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.
Audre Lorde wrote, “Without community, there is no liberation.” National Louis University was that community for me—the place where I was seen, stretched, and poured into until I began to see myself differently. My professors didn’t just teach me; they believed in me in ways that made healing possible. My cohort became my chosen family—people who still show up, have shared my guest room, and remind me that distance can’t separate purpose. At NLU, I discovered that research can be love in action, equity can be practiced with tenderness, and belonging is both a right and a responsibility. The lessons I carry into my work as cofounder of New York University’s Institute for Healing & Belonging in Schools were born at National Louis. NLU didn’t just prepare me for a career; it transformed my life and gave me a community that continues to shape who I am. With deep respect and gratitude, I’m honored to be part of its legacy.
Audre Lorde wrote, “Without community, there is no liberation.” National Louis University was that community for me—the place where I was seen, stretched, and poured into until I began to see myself differently. My professors didn’t just teach me; they believed in me in ways that made healing possible. My cohort became my chosen family—people who still show up, have shared my guest room, and remind me that distance can’t separate purpose. At NLU, I discovered that research can be love in action, equity can be practiced with tenderness, and belonging is both a right and a responsibility. The lessons I carry into my work as cofounder of New York University’s Institute for Healing & Belonging in Schools were born at National Louis. NLU didn’t just prepare me for a career; it transformed my life and gave me a community that continues to shape who I am. With deep respect and gratitude, I’m honored to be part of its legacy.
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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