Welcome to the Dragon Community: Lee Gambara

Lee Gambara is Minnesota State Moorhead’s new International Student Support Coordinator. In this role, Lee will support international students here on campus.

Q: What is one thing that has surprised you about MSUM?
A: I worked at UND before coming here so I had a pretty good idea on what it would be like. But I have been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and open everyone has been.

Q: What unique experience or skills from your past job do you bring to MSUM?
A: I have been doing this job for 12 years now, specifically immigration advising so I am very familiar with immigration regulations and the different types of circumstances in which a lot of international students find themselves. I was in the Peace Corps after college. So, I also have the experience of living abroad.

Q: How do you prefer to start your workday?
A: See what’s going on in my email inbox while drinking my coffee.

Q: What’s one thing you’re working on right now and why is it important?
A: I am working on updating the website. Previously, the Director of Global Engagement would have done what I am doing, but now global engagement and diversity and inclusion have combined to I’m doing international student support, and they are doing a new director search.

Q: What energizes you outside of work?
A: Just being a part of a community. My partner and I do tenant and community organizing, getting connected with people and civically involved. My neighbors celebrate Ramadan, and they come over every night and bring us delicious deserts.

Q: What is the best advice someone has given you? And who was it from? 
A: I deal with a lot of anxiety, and my partner is good at being like “so what? Is someone going to be mad? Is someone going to laugh?” it’s helpful when I am getting in my head and overthinking things.

Q: What are your favorite places to eat at in the Fargo/Moorhead area?
A: Hooyo’s Kitchen, Taj India, El Agave, The Rio.