Category: Luminary Award
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Martin Lozano
Martin Lozano loves to learn, build, and create things. That’s why, when the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School graduate was exploring his college options, Daley College—a school known for its advanced manufacturing and engineering offerings—made sense. Still, while the programs attracted Martin to Daley, he says it’s the people there that encouraged him to…
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Favour Gbadamosi
After graduating from Hyde Park Academy, Favour Gbadamosi took advantage of the Star Scholarship to begin her college journey at Kennedy-King College tuition-free. “The word star is like, you’re a bright person, you’re shining…” Favour said. “For me to be a part of something like that is really amazing.” Favour got involved on campus right…
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Irene Aleman
Prior to becoming the Wellness Center coordinator at Truman College, Irene Aleman provided mental health case management for marginalized communities in Chicago. That work propelled her interest in her current role, as the Wellness Center provides free mental health services and support for other basic needs to Truman College students. Irene is often the first…
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Mechelle Rodriguez
Mechelle Rodriguez, administrative assistant to the dean of instruction at Wright College, is dedicated to making sure class schedules are organized and efficient semester after semester. Mechelle’s work, which she describes as both challenging and fun, not only supports her direct colleagues and office, but it sets both faculty and students up for a successful…
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Jean Matthews
When Jean Matthews decided to finish her college journey at Harold Washington College, it had been more than 40 years since she’d been in the classroom. Still, she says her age hasn’t been a barrier to furthering her education. “Everybody that I’ve met is so kind to me,” she said, referring to the Harold Washington…
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Antoinette Hicks
Antoinette Hicks had been out of the classroom for 30 years before deciding to reignite her educational journey at Olive-Harvey College. She had previously attended two years of college at DePaul University but put her studies on hold to start a family. Antoinette’s decision to enroll at Olive-Harvey was strategic—she wanted to find a caring,…
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Chef Gabriel Alvarez
Chef Gabriel Alvarez started his college journey at City Colleges of Chicago—something that helps him relate to his students at Kennedy-King College’s Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute. “I get to welcome students in that I see a little of me in them,” he said. Chef Alvarez didn’t know what he wanted to do when he…
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Sofia Aranda
As a media and communications student at Kennedy-King College, Sofia Aranda is excited to one day help organizations shape their public perception. And she’s already getting hands-on experience in effective communication as the vice president of the college’s Student Government Association (SGA). Sofia says that being a part of the organization has been one of…
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Hussain Gilani
Hussain Gilani, an aspiring engineer, wanted to get his start in the field without racking up student debt. When he heard about Wright College’s Engineering Pathways program, he knew it would be a great fit. Even better, due to his good grades as a Chicago Public Schools student, he found out he would be able…
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Dr. Megan Craig
Dr. Megan Craig was a practicing dentist before finding her way to City Colleges. She started at Kennedy-King College and then moved to Malcolm X College to work in the Dental Hygiene Clinic as the supervising dentist. That’s when a full-time teaching position opened up, and, having gotten to know many of the students in…