1. What is your current role/title?
I have been working with City Colleges of Chicago for six years. My current role is Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Before working at City Colleges of Chicago, I worked with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). I have a total of eight years working with state and federal aid. Where did you earn your degree(s)? Types of degree(s) and field(s) of study? I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Lake Forest College, and I am working towards obtaining my Master’s degree in Public Policy from DePaul University and will be graduating before the end of the year.
2. Where did you earn your degrees and what did you study?
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Lake Forest College, and I am working towards obtaining my Master’s degree in Public Policy from DePaul University and will be graduating before the end of the year.
My experience at Lake Forest College was phenomenal due to having faculty and staff supporting me throughout my undergraduate career. I was part of the Lake Forest Chicago Scholar program, which allowed me to focus on my studies and provided me with the support I needed throughout my four years. Currently, at DePaul University, the faculty is very open to meeting with students, which I have taken advantage of meeting with each of my professors. They also do an amazing job in promoting events and services. I have grown fondly of their Writing Center.
4. What excites you about equity work at your institution?
What excites me about the equity work at my institution is providing support to our student’s needs and learning what we can change to assist them better. What also excites me is creating new ways to make education accessible for everyone.
I have presented topics about Financial Aid and Financial Literacy in both Spanish and English in my role. I have also provided resources and guides on accessing Financial Aid, whether students are applying for the Alternative Application or FAFSA application. In addition, we are looking into having more events in multiple languages for our parents and students. Listening to the needs of students is my main priority when it comes to assisting students.