The Story Behind the Transformation
Key Milestones & Achievements
Foundation Building
Computer Science Studies in Romania: Developed foundational technical skills and first exposure to AI concepts
Immigration to United States: Navigated cultural adaptation while pursuing advanced education
Graduate Studies: Focused on intercultural studies and ethnographic research skills
Early Teaching Experience: Discovered passion for education and human development
Institutional Transformation
Doctoral level Research in Oxford UK: Researched new paradigms of teaching and learning online
Faculty Positions: Built reputation as innovative educator and researcher
Executive Administrative Roles: Developed leadership skills through progressive responsibility
Provost Appointment: Led comprehensive institutional transformation at Multnomah University
Innovation & Impact
Ready for Online Co-founding: Launched platform serving 250+ institutions globally
Ph.D. in AI in Higher Education completed: focused on developing a new pedagogy called Neogogy.ai
InspireWork.ai Creation: Pioneered AI-powered learming and workforce development solutions
Jessup Global Leadership: First fully AI-based University Branch Campus in America
Personal Values & Approach
Core Values That Guide Everything
Integrity in Action
Doing What's Right, Even When It's Difficult
Every decision I make is filtered through a simple question: Is this the right thing to do for the people we serve? This commitment to integrity has guided me through challenging situations, from difficult budget decisions as Provost to product development choices at InspireWork.ai.
I am a values-driven leader, guided by the timeless principles of truth, goodness, and beauty. These three serve as the foundation for every decision I make. Whenever a choice risks compromising even one of them, I pause to re-evaluate until integrity, purpose, and harmony are restored.
Integrity means being transparent about both successes and failures, honest about limitations and challenges, and committed to continuous improvement based on feedback and results. It means treating every stakeholder, student, faculty, clients, partners, with respect and dignity.
Excellence Without Compromise
Setting High Standards and Exceeding Them
Mediocrity is not an option when you're working to transform lives and organizations. Whether developing AI algorithms, designing curriculum, or leading institutional change, I believe in setting ambitious goals and then working relentlessly to exceed them, in partnership with others.
This commitment to excellence extends beyond just outcomes to encompass process, communication, and relationship-building. How we achieve results matters as much as what we achieve.
Innovation with Purpose
Technology in Service of Human Flourishing
Innovation for its own sake is meaningless. Every technological solution we develop, every process we improve, every system we implement must ultimately serve the goal of helping people reach their full potential.
This means staying grounded in human needs and real-world applications, even as we push the boundaries of what's technically possible. It means measuring success not just by technical metrics, but by human impact.
Collaboration Over Competition
Building Bridges, Not Walls
The challenges facing education and workforce development are too complex for any one person or organization to solve alone. My approach emphasizes collaboration, partnership, and knowledge sharing over proprietary solutions and competitive advantage.
This collaborative mindset has led to some of my most successful projects and most meaningful relationships. It's also created a network of partners and allies who share the vision of transformational learning.
Working Style & Methodology
Data-Driven Decision Making
Evidence Over Intuition
While intuition and experience are valuable, sustainable transformation requires decisions based on solid evidence and measurable outcomes. Every recommendation I make is backed by research, and data support every strategy. Every implementation is measured against clear success metrics.
This doesn't mean ignoring human factors or cultural considerations; it means finding ways to quantify and measure these essential but often intangible elements.
Iterative Improvement
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The best solutions emerge through cycles of implementation, measurement, feedback, and refinement. I approach every project with the understanding that the first version is rarely the final version, and that the most important insights often come from real-world application rather than theoretical planning.
This iterative approach requires humility, flexibility, and a commitment to learning from both successes and failures.
Stakeholder-Centered Design
Solutions Built for Real People in Real Situations
Whether designing AI algorithms or organizational change processes, I start with deep understanding of the people who will be affected by the solution. This means spending time with learners, instructors, administrators, and executives to understand their needs, constraints, and aspirations.
The most elegant technical solution is worthless if it doesn't work for the people who need to use it every day.
Personal Interests & Humanitarian Work
Beyond Professional Achievements
Grain for Pain: Humanitarian Leadership
Addressing Global Food Insecurity Through Grassroots Action
My work with Grain for Pain represents more than humanitarian service; it's a laboratory for understanding how to create sustainable impact in resource-constrained environments. Leading efforts that have delivered over 3 million pounds of grain to communities in need has taught me invaluable lessons about logistics, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of local partnerships.
This work has also reinforced my belief that the most effective solutions are often the simplest ones, and that sustainable change requires building local capacity rather than creating dependency on external resources.
Cultural Bridge-Building
Connecting Across Differences
My international background and multicultural experience have given me a deep appreciation for the richness that comes from diverse perspectives and approaches. I actively seek opportunities to build bridges between different cultures, educational systems, and organizational approaches.
This includes mentoring international students and professionals, facilitating cross-cultural partnerships, and ensuring that the solutions we develop at INspireWork.ai are culturally responsive and globally applicable.
Continuous Learning & Growth
Staying Curious in a Rapidly Changing World
Despite my expertise in learning and development, I remain a student at heart. I regularly engage in formal and informal learning opportunities, from attending conferences and workshops to reading extensively across disciplines and seeking out mentors and advisors who challenge my thinking.
This commitment to continuous learning isn't just personal—it's professional. In a field that's evolving as rapidly as AI and education, staying current isn't optional.
Vision for the Future
Where We're Heading Together
The Next Decade of Educational Transformation
Scaling Impact Through Innovation
Over the next ten years, I envision a world where personalized, AI-powered learning is the norm rather than the exception. Where every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to learning experiences that adapt to their needs, interests, and goals. Where every worker has the opportunity to continuously develop new skills and advance their career through engaging, effective training programs. This vision isn't just aspirational; it's achievable with the right combination of technology, pedagogy, and organizational commitment. InspireWork.ai is just the beginning of what's possible when we combine artificial intelligence with a deep understanding of human learning.
Building a Global Learning Ecosystem
Connecting Institutions, Organizations, and Individuals
The future of learning isn't confined to traditional institutional boundaries. I'm working to create connections between universities and corporations, between formal education and professional development, between local communities and global opportunities.
This ecosystem approach recognizes that learning happens everywhere and that the most effective solutions often emerge from unexpected combinations of resources, expertise, and perspectives.
Democratizing Access to Transformational Learning
Making Excellence Available to Everyone
Perhaps most importantly, I'm committed to ensuring that the benefits of AI-powered learning aren't limited to elite institutions or well-funded corporations. The same technologies and approaches that create breakthrough results for Fortune 500 companies should be available to community colleges, small businesses, and individual learners. This democratization of access is both a moral imperative and a practical necessity. The challenges facing our world, from climate challenges to economic inequality, require the full engagement of human potential, not just the potential of the privileged few.
