Saltire Foundation Team Expands

We are pleased to announce two new team members have joined the Saltire Foundation. We plan to use their expertise and enthusiasm to deliver our existing programmes as well as to further develop our alumni network and partnerships with likeminded organisations across Scotland.

Katie Michels joined the Saltire Foundation team in December 2010 as Programme & Marketing Manager. Katie brings experience in the higher education and voluntary sectors in Scotland, the United States, Sweden, South Africa and France. Prior to moving to Scotland, Katie worked with Phelps Stokes in Washington, DC as a Programme Associate in the International Exchange Programmes division. In this capacity, she was responsible for the conceptualisation, budget, planning and execution of three-week individually tailored programmes for emerging leaders from all over the world who were guests of the US State Department's International Visitor Leadership Programme.

Katie holds a MSc in Tourism Management from the University of Strathclyde, a MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town and a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. Her particular areas of interest are international education, travel and languages.

Claire Johnston joined the Saltire Foundation team in February 2011 as Programme and Marketing Executive. Claire graduated from the University of St. Andrews in 2010 with an MA International Relations and Social Anthropology and during her studies worked extensively for EU Recruitment and Admissions. Serving as Principle Student Ambassador in her final year, Claire oversaw the creation of a student-funded scholarship programme, represented the university at local and national events, coordinated fund raising events and worked in widening access programmes.

Claire was selected as a Saltire Scholar in 2009 and worked as an Executive Assistant for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, a Chicago based not-for-profit promoting Scottish culture and interests. Claire is still reaping the benefits of her Saltire internship and brings both her professional experience and the commitment and enthusiasm generated from her first-hand-experience of the Foundation's work to her role. Claire is currently completing an LLM International Law at the University of Edinburgh.