Shih-Ya joined the International Center in September 2024. She was born and raised in Taiwan and spent most of her elementary to high school years in Shanghai, China. Shih-Ya was an international student in the U.S.A. from college to her Master’s. After completing OPT, Shih-Ya went back to Taiwan for four years. She is excited to be back in Michigan and serve as an advocate for international students at U-M. Shih-Ya’s role focuses on health and well-being activities and works with students who face personal challenges. Shih-Ya is a part of the International Center Global Engagement and Education Abroad (GEEA) team and a Visiting Staff at the Dean of Students Office.
Shih-Ya holds a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Social Work in community organizing and management in human services from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. During her years as an international student, Shih-Ya went on service and study-abroad trips in Guatemala, Kenya, Portugal, China, and the UK. She also served in various student organizations. Shih-Ya is passionate about multicultural affairs and the global intersectionality of diversity, equity, and inclusion.