We’re in Chicago: Luna Luna
I am an experienced project manager with a passion for equity and community impact. Born in Mexico and now based in Chicago, I continue to overcome immigration challenges due to my Undocumented status in this country. Despite this, I was able to attain degrees in Political Science and Government.
Currently as a Program Coordinator at the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, I am dedicated to fostering innovation and positive change. I welcome to connect with me to explore opportunities for collaboration and social impact.
What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?
I am the Program Coordinator for the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, also known as The Baumhart Center where we do education and programming at the intersection of profit and purpose. The way I would describe the work I am doing is that I lead and support in bringing together big, innovative ideas into reality. From the Center’s day to day operations, to ensuring our MBA Baumhart Scholars are equipped with their books every quarter, as well as developing and executing on programming around ESG, DEI, and social impact.
What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?
A roller coaster? Ever since 2014 I have had different level of interactions with the programming and team, but one thing has remain clear. Chicago Scholars has always been there for me, as a big cheerleader, watching and supporting from the sidelines. Whenever I do need support, I reach out back to the team.
How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?
Chicago Scholars allowed me to believe in myself, and reinforce the idea that I can pursue a college degree. Coming from a low-income, undocumented migrant background, neither of my parents had a college education. Because of my immigration status, I was also afraid that achieving a college education was going to be impossible. However, Chicago Scholars mission is for individuals like me are equipped with the right tools for them to pursue higher education. I am now a college educated man looking into doing an MBA in the future. Living out my wildest dreams, thanks to Chicago Scholars.
What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?
Simply put, take advantage of everything that Chicago Scholars has to offer. We, ourselves reap what we sow. I truly believe Chicago Scholars is a major springboard to do so much amazing things. We see that with our Alumni.
What does being from Chicago mean to you now?
It means being from one of the best city out here. Chicago is truly a city with opportunities and challenges. Although my personal story has its challenges, Chicago will always be my home, it is where I grew up, where I got my opportunity to attend higher education, my fist job out of college. So many first experiences were created in Chicago. The city that my family relocated in late 90’s / early 2000’s with a max influx of Mexican migrants that have now call Chicago home, and the city that now sees a max influx of asylum seekers, many of them from South America. It is a city that is for everyone and we are being tested on that.
What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago
Chicago Scholars Alums and current Scholars are some of the doopest, coolest, and smartest people you will ever interact with. The reality is that if you ever come across a Chicago Scholar, you know that they are the heart of the city, these were individuals that grew up in the city and have first hand experience the challenges and opportunities of Chicago. We represent across all 77 neighborhoods, across different races, across numerous languages, and we are creating across generations with every new class. Chicago Scholars is the City of Chicago. See our diversity of Chicago people through the Chicago Scholars.