Our Scholar Alumni really are everywhere, including right here on the CS Dream team! With this new phase of We’re Everywhere, we’re introducing you to some of our incredible CS Staff and Mentors who are Alumni of our program!

Felicia Davis, a 2023 graduate of Hampton University, returned to Chicago Scholars as a new Mentor this year, and has already started working with her cohort of Scholars! We spoke to her about what it means to be working with Scholars as an Alum, what her experience was like as a Scholar, and what she wishes people knew about Chicago Scholars and the City of Chicago. Read on for her responses:

What brought you back to Chicago Scholars?

“I returned to Chicago Scholars because I wanted to give back to an organization that has poured so much into me throughout my collegiate journey. From mentorship and professional development to a strong sense of community, Chicago Scholars played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and personal growth. Coming back felt like a full-circle moment, an opportunity to uplift the next generation of scholars the same way I was once uplifted.”

As a Mentor with CS, what does it mean to you to be shaping the future of the organization? 

“Having a hand in shaping the future of this organization feels deeply fulfilling. It’s not just meaningful work, it’s purpose-driven. There’s something powerful about knowing that the time and energy I give back is helping to create opportunities for others, just like those that once changed my life.”

What is it like interacting with current Scholars as an Alumni and a Mentor? 

“Interacting with current Scholars as both an alum and a mentor has been nothing short of powerful. It’s a full-circle experience knowing that I was once in their shoes, trying to figure everything out, and now I get to be someone they can lean on. It’s inspiring to see their drive, their questions, and their hunger to succeed. Every conversation reminds me why mentorship matters and why community is everything.”

How has your view of Chicago Scholars changed in your capacity as a Mentor? 

“As a Scholar, I appreciated the support, but as a mentor, I’ve gained a whole new level of respect for the mission and the people behind it. I now see the deep intentionality that goes into every piece of programming, every connection, every resource. It’s not just about getting students into college. It’s about building leaders, change-makers, and giving them a foundation that can carry them through life. It’s truly transformative work.”

What was your experience like as a Scholar? 

“When I was a Scholar, I didn’t initially build strong bonds with my peers or my mentor during that first year. It felt a little isolating at times. But even while I was away at college, one staff member from the Chicago Scholars team consistently showed up for me. We had quarterly check-ins, and she supported me in ways that went far beyond what was expected. She truly listened, advocated for me, and always did her best to meet my needs, big or small. Her care reminded me that I was never really alone in this journey.”

What advice do you have for current Scholars? 

“My advice to current Scholars is this: don’t take these moments for granted. Before you know it, they’ll be memories, some sweet, some challenging, but all meaningful. Every moment holds something important, even if you can’t see it right away. Be present. Show up for yourself and for others. Lean on the people around you, that’s what they’re here for. You’re not alone in this journey. And most importantly, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know which one will change your path or unlock a door you didn’t even know existed.”

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars and the city of Chicago? 

“I wish more people knew how much brilliance exists within Chicago’s youth. Chicago Scholars amplifies that brilliance and shows what’s possible when young people are given access, opportunity, and belief. And Chicago itself? It’s more than headlines and stereotypes. It’s culture, resilience, creativity, and community. There’s a whole generation here ready to thrive. They just need to be seen, supported, and given the space to rise.”

Is there a piece of professional advice you would like to give your fellow Alumni?

“To my fellow Alumni: We have a responsibility to feed the minds of the youth and pour into the next generation the way others once poured into us. Be their guiding light. Show up, speak truth, and remind them that life is so much bigger than what they can currently see. Sometimes all it takes is one voice, one moment of encouragement, to shift someone’s entire perspective. Let’s be that light.”

After a nationwide search, Chicago Scholars has selected Dr. Leah Fulton as their new Vice President of Programs.

Dr. Fulton holds a PhD in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. She brings 16 years of hands-on experience in higher education leadership to Chicago Scholars, where she will oversee college access and college success programming. Dr. Fulton’s research and publishing focuses on the leadership experiences of students of color, relationships between Black and white women in higher education, and motherhood in higher education.

