Ban Faris

I am the Associate Director of the Global Career Initiative at Arizona State University. I began my role at ASU as a liaison for the Fulton Schools of Engineering and other departments, ensuring faculty and staff understood the policies and procedures necessary to meet university standards and best support international students.

In my current role, I work closely with employers across the region to educate them on the process of hiring international student talent and to showcase the tremendous value these students bring to the workforce. With a Master’s in Professional Leadership and more than 15 years of experience in F-1 immigration and U.S. work authorization, I have dedicated my career to helping international students navigate complex regulations while unlocking meaningful career opportunities. I also had the privilege of serving as the NAFSA Region IV Regulatory Ombudsperson/Ambassador, where I provided guidance and advocacy on immigration issues at the regional level.

I lead a dedicated team that works to prepare our international students for success by helping them build strong professional networks, develop competitive résumés, and identify the right career opportunities. I am also an experienced facilitator of workshops on immigration, internships, work authorization, and professional networking, and I have built strong collaborations with employers to expand hiring pipelines for international students.

Fluent in Arabic and English, and with travel experience across the Middle East, Australia, and Europe, I bring a deep appreciation for cultural diversity that informs my work. Passionate, motivated, and student-centered, I remain committed to advancing opportunities for international students while helping employers tap into this exceptional pool of global talent.