Maintain Your “Why”: How Dr. Fabiola Riobe Keeps True on Her Dedication to Higher Ed

When you think of study abroad or international students, community colleges might not be the first to come to mind. But Dr. Fabiola Riobe, Vice President for Educational Innovation and International Programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College, is changing that narrative.

In just two years, Dr. Riobe has welcomed over 200 international students to campus and launched the college’s first study abroad program to Peru — all while embracing the diverse needs of non-traditional students. For Fabiola, international education is not just about crossing borders, but about making education a global experience accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

In this episode of Via Voices, Fabiola shares her inspiring journey, the innovative global pathways KCKCC is building, and how she stays motivated amidst political and social challenges to keep community and student success at the heart of her work.

• How a first-generation American’s experience fuels a deep commitment to diverse student success.

• Creating accessible international education for community college students of all backgrounds.

• Leveraging technology and COIL programs to integrate global learning virtually

• Maintaining purpose and community in challenging political climates.

• The ROI of cultural immersion and workforce development for non-traditional education pathways.

Dr. Fabiola Riobe is the Vice President for Educational Innovation and International Programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College. An accomplished international executive and education advocate, she champions entrepreneurship, social impact, and global competency development. Fabiola is founder and CEO of Kids Global University and has received international recognition including the 2023 Women of Leadership and Vision Award. Her innovative leadership is shaping more equitable access to global education for community college students.

[00:00] Podcast begins

[01:01] Family Background to Career Inspiration: Fabiola’s first generation American experience

[03:54] KCK Ecosystem in International Ed: Non-traditional student pathways in learning

[07:55] Sharing Curriculum Through Tech: COIL & a global approach to education experiences

[10:12] Maintaining the “Why”: Keep community during political & social challenges

[15:47] Rapid Fire Questions: Fabiola talks ROI, workforce development, & cultural immersion

Kansas City Kansas Community College | kckcc.edu

Book: The Medici Effect: What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us about Innovation: With a New Preface and Discussion Guide
By: Frans Johansson

Connect with Fabiola:  LinkedIn

For More Information:
Learn more about the Association of International Education Administrators at AIEAworld.org. Visit ViaTRM.com to learn more about Via TRM and access to additional resources.

Stay Connected:

Support Via Voices by subscribing on

• YouTube: youtube.com/@viatrm
• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/via-voices
• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3R0BcoxUC6Xzr1SW7CCT2t

Experience the platform powering the full ecosystem of institutional travel. From study abroad and exchange programs to ISSS offices and faculty on the move—if it crosses a border and touches your campus, Via’s built to support it.