Previously, Dr. Fulton served as Assistant Dean of Students at University of St. Thomas, Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel College, and is the founder and principal consultant at Project 51.

In her transition to Chicago Scholars, Dr. Fulton is leaving her position as Vice President for Student Life at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. Trinity Christian College is a Gold Plus Partner of Chicago Scholars.

“The last three years at Trinity have been incredibly formative for me in my leadership journey,” Dr. Fulton said. “The shared ambitions between Trinity and Chicago Scholars to address higher education’s most pervasive challenges by centering student wellbeing and college success as a matter of economic justice makes for meaningful connections and a sensible transition from one organization to the next.”

“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Fulton join the Chicago Scholars staff,” said Chicago Scholars CEO Jeffery Beckham, Jr. “She brings so much experience and insight into the student experience, especially the experiences of students of color. She will be an asset to our Scholars across our program.”

Dr. Fulton will take her new position on August 5, 2025.

June Career Partner Highlight:

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Our Emerge Summer Career & Leadership Program is well under way – and we’re kicking off a series of spotlights on several of our incredible Emerge Career Partners, the companies and organizations that make our Emerge internships possible. For each, we’ll give you a special look at what called them to partner with us, tell stories of their Scholar interns – and maybe inspire you and your company to partner too!

Our June 2025 Emerge Career Partner Highlight of the Month is The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, an innovative and groundbreaking rehabilitation facility for children and adults, providing care for more stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury patients than anywhere else in the US. With their primary location in River North, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has partnered with Chicago Scholars to host several Emerge interns over the years, as well as hosting yearly Growth Labs at their dynamic downtown space. We spoke with Maya Yuen, Manager of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation Center for Hope and Equity at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab about the organization’s commitment to our Scholars.

Firstly, why did you choose to partner with Chicago Scholars?

“We partnered with Chicago Scholars because their model aligns with our goal at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to create paths to meaningful healthcare careers and to invest in the next generation of leaders.”

To continue, why did you choose to specifically support the Emerge Program as a Career Partner and Growth Lab Host? 

“The Emerge program aligns closely with the mission of our Robert R. McCormick Foundation Center for Hope and Equity — particularly our focus on creating pathways to rewarding healthcare careers. Emerge provides us with a meaningful opportunity to support early talent, provide immersive experiences and develop future professionals who reflect the communities we serve.”

What is Radio Flyer looking to accomplish through your internship program?

“We hope to shed light on the field of rehabilitation medicine as a highly collaborative and impactful area of healthcare. Through our unique translational model of care, we aim to introduce interns to how STEM disciplines — like engineering, math, and data science — can be applied in clinical settings to directly improve patient outcomes. Our translational model bridges the gap between research and real-world application, allowing patients to benefit from innovation more quickly. Our goal is to inspire the next generation to see themselves in these careers and to understand the meaningful role they can play in advancing health equity and recovery.”

What qualities does your organization look for in potential Emerge interns? 

“We look for curiosity, compassion and a desire to make an impact. Emerge interns who are eager to learn, open to collaboration and committed to excellence thrive in our environment — where diverse perspectives not only are welcomed but essential to innovation.”

Finally, what are your hopes for the young adults of Chicago?

“We hope the young adults of Chicago know that their ideas, voices and dreams matter. We want them to feel empowered to pursue careers that bring both personal fulfillment and community impact — and to know that organizations like ours are ready to invest in their growth every step of the way.”

Inspired by The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s work with our Scholars? Head here to learn more about becoming a partner with us!

Meet Angel Quintana, the new Development Intern with Chicago Scholars! Angel is a Chicago Scholar from the Class of 2026, currently attending Columbia College Chicago.

We spoke with Angel about his experience as a Scholar so far, what he’s excited to learn with this internship experience, and why he decided to intern at Chicago Scholars. Read on for his responses!

This piece was written in response to the October 23, 2024 New York Times article, “Freshman Enrollment Appears to Decline for the First Time Since 2020.”

The question of access to college is one that is not unique to our time but has grown in its presence as various factors compile to make it more apparent than ever. The NYT article “Freshman Enrollment Appears to Decline for the First Time Since 2020” makes note of this, highlighting how these challenges are especially true for historically underrepresented students. At Olin College of Engineering, we’ve been aware of this trend and have been working to address it through direct work with CBOs like Chicago Scholars.

As a small institution, Olin is flexible, quick-to-adapt, and able to pivot when enrollment markers are evaluated.  What this most recent application cycle has told us specifically is that many young scholars are facing two major obstacles to enrollment that are out of their control but force their hand when deciding whether to apply to college or not.

1. ’24 FAFSA Challenges

1. ROI / Promise of the Future

The first, which likely impacted low-income families most significantly, will hopefully be worked out in the coming cycle and the roadblocks that hindered folks from applying will (fingers crossed) be removed. We assume that students felt it was not wise to immediately enroll anywhere without a better grasp of their financial aid offerings and as such, stepped back momentarily or entirely. This ephemeral issue should cease to inhibit enrollment in the future, but we are keeping an eye on the developments.  We find that clear communication about our financial aid processes can be reassuring to prospective students and their families, and our small size allows us to respond directly to questions or concerns as they arise.

The second, a more prescient trend, is students questioning the ROI, or return on investment, of higher education. And why shouldn’t they? With mounting student loans and difficult job markets, it’s a troubling scenario for those seeking a college degree. They wonder, will it all be worth it?

At Olin, we believe our project-based learning curriculum offers students peace of mind in this realm by instilling key teamwork, executive function, and leadership skills that translate immediately to the workforce. As such, a solid engineering background with these attributes at its core does not require additional degrees to be competitive in today’s job market, allowing students to put their Olin degree to use immediately upon graduation.  Our push for outside the classroom learning opportunities like internships and research also strengthens the appeal of an Oliner’s resume to prospective employers. Unfortunately, this immediate ROI isn’t true for all academic programs or majors, thus students may feel the high price tag of a college degree isn’t worth the investment. This could foster disillusionment with higher education overall, increasingly so from those facing additional barriers to learning, resulting in the figures the NYT article addresses.

In the case of FAFSA, Olin has ensured our Financial Aid team could   offer our current and prospective students as much support as possible, while staying abreast of any developments from the Department of Education. In the case of FAFSA, Olin has ensured our Financial Aid team could offer our current and prospective students as much support as possible, while staying abreast of any developments from the Department of Education.

And with the second point of concern, we’ve been addressing this for years through those CBO connections mentioned earlier. Information on our website or during our on-campus events is great, but connecting with those directly in the community is even better. Not only do we aim to educate more students about Olin’s offerings, but we also hope to build the toolkit of CBO counselors so they are best prepared to advise students who may otherwise be unable to find the answers on ROI they are looking for.

Collaborations like counselor information events, student visits (both on-campus and virtual), financial aid town halls, and open houses can deliver this insight in several accessible formats. These such offerings (quite standard on most campuses) help connect CBOs to their local colleges and those across the country. Higher education institutions can increase the attractiveness of these outlets or reach out and make connections directly to support prospective students in the best way they see fit. Meanwhile, we are always looking to grow engagement with those on the counseling side of college process and the students they serve.

Accordingly, we see our relationship with Chicago Scholars as a beneficial two-way street where we can offer insight and gain great knowledge in return. When institutions like ours collaborate and grow for the benefit of students, especially those who may not have access to inside information otherwise, we’re directly combating the concerns the NYT points out and working toward a higher education landscape that is shifting for the betterment of the next generation of learners and leaders.

Chicago Scholars is proud to bring you essays about the impact of a college degree on our Scholars, their families, and communities. This essay was contributed by Michelle Valencia (Class of 2026), a student at University of St. Francis. 

I remember visiting campus for the first time with my parents. It was for a scholarship competition to determine whether I would attend university. I am generally a confident person, but the reality of leaving high school and starting a new chapter of my life made my heart palpitate. I realized I had the potential to improve my family’s life and bring positive changes to my community if I decided to embark on this journey for the next four years. As these thoughts ran through my head, I heard my parents speaking quietly in the background. “This place feels like home,” my mom said. My dad agreed, saying he would feel proud if his daughter spent the upcoming years at this university. After overhearing my parents’ conversation, I felt certain of my decision to pursue a college degree.

As someone who grew up in Mexico, I always envisioned ways to improve my surroundings. Throughout school, I have participated in advocacy events to defend immigrants’ rights and called for increased resources for the most vulnerable in society. Currently, I am involved in over 10 clubs and organizations at my university. Among many roles, I serve as the Vice President of Student Endeavors for the Student Government Association. In this role, I plan large-scale events on campus and connect with students and faculty to determine their needs. I am also the Chair of Servant Leaders, a group dedicated to placing others’ needs before our own and helping students attain career-accelerating opportunities. I feel blessed to have the chance to impact lives through my work in these roles. Moreover, I am grateful to my parents for supporting me along the way.

I am also deeply appreciative of Chicago Scholars for equipping me with the skills and resources to be where I am now. Chicago Scholars gave me mentorships, a valuable network, and lasting relationships. I value being a Chicago Scholar because I know someone had faith in my abilities and saw my potential to accomplish great things. Becoming a Chicago Scholar was a pivotal moment in my life, and it remains one of the greatest contributors to my earning a college degree.

As I write this essay, I recognize the tremendous impact earning a college degree will have on my family and community. I have the opportunity to have an education, something not everyone has equal access to. I am committed to using my college degree to change the lives of those struggling and help them attain a better life situation. Further, I will use my college degree in my career to ensure people are treated fairly in the workplace and recognize their self-worth.

Chicago Scholars is excited to bring you a series of essays and reflections on the impact of Scholars’ college degrees on their communities, their families, and themselves. This essay was written by Ginelle Bamfo, Class of 2025.

Deciding to pursue a degree in Film & TV at New York University was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. While it’s true that in most artistic fields, a degree isn’t a necessary aspect of a successful career, there is so much value in doing so anyway. I grew up loving and consuming art, and it showed me ways to communicate with the world even when I found doing so extremely difficult. Art has made me who I am, and I am extremely passionate about creating stories that help others discover who they are too.

So, what does a college degree have to do with any of that? For one, being in a controlled environment that encourages me to make mistakes and learn through them in my craft is invaluable. I’ve learned so much more about how to take care of the technical aspects of art so that I can better communicate the heart of each story. But, the most beneficial part of my schooling so far has been the people that I’ve been able to connect with as a result of being here.

I’ve found so many lifetime collaborators through my time at NYU, and I haven’t even graduated. I’ve connected with alumni who have founded their own production companies and have worked at big-names companies like NBC or Disney. I’ve talked to multi-hyphenates who have done everything from acting to camerawork. My network has exploded, and now I have so many dependable contacts that I can always call when I need something. Not to mention the professors that I have access to now. There are so many people here that have created work that inspires me and have taught more productive and efficient ways to work.

Because of my degree, I’m being given opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise have. My time in college has helped me secure internships at WarnerBros/Discovery and HBO. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Prague and to work on 35 mm film. I’ve connected with other Black creatives and taken up leadership roles in spaces dedicated to us.

My time in college has helped me find security in my sense of self and identity. Pursuing a degree has been one of the best things I’ve done in my life and I can’t wait to see what post-grad life holds for me.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?  

So my role is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, a global organization that I founded during my freshman year at Georgetown University when I was 19. The mission of the organization is to empower people globally to build solutions for the ocean. Just to give a little bit more context, we have the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders. We have young people in 168 countries working on different ocean solutions. And we also support entrepreneurs who have for-profit, scalable startups and companies that are going to have a positive impact on the ocean. 

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?  

I mean, the only words I can use to answer this question is life changing, and I mean that in every sense of word. I did not have any role models growing up or anyone to guide me through the college application process and I was the first in my family to go to college. I come from a single mother household, low-income background, so I didn’t have any guidance, any support at home, and all I knew was that I had to go to college because it would guarantee that I would have a better life, and I wanted to provide that for my mom and my the rest of my family that was back in Ecuador. So, I joined the Chicago Scholars Program. I was accepted. And the programming itself was fantastic, but for me, the life changing component of Chicago Scholars was truly the people that I met, the mentors that I’m still in touch with, and, more importantly, the people who ran Chicago Scholars. So the President at the time, Karen Foley, she was my guardian angel. She was incredibly supportive and always there for me. Meredith Kravitz, who also was working there, supported me through every step of the application process to college. I had a unique journey, because I had to take a year off before going to college, where I actually interned at Chicago Scholars. And I worked there. So, Chicago scholars was my first job, even before going to college. Last, but not least, I also had a fantastic relationship with the founder of Chicago Scholars, who not only became my mentor, but is also a father figure to me. That’s Tim Schwertfeger, who I still have regular check-in calls with. He hasn’t only been there for me since I was 16. I just turned 30, and he’s still in my life, he’s a very present person in my life, and has been there in every milestone of my life journey. So, I did gain a beautiful family out of Chicago Scholars, and that’s something that I will always be grateful for.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?  

I mean, in literally every sense of the word, would not be here if it weren’t for Chicago Scholars. I haven’t really thought about what or where I would be if I hadn’t found Chicago Scholars, because that just takes me to a really dark place. I didn’t really have any options before Chicago Scholars. I didn’t know the path forward. Chicago Scholars shaped me professionally. I was given so many role models through the mentors, and my whole world opened up. I don’t think I had ever been to a downtown building before interviewing at Chicago Scholars and later joining. It opened up my eyes to the business world. Personally, I grew and I learned so much from working with them. When I was forced to take a year off after graduating from high school, I was shaped by those around me and I developed a very deep relationships with a lot of the people that made Chicago Scholars what it is. So I think my answer is, in every step of the way, Chicago Scholars has shaped my journey, my life, and who I am today. And I think the other component of it is just my deep desire to give back. I saw Chicago Scholars as a beautiful model that, in some ways, I am now replicating through the work at Sustainable Ocean Alliance, in that we also provide access to resources and mentorship to young people globally to help protect the ocean. So I think it was an inspiration in so many ways. 

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?  

The advice I would give to myself is just to make the most out of every single moment and to continue building as many relationships as I can. And it’s actually a great segue to the advice I’d have for current Scholars. I would say that their focus, in addition to getting support programmatically, which is critical, they should absolutely take advantage of every single relationship available to them. The mentorship network is critical, going to the career fairs, taking advantage of internship opportunities. I mean, I think that I learned what the value of the network was by being a part of the Chicago Scholars Program. And I do believe that, out of any skill in the world, I would say networking and knowing how to build relationships is one that you can build through Chicago Scholars. And you should definitely take advantage of that, because there are people here who just want to help you, who want to see us be successful. Because I think that’s one piece that that will go a long way. 

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?  

I unfortunately have lost touch with Chicago if I’m being completely honest. I left Chicago when I went to school in DC, and then my mom, who lived in Chicago, moved to DC to follow my path. I don’t have any other family in Chicago other than my Chicago Scholars family. I am very fond of memories growing up in Chicago. I was born in Ecuador, but I did grow up in Chicago, so I have a really special place in my heart for Chicago, and I would do anything to give back to Chicago, to the city. I haven’t visited in a long time, but I’m happy to come back and do whatever I can support Chicago and, more importantly, Chicago Scholars. 

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

Rotational program at JP Morgan Chase, supporting businesses with budgets of $20 million and up. I’ve rotated through industries through the lenses of banking, treasury, and credit. I’m on my last rotation before placement in core treasury. I support a team in helping clients with liquidity solutions. I’m helping to implement new products with accounts and utilizing account protection against fraud. I make sure clients feel supported in becoming more efficient and help them to make more of an impact.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

Amazing, it was so great. Life-changing. It came at a pivotal moment in life as a junior preparing to go to college. It was the organization that I needed to go through the process of transitioning from high school to college, and pushed me to follow my collegiate dreams. I was a first gen student, so I had no clue. Having this organization helped me to see that dream was possible. From workshops, mentors, to teaching me discipline and giving me advice in college. They were the foundation to be successful to get to and through college.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

CS supported me tremendously. Gave me the safe space to be able to work on my college and scholarship apps and gave me a community of people to lean on. During that time, we had to apply for the CS Five and apply to so many other schools. Some colleges had essays, and CS gave me community to lean on when I needed it most. At college, they taught me the importance of giving back. Now, I’m able to give back with the equitable fund and I reached dreams for college. They supported me in all aspects.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

I was very anxious, but the advice would be, it’s okay, you don’t have to worry too much. You’re about to have a community of support that wants to see you succeed. You’ll go to the college of your dreams because CS walked with you every step of the way there.

Embrace this moment because there’s a lot that’s going to happen, but embrace your authenticity and who you are because you can highlight that in applications, with recruiters, for the community. Embrace who you are as a person and showcase that with your CS community. It’s gonna help with applications and through college. Staying true to yourself will get you so far in life and your goals.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

It means everything. I always pride myself as being a girl from the South Side, wherever I go. The city has shaped my foundational principles, how I show up in my career, in my community, with family and friends. It made me the woman I am today. It’s where I started, and gives me hope for who I can be and become.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

Wish people knew more about the success of the program. There was a campaign about the quantitative impact of CS over the years, but I wish more people knew about it. There are never too many people to know about the success of CS and its impact on the lives of students around the city. Once a Scholar, always a Scholar. No matter where they go, they’re a Scholar. Thousands of students have been impacted by the work of Chicago Scholars.

For the city of Chicago, I wish more people knew about the beautiful people here and the culture. I’ve traveled to places, and there’s no city like Chicago. I’ve met so many people who are shaping the world right now. From the artists, to hometown heroes like Michelle Obama, we are the best city for food, culture, community. Wish it was highlighted more. People want to hear about the violence, but we’re more than that. We are diverse, with so many cultures to find in the culture of Chicago, it’s so beautiful.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

I am the Senior Partner Marketing Manager at Superintelligent, where I focus on making AI accessible and practical for everyone. My work involves developing content strategies across social media platforms, optimizing tutorials for better search visibility, and engaging with the AI community to encourage growth and collaboration. I also manage customer relations to maintain high satisfaction rates and oversee our newsletter communications.

In addition to my role at Superintelligent, I am the CEO of three ventures: Rebrandmint, Midnight Market 247, and Sadity Enterprise. Rebrandmint focuses on blockchain and AI marketing, offering social media, content creation, and business consulting. Midnight Market 247, a 24/7 gift shop in the Holiday Inn in Matteson, Illinois, offers international snacks, lottery games, and retail opportunities for local businesses. Sadity Enterprise is a luxury streetwear brand empowering individuality through exclusive, high-quality apparel.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My time with Chicago Scholars was transformative. Growing up on the East Side of Chicago presented numerous challenges, but the program provided invaluable resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. They guided me through the college application process, which helped me secure a full academic scholarship to Bradley University. The experience opened doors to opportunities I might not have accessed otherwise and played a significant role in shaping my personal and professional journey.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Chicago Scholars equipped me with the tools and confidence to navigate higher education and enter the professional world. The program’s emphasis on leadership development and experiential learning allowed me to pursue my passion for AI, blockchain, and marketing. The mentorship and guidance I received helped me overcome obstacles and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The supportive network instilled in me a commitment to giving back to my community, which continues to drive my work today.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

If I could go back, I would encourage myself to embrace every opportunity and not hesitate to step out of my comfort zone. The program offers a wealth of resources—take full advantage of them. Network actively, ask questions, and seek mentorship. For current Scholars, stay curious and persistent. Your journey may have challenges, but remember that you have a supportive community behind you. Use the connections and experiences offered by Chicago Scholars to pave your path toward success.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

Being from Chicago is a source of immense pride. The city’s resilience, diversity, and rich culture have shaped who I am. Chicago taught me the value of hard work, community, and perseverance. It means being part of a legacy of innovators and leaders who strive to make a difference. The city’s spirit continues to inspire me to contribute positively to my community and beyond.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I wish more people recognized how Chicago Scholars changes the lives of young individuals. It’s more than a college access program; it’s a catalyst for change that empowers future leaders. Regarding Chicago, I want people to see beyond the stereotypes and appreciate the rich culture, talent, and potential the city holds. Chicago is a place of opportunity and innovation, with communities full of passionate and driven individuals ready to make their mark on the world.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

A Program Manager at Coop Careers. Administrative liaison between partners with Coop Careers for potential roles for fellows of our program. I oversee curriculum, data analytics, and run a team of 16, facilitate and conduct our program to teach fellows marketing and data analytics, basics. So, professional best practices, interview skills, resume building. As a program manager I oversee curriculum, make sure requirements are met, logging on. Creating the atmosphere of the program, team, and fellows. Career readiness and ready to work individuals. We don’t guarantee work, the fellows do that work, but we prepare them & provide potential partners with the best employees.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

Really great experience. Enjoyed my time, learned a lot about myself. Being a person of color going through professional world, the industries I was interested in, being professional, knowing how to utilize resources. It all started from imposter syndrome, where I thought I wasn’t fit for CS. Felt like I was taking another person’s spot. But CS and staff reminded me that I deserved to be there. I was the person that was chosen and deserve to be there. Wanted me to be a part of the community. Didn’t see it going into it, but so many opportunities opened up for me. Was in Emerge twice, volunteered so many times, like for the 25th Swing for Scholars. Emcee for a cohort acceptance day, at the Chicago Opera House. I was suggested for the role. Great to see the dynamics of the Scholars and myself. If not for CS, I would not be the strong individual I am today, in terms of believing in myself and my skills. CS helped me recognize the talent within myself.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Workshops. Learning about FAFSA, the nuanced things that I wasn’t getting at school or home. Opened up my horizons. Even common things that other people know weren’t common to me. Bridged the gap of “common” knowledge, well common to those with that privilege. I hadn’t had people to help me and know what was common knowledge. The free events that CS offered, I attended as many as I could. If I could make it, I tried my best to because I knew it was putting me in spaces I wasn’t in before. Having knowledge I knew, but getting it validated was helped by being in that space. All of the support from mentor manager, but in college, having the lift person reaching out to me, having lunch and connecting. Felt the community outside of the traditional CS space.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program?

It is real. This isn’t fake, not a prank, no waitlist. You got it, own it, this is yours. Be proud of yourself and keep your head up moving forward. I really thought it wasn’t my spot. I was surrounded by so many intelligent people, felt less than in the room. Although there were people whose family backgrounds were different from mine, I thought they were better off, but CS helped me combat that thinking.

What advice do you have for current Scholars?

Lean into CS, don’t avoid them, read the emails. Lean into your community. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. They want nothing from you but your success.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

So much. The city is so different visiting than living there. Being an adult in other cities, it’s so important to stay together in the city. The political landscape. People think about the negative stereotypes about the city. But there is more to Chicago than the violence. There are programs trying to combat the violence and bring back the real Chicago. Always ten toes down. Being from Chicago is about community, no matter the side you’re on. All of Chicago is Chicago. We want to see our community thrive, hate seeing gentrification, inflation, homelessness ramping. Overall atmosphere, we need to be stronger together because there are so many forces tearing us apart, both in and out of the city. As someone not living here, I want to come back and help because I can see how the narrative of living in chi has shifted and changed.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

Wish folks knew how hard the admin of CS work. They may see the impact, but they work so hard to cultivate community to be there for Scholars and alums. Underrated and under-told story of the workers of CS. For city, the rich history. Not a lot of people knew, like why neighborhoods are the way they are. I wish people knew because they would have a different perspective. Other than the events, wish people knew the rich history from the Black Panthers, to the Black massacre. These pieces of history. Founded by a French Haitian man, all this history.

Grateful to Derrick Butler and Sasha Pena for their support and advice over the years. During my time as a Scholar, Derrick was such an influence for me. They helped me realize that being empathetic is not a weakness and leading with empathy is a strength.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

The owner and founder of Success Junkie, an achievement lifestyle brand with tools and resources for upward mobility. As an individual, apart from owner and founder, I am a business matchmaker, bridging the gaps between problems and solutions between founders and investors. I work as a global brand strategist increasing awareness, visibility and profit/impact margins for social impact professionals. Helping someone launch their first book, make a career pivot, winning pitch competitions, or acquiring bigger deals. I take brands to the bank as a business broker, opening doors and closing deals.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

So, in the beginning, it went by another name. I was selected as the representative for my high school. Only one person could be a Scholar per high school. Chicago Scholars gave me a $1,000 check for school supplies. There was weekly programming with Nuveen and a lot of winter and fall networking opportunities. We had a lot of fun. My regret is that I didn’t have an understanding that CS could still be a vehicle of success in college. We lost touch. Many years went by, I graduated college, had a kid. If CS was still with me in college, I believe I would have made different choices as a first generation student and ward of the state. There were a lot of things I had to figure out on own. I was pregnant my sophomore year of college. Always believed CS would’ve given me what I needed to endure more confidently, and that was definitely a missed opportunity. Reconnected maybe 10 years out of college, and it was a full circle moment to serve backwards. So grateful. Didn’t even know we had an Alumni Leadership Association (ALA). I want to be one of the people that bridges the gap for once a scholar, forever a scholar. That’s what DJT championed. So many great things came out of reappearing. Indebted to CS in many ways.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Best way to say it is, having access to diverse people that actually care, just knowing that there were people, and are people, for instance. If I knew I had access to CS after De Paul, I would’ve had better job choices. Knowing CS exists helps because it is a resource. Once I came back, I had access to people I wouldn’t have had access to as a college grad. The relationships I built have opened doors and placed me on higher platforms. I’m not fully aware of all the other resources available to me as an alum, but the relationships have been invaluable.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program?

I still have my original letter of acceptance into CS. Still have activity photos. Stay in touch, see how you can be a resource even as a student. This org is gonna change your life. If I had been in closer proximity to the resources and community of CS, I would be further ahead.

What advice do you have for current Scholars?

Stay close. See how you can serve, add value, be clear on your needs, and make new friends. You’ll never know all Scholars, but you never know where you can add value. You pour into someone else’s cup, let them return the favor. Relationships can be a resource. Because of CS, you may work for an org that needs to be a partner of CS, so teach them to be committed to a certain give. That puts you in position to have CS and your org grow. Build social capital and make early and frequent deposits so it won’t be hard to make withdrawals later.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

I have this saying, people love you more when you’re from Chicago than when you’re in Chicago. The power that comes from being a Chicagoan. The power I get from other cities is mind blowing. I have a partnership where I mentor entrepreneurs from over 92 countries. I’m from Englewood. I grew up seeing people dying on the basketball court, prostitution, gang violence, alcohol use. Now I’ve grown to being one of the top people called to be an advisor to international advisors, and I don’t have words. Its still surreal. Chicago