Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, the Partnership for College Completion Student Advisory Council will equip students with skills that will help them advance their college careers to completion and learn the importance of engaging decision makers in conversations that will improve Illinois’ higher education system.
This year’s participants are a diverse group of student leaders from across the Chicagoland area who are eager to make change on their campuses and have an impact in the legislative decisions of their state.
Andrea (Andy) Acosta, Class of 2028
Andy Acosta is a freshman at Trinity Christian College, studying Social Work with a minor in Theology. She has always been passionate about children’s human rights around the world since she started being involved in clubs like Model United Nations. This experience only fueled her passion to fight for the rights of such an overlooked population. She hopes to have the opportunity to be apart of something impactful in the future and have a career that allows her opportunities to go abroad and be part of those movements. She is looking forward to working with an impressive and passionate team to uplift voices of those that may be overlooked. Those voices matter and she couldn’t be more excited to amplify them.
Danielle DeGrasse Alston, Class of 2026
Danielle DeGrasse Alston is a photographer from Chicago who is passionate about storytelling. Through the use of visual language, she hopes to effect change where change is needed. Early in her creative journey, she co-founded a media company called Verluxe and has photographed President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. She also published a magazine that featured articles and photography showcasing up-and-coming creatives in Chicago, called Verluxe Magazine. The goal of this magazine was to uplift and inspire artists in Chicago to push the boundaries of their storytelling. She learned the impact media can have on a global market when she was selected for a summer internship at Leo Burnett advertising agency as a Jr. Art Director. Her work has been published in the Chicago Sun Times, The Chicago Tribune and Vogue. She is currently enrolled at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Karoline Chidester, Class of 2026
Karoline Chidester is currently a junior at Loyola University Chicago studying Psychology with a minor in Ethics and Moral Philosophy. She enjoys meeting new people from across the world and learning from each and every experience. She has worked with kids of all ages and understands the importance of a supportive and loving educational environment. As part of her experience with the SAC, she is most looking forward to traveling to Springfield, IL and meeting with representatives to discuss advocacy.
Nicole Evans, Class of 2025
Born and raised in Chicago Illinois, Nicole Evans is a senior at National Louis University majoring in Psychology with a concentration in public policy. She has a passion for helping people and looks forward to learning how to do that on a macro-level through policy work.
Emily Ibarra-Franco, Class of 2025
Emily Ibarra-Franco is a first-generation Latina scholar with a passion for education and community support. She is a current senior at National-Louis University, earning her degree in Early Childhood & Elementary Education. Her strong communication skills and collaborative spirit drive her commitment to fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive. She has extensive experience working with non-profit organizations across the Chicagoland area, where she’s dedicated herself to empowering marginalized communities. Her work with these organizations has deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and reinforced her desire to give back. She is eager to contribute her expertise to an institution that prioritizes safety, respect and the holistic development of students. She’s excited to connect and explore how students can work together to make a positive impact.
Bianca Garcia, Class of 2027
Bianca Garcia is currently a sophomore at Trinity Christian College where she is studying computer science and the ever-changing future of tech. She is driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to her campus community and beyond. She looks forward to making a positive impact through the Student Advisory Council.
Yarilia Diaz Garcia, Class of 2027
Yarilia Diaz Garcia is currently a sophomore at North Park University, where she is currently pursuing a political science and criminal justice degree. She is very passionate about advocacy and serving communities and is very excited to be part of the Student Advisory Council. She looks forward to expanding her skills and knowledge so she can help other students.
Makayla Merrell, Class of 2026
Makayla Merrell is a junior at Loyola University Chicago studying journalism. She loves writing and is a very passionate person when it comes to writing and storytelling. Her goal in life is to be a journalist who travels the world and captures storytelling. This is what fulfills her, as she knows that making a change in the world starts with local change.
Tycree Watson, Class of 2027
Tycree Watson is from the southside of Chicago and is currently a sophomore at Dominican University. He is pursuing a degree with a dual focus of Finance and economics. He is passionate about his ability to innovate young minds while aiding his community into upward mobility. He looks forward to being apart of the SAC to create change by utilizing student voices.