Stories of Impact
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Stories of Impact
Let us know your story! Share with the community how NLU has impacted your life. Click below to learn more.
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National Louis University played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to leadership. I was fortunate to have earned both my specialist and doctoral degrees there, where the blend of theory and practical application prepared me to address the complex challenges of today’s educational landscape. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders. Today, I serve as an Area Superintendent of Schools within the Pinellas County School District, applying the principles and insights I gained to make a positive impact in our schools.
National Louis University played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to leadership. I was fortunate to have earned both my specialist and doctoral degrees there, where the blend of theory and practical application prepared me to address the complex challenges of today’s educational landscape. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders. Today, I serve as an Area Superintendent of Schools within the Pinellas County School District, applying the principles and insights I gained to make a positive impact in our schools.
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I loved my experience at NLU so much I chose to do it twice. Earning my master's, I discovered every assignment was practical and immediately applicable to my work in a large school district. When I transitioned to an educational nonprofit, it felt like the perfect opportunity to study system implementation—so I returned for my doctorate. My degrees from NLU have opened doors I didn't know existed. I am now a bestselling author, keynote speaker, business consultant, and AVID Executive Director for the state of Florida. My time at NLU prepared me for all of this—and I know the best is yet to come!
I loved my experience at NLU so much I chose to do it twice. Earning my master's, I discovered every assignment was practical and immediately applicable to my work in a large school district. When I transitioned to an educational nonprofit, it felt like the perfect opportunity to study system implementation—so I returned for my doctorate. My degrees from NLU have opened doors I didn't know existed. I am now a bestselling author, keynote speaker, business consultant, and AVID Executive Director for the state of Florida. My time at NLU prepared me for all of this—and I know the best is yet to come!
My experience at National Louis University shaped me into a stronger leader, advocate, and community voice. Through my studies, I gained academic knowledge and the confidence to lead with purpose. As a preschool director, I apply what I've learned daily—supporting children, guiding teachers, and building meaningful relationships with families. NLU deepened my commitment to equity in early childhood education, allowing me to better serve diverse communities. Beyond the workplace, I actively support local food and clothing pantries, connecting families to essential resources. NLU helped me find my voice and understand the impact of using it. Today, I lead with intention and work toward positive change.
My experience at National Louis University shaped me into a stronger leader, advocate, and community voice. Through my studies, I gained academic knowledge and the confidence to lead with purpose. As a preschool director, I apply what I've learned daily—supporting children, guiding teachers, and building meaningful relationships with families. NLU deepened my commitment to equity in early childhood education, allowing me to better serve diverse communities. Beyond the workplace, I actively support local food and clothing pantries, connecting families to essential resources. NLU helped me find my voice and understand the impact of using it. Today, I lead with intention and work toward positive change.
After earning my associate degree in 1989, I built a 30-year career as an administrative professional, including roles at Starcom Worldwide and JUF News, where I discovered my passion for communications. In fall 2019, I began my journey at National Louis University. By March 2020, the world shut down, and that summer I moved to Phoenix. Being an online student had its challenges, but dedicated faculty, advisors, and great classmates kept me on course. NLU helped me transform years of experience into deeper knowledge and purpose. More than 1,700 miles away, NLU holds a special place in my heart. I am proud to be part of its 140-year legacy.
After earning my associate degree in 1989, I built a 30-year career as an administrative professional, including roles at Starcom Worldwide and JUF News, where I discovered my passion for communications. In fall 2019, I began my journey at National Louis University. By March 2020, the world shut down, and that summer I moved to Phoenix. Being an online student had its challenges, but dedicated faculty, advisors, and great classmates kept me on course. NLU helped me transform years of experience into deeper knowledge and purpose. More than 1,700 miles away, NLU holds a special place in my heart. I am proud to be part of its 140-year legacy.
My degrees from National Louis University's Kendall College reshaped the course of my professional life. Transitioning from Federal Employee to Executive Chef and Partner in a full-service restaurant and brewery required more than passion — it required discipline, leadership, and technical mastery. Kendall gave me the tools and confidence to make that leap. The instruction went beyond recipes, instilling operational strategy, financial awareness, and a standard of excellence. I learned as much from instructors and peers as I did from the curriculum itself. Every day in my kitchen, I apply those lessons — mentoring my team, building systems, and upholding the standards of craft that Kendall instilled in me.
