Victoria Steele

Associate Director of Business Development, North America

Victoria is Associate Director of Business Development, North America and takes the lead with our partnerships with Canadian institutions. Victoria is an accomplished professional who joins us after serving as Director of Partnerships for Canada at AECC, where she focused on market intelligence and international student recruitment. Previously, she held the position of Partnership Director at Adventus.io, enabling institutions, recruiters, and service providers to seamlessly find and transact with each other, anywhere in the world. She has vast experience in global strategic partner relationship management. With over eight years at Brock University, Victoria advanced from Graduate Programs Officer to Associate Director of International Market Development, successfully managing relationships in Southeast Asia, South and East Asia and enhancing the university's global presence. She also has experience as an International Coordinator and Student Communication Skills Coordinator, showcasing her diverse skill set in education and partnership development. Victoria holds a Master's degree from McMaster University and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Victoria.

When did you join Grok?
August, 2024

Describe yourself in three words.
Inquisitive; Logical; Spirited

What were you doing before working at Grok?
Prior to Grok I worked in international education for 15+ years in both China and Canada, both teaching and in recruitment. Working from a junior recruiter to Associate Director, International Market Development at a Canadian University, I was fortunate to travel extensively and work with a wide variety of stakeholders supporting international recruitment and student opportunities. A few years back, I decided to try working in the private sphere for both B2B and B2C agencies, benefitting from knowledge about global study destinations and Canada’s position within prospective student minds, as well as how institutions can adopt successful commercial opportunities to support current international strategy. The combination of working in both the public institution and private agency side, gives me an extremely unique perspective on recruitment strategy and leaning into institutions strengths.

What was your first job in education?
My first paying position was teaching English in Hong Kong during a gap year after high school. Prior to that, I always volunteered in my mom’s elementary schools, helping her with Grade 1 or the PE teacher with coaching.

What does international education mean for you?
Equal access to global academic opportunities that can generate unimaginable individual accomplishment

What is one of the most satisfying outcomes you’ve helped a client to achieve?
I wouldn’t refer to her as a “client”, but the first PhD student I ever recruited now calls Canada home and works within International Student Services at an Ontario University.

What is your favourite book?
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

What is your dream travel destination? Why?
Hong Kong for the hiking; Ethiopia for the smiles and Azores for the sea

What is your favourite food to eat with friends?
I like to host friends for dinner frequently and highlight whatever fruits+veggies are in season

What is a something you’ve learned from somebody inspirational?
Tell good stories about yourself. To yourself. And other people.

What was your favourite subject at high school or university?
All of them!