Machada Smith-McGovern (she/her/hers) is the Staff Engagement & DEI Manager at InterExchange, a Department of State designated J-1 visa sponsor. Her expertise lies in designing transformative staff experience and engagement programs while leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Notably, Machada holds the Chair position for Diversity Abroad's International Education DEI Professionals Community of Practice (2023-2024), unifying global education and DEI leaders to shape influential initiatives and resources for the field.

With over 4+ years of living and working in China and Singapore, and proficient in Mandarin, Machada brings profound cross-cultural insights to her work. As Board Chair for Teens of Color Abroad since 2018, she offers strategic guidance, shaping engaging study abroad opportunities for youth of color.

Machada's DEI programming has been recognized for winning the 2023 Global Youth Travel WYSTC Award for Best DEI Initiative. She is dedicated to driving organizational effectiveness through her expertise in DEI initiatives and organizational development.