My degrees from National Louis University's Kendall College reshaped the course of my professional life. Transitioning from Federal Employee to Executive Chef and Partner in a full-service restaurant and brewery required more than passion — it required discipline, leadership, and technical mastery. Kendall gave me the tools and confidence to make that leap. The instruction went beyond recipes, instilling operational strategy, financial awareness, and a standard of excellence. I learned as much from instructors and peers as I did from the curriculum itself. Every day in my kitchen, I apply those lessons — mentoring my team, building systems, and upholding the standards of craft that Kendall instilled in me.
National Louis University helped make my dreams a reality. As a child, I always wanted to become an educator — pretending to be the teacher, taking my Barbie dolls' attendance, and modeling the great teachers I admired. That dream of earning a Doctoral degree never left me.
In Spring 2021, I was accepted into the doctorate program and from day one was welcomed by amazing staff and fellow cohort members. When I defended my dissertation, I cried tears of joy — all the hard work had paid off. NLU fully prepared me to become a principal, and I am forever grateful to be an NLU graduate.
National Louis University helped make my dreams a reality. As a child, I always wanted to become an educator — pretending to be the teacher, taking my Barbie dolls' attendance, and modeling the great teachers I admired. That dream of earning a Doctoral degree never left me.
In Spring 2021, I was accepted into the doctorate program and from day one was welcomed by amazing staff and fellow cohort members. When I defended my dissertation, I cried tears of joy — all the hard work had paid off. NLU fully prepared me to become a principal, and I am forever grateful to be an NLU graduate.
As an alumna, NLU gave me more than a Bachelor's degree — it opened a future I once believed was out of reach. As a first-generation college student, I arrived unsure and uncertain, yet was quickly embraced by a community rooted in care. Faculty, staff, and peers created a space where I felt seen, encouraged, and capable, shaping both my confidence and purpose.
Today, as an employee, that journey has come full circle. Returning as a professional allows me to give back to the community that helped shape me — and the compassion I once received now guides how I serve others each day.
As an alumna, NLU gave me more than a Bachelor's degree — it opened a future I once believed was out of reach. As a first-generation college student, I arrived unsure and uncertain, yet was quickly embraced by a community rooted in care. Faculty, staff, and peers created a space where I felt seen, encouraged, and capable, shaping both my confidence and purpose.
Today, as an employee, that journey has come full circle. Returning as a professional allows me to give back to the community that helped shape me — and the compassion I once received now guides how I serve others each day.
Pursuing my Doctorate of Business Administration at National Louis University has sharpened how I connect strategy to real-world impact. NLU strengthened my ability to think in systems — aligning corporate strategy, organizational behavior, and economic impact beyond theory. As managing partner of Pitch & Pour Supper Club in Chicago, I approach hospitality as both a business and community asset, intentionally designing it to create jobs and drive local economic growth. NLU has refined my leadership lens, helping me make decisions with greater emphasis on culture and long-term value creation. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to bridge academia and entrepreneurship — using business as a tool for community development.
Pursuing my Doctorate of Business Administration at National Louis University has sharpened how I connect strategy to real-world impact. NLU strengthened my ability to think in systems — aligning corporate strategy, organizational behavior, and economic impact beyond theory. As managing partner of Pitch & Pour Supper Club in Chicago, I approach hospitality as both a business and community asset, intentionally designing it to create jobs and drive local economic growth. NLU has refined my leadership lens, helping me make decisions with greater emphasis on culture and long-term value creation. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to bridge academia and entrepreneurship — using business as a tool for community development.
National Louis University didn’t just shape my leadership—it transformed my calling. Through my dual doctoral journey in Strategic Educational Leadership and Educational Leadership with Superintendent Endorsement, I’ve learned to blend courage with scholarship and advocacy with strategy. NLU gave me a platform few institutions have the vision or courage to create—one where a Black, Puerto Rican woman could pursue two doctoral degrees simultaneously in the Department of Education. When I asked, they didn’t hesitate—they built this pathway around me. That act of faith and innovation reflects NLU’s true heart: equity in action.
National Louis University didn’t just shape my leadership—it transformed my calling. Through my dual doctoral journey in Strategic Educational Leadership and Educational Leadership with Superintendent Endorsement, I’ve learned to blend courage with scholarship and advocacy with strategy. NLU gave me a platform few institutions have the vision or courage to create—one where a Black, Puerto Rican woman could pursue two doctoral degrees simultaneously in the Department of Education. When I asked, they didn’t hesitate—they built this pathway around me. That act of faith and innovation reflects NLU’s true heart: equity in action.
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.
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 have been fortunate to collaborate 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, in particular, embodies this mission by preparing future teachers who are compassionate practitioners and critical thinkers, deeply committed to equity, access, and transformative education.
What moves me most about being part of this community is how aspiration and inspiration intertwine. At NLU, we do not just teach or learn; we engage in a collective pursuit of inclusion, innovation, and reflection. There is a shared belief that education is a vehicle for social change and that every learner, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to thrive. I find genuine joy in our collective commitment to reimagining what it means to teach, lead, and support one another—especially in times that test our resilience and values.
I have been fortunate to collaborate 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, in particular, embodies this mission by preparing future teachers who are compassionate practitioners and critical thinkers, deeply committed to equity, access, and transformative education.
What moves me most about being part of this community is how aspiration and inspiration intertwine. At NLU, we do not just teach or learn; we engage in a collective pursuit of inclusion, innovation, and reflection. There is a shared belief that education is a vehicle for social change and that every learner, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to thrive. I find genuine joy in our collective commitment to reimagining what it means to teach, lead, and support one another—especially in times that test our resilience and values.
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. I have never seen such a strong program, with extensive classroom time, observation, half-day and full-day student teaching, and full immersion in the arts to ensure we were well prepared. National’s outstanding reputation drew school districts nationwide and offshore to recruit its teachers. I was truly ready for my career.
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. I have never seen such a strong program, with extensive classroom time, observation, half-day and full-day student teaching, and full immersion in the arts to ensure we were well prepared. National’s outstanding reputation drew school districts nationwide and offshore to recruit its teachers. I was truly ready for my career.
Acts of Service
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"I worked with the Bread Team at what I consider the best organized community service event in my 50 years of volunteering — and I have volunteered with the Marie Wilkerson Food Pantry, Hesed House, Feed My Starving Children, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, and my Sorority for decades. NLU's partnership with this Food Dispensary was an excellent teamwork experience for the good of the community. Those in need received excellent food, and we packed over 1,000 boxes of assorted breads in just 2½ hours. Wow!"
“Volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave. With so many families facing reduced SNAP benefits, and the holidays approaching, the need feels heavier than ever. Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow NLU alumni, and so many others who showed up to help, reminded me how powerful community can be when we choose to show up for one another. I was genuinely moved by the stories, the shared purpose and the simple act of doing something that makes someone else’s day a little easier. I’m grateful for the opportunity and already looking forward to going back.”
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"Volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository filled me with gratitude, purpose, and humility. Sorting and preparing food boxes made me deeply aware of how many families depend on these resources just to get through the week — and reminded me not to take my own stability for granted. More than volunteering, it felt like directly contributing to someone's peace of mind. This experience helped me embody the NLU spirit by pushing me to live out empathy, service, and leadership — because showing up and doing the work is what real leadership looks like."
"I had the privilege of volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. I worked with the bread group, where together we repacked 10,128 pounds of bread—enough to provide servings for approximately 8,440 households. It was incredibly rewarding to know that our collective effort would help so many families in need. This experience truly reflects what it means to serve as an NLU ambassador—leading with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose. In these challenging times, it felt uplifting to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared the same commitment to making a positive difference. Volunteering not only allowed me to contribute to my community, but also reinforced the importance of service, collaboration, and empathy—values that are at the heart of NLU’s mission.”
“For my Act of Service, I participated with the NLU Advising Team in creating handmade cards, bookmarks, and bracelets for children and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital. This experience was both humbling and deeply meaningful, as it reminded me of the power of small acts of kindness. Watching our team collaborate with care and intention demonstrated how service can strengthen community and bring comfort to others. Coming together for a shared purpose reinforced the NLU's values of service, generosity, and empathy. This act of service allowed me to reflect on gratitude and the importance of supporting those facing difficult circumstances.”
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