Irene Mendez joined Rice Global as the Global Program Specialist in April 2023. Irene is responsible for coordinating & supporting global programs in the Rice Global office, including student programs, conferences, and serving as a point of contact for the Rice Global Paris Center and other international partners.  

Irene was born in Costa Rica and moved to Houston when she was 8 years old.  She speaks both English and Spanish fluently, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College. Prior to joining the Rice Global, she worked for 5 years in the Office of International Students and Scholars at Rice. Her previous work established her professional interest in inter-cultural exchange and international engagement which she is excited to develop further working with Rice’s global expansion.