Stories of Impact

I’ve spent 11 years with National Louis University, as an Advisor/Career Advisor, Associate Director, and Executive Director of Academic Advising. The opportunity to serve not only our student population, but oversee a team of dedicated and caring higher ed professionals, has been the cornerstone of my professional journey of service. I will be forever grateful for both the possibilities that National Louis University has afforded me and the chance to give back to our growing student community. National Louis believed in my potential, and I believe in each and every one of our Advisors to embody that same potential as well.

My time at National Louis University was a turning point in my life. When I first stepped onto the Chicago campus, I had big dreams but was also managing real-life responsibilities. NLU became the place where those dreams were supported and shaped. As part of the first cohort of the Community Psychology PhD program, balancing school, work, and family was challenging, but it taught me resilience and revealed my inner strength. I was especially inspired by my professors—Dr. Viola, Dr. Fromm-Reed, and Dr. Olson—whose guidance and encouragement left a lasting impression. Through their mentorship, I discovered my gift for writing, which led me to become a two-time published author now working on my third book. Since earning my PhD, I’ve been promoted three times and now serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Division of Rehabilitation Services, serving as a statewide resource for people with disabilities. NLU didn’t just shape my career—it shaped my purpose, my heart, and the woman I am today.

National Louis University has been more than a workplace. It has been a space of growth, reflection, and purpose. My work here has allowed me to live out my passion for student success by meeting each student where they are and nurturing their development as whole people, recognizing their stories, strengths, and goals. Each interaction is an opportunity to listen deeply, affirm their experiences, and help them build confidence in their potential.Through these moments, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of connection—the shift that occurs when students feel truly seen, supported, and challenged to grow. NLU’s commitment to excellence and equity has strengthened my belief that every student deserves opportunity, high expectations, and care that honors who they are and who they can become. This work is more than a role; it is a calling that reminds me daily why I chose this path.

National Louis University has truly changed my life. From the start, I felt welcomed, supported, and understood. The instructors believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself, giving me the freedom to grow, take chances, and see what I'm capable of. Being part of this caring community helped me find confidence I didn't know I had and brought out talents I wasn't sure I could pursue. I learned it's never too late to keep learning and growing, no matter where I began. More than that, NLU helped me discover who I truly am — to believe in myself and feel proud of who I'm becoming.

As a student at NLU, balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and my studies has been one of the most challenging yet transformative journeys of my life. I decided to become a teacher after working as a long-term substitute in one of the most difficult classrooms I'd ever encountered — a year that brought tears and frustration, but also moments of connection. I realized those children needed someone who believed in them, and that someone could be me. NLU has given me the knowledge and support to grow as an educator, teaching me to meet students where they are and create inclusive classrooms. I am forever grateful for the mentorship that shaped me into the teacher I am today.

Earning my Master's degree from National Louis University in 2016 was a transformative milestone in my life. The education, mentorship, and unwavering support I received at NLU empowered me to grow both personally and professionally. Shortly after graduating, I launched my nonprofit, Blue Freedom Project, which has since raised over $20,000 to support survivors of human trafficking. In 2019, I founded Provision Ecommerce Company, a consulting startup that achieved six-figure revenue in its first year. NLU sparked my entrepreneurial spirit and gave me the confidence to lead with purpose — a foundation that recently took me to Dubai to expand my consulting business globally.

I truly thank the National College of Education at National Louis University for shaping who I am personally and professionally. Coming to Evanston from New York and choosing NLU was the best decision I ever made. Its strong academic program, demo school, and diverse students from across the country and offshore introduced me to so much. The caring staff and faculty made a real difference, with extensive classroom time, observation, and full immersion in the arts to ensure we were well prepared. National's outstanding reputation drew school districts nationwide to recruit its teachers. It all began on September 19, 1970, and continues today. My heartfelt thanks!

I have collaborated with many remarkable educators and institutions throughout my career, yet I can say with complete sincerity that I have never experienced a learning community quite like National Louis University. At NLU, the mission to inspire and empower all learners is not simply stated—it is lived daily through the relationships among students, faculty, and staff. The undergraduate educator preparation program embodies this mission by preparing compassionate, critical-thinking teachers deeply committed to equity and access. What moves me most is how aspiration and inspiration intertwine here—a shared belief that education is a vehicle for social change, and that every learner deserves the opportunity to thrive.

NLU has been a defining part of my journey—a place where I’ve grown, learned, and evolved. From the day I started as a student, I found an environment that encouraged discovery, supported growth, and inspired me to reach higher. The people I met and the experiences I had shaped not only my education but who I am today.My connection to NLU has taken many forms: I was a student, worked part-time on campus, graduated, and now proudly serve as a full-time staff member. Each role deepened my appreciation for this community and its commitment to helping others succeed.NLU has been a place of encouragement, opportunity, and meaningful growth. I’m proud to continue my journey here, giving back to a community that has given me so much.

I am a civil engineer with a lifelong passion for building and transforming communities through infrastructure. Growing up in Bolivia, I was immersed in construction from a young age, learning responsibility, leadership, and technical skills alongside my father on projects that brought clean water and improved infrastructure to underserved communities. I am now pursuing a Master of Science in Business Data Analytics at National Louis University, researching the application of artificial intelligence in construction and transportation to optimize materials, costs, and schedules. I was honored to receive the Helene M. Overly Memorial Graduate Scholarship for a second time, further strengthening my pride in representing NLU.

My degree has opened so many doors! It has given me a job I love at Birth to Five Illinois, where I get to support my community, and it has opened opportunities to share what I've learned as an adjunct faculty member at two community colleges.

Attending National Louis University (NLU) opened doors for me that would have otherwise remained closed. Thanks to the foundation built during my degree, I have had the privilege of working for a Fortune 500 company, earning three master’s degrees, and consistently giving back to my community through volunteering and philanthropy. One of the most valuable lessons I learned at NLU is that any dream is achievable through hard work, continuous study, and a willingness to learn from others.