magnolia excels in guiding organizations through complex challenges to achieve sustainable outcomes. Having worked across diverse, urban higher education settings, she has developed a unique expertise in creating systems that support student success, particularly within diverse populations. Throughout her career, Magnolia has worked closely with academic leaders to develop strategic plans that foster academic excellence and improve performance indicators, particularly in areas such as student retention, graduation rates, and job placement.  Magnolia is deeply committed to mentoring and coaching, helping both students and professionals reach their full potential. Whether coaching students on career development, strategizing with leadership teams, or overseeing the implementation of large-scale projects, Magnolia brings a collaborative, thoughtful approach to every engagement. Her passion for fostering leadership, equity, and organizational growth continues to drive her work in higher education.  Magnolia holds a bachelor’s degree in Writing from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University, where her research focused on program assessment and quality in graduate education. During her free time, Magnolia enjoys reading, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family at home. Magnolia can be reached at mhernandez@yourpotentialrising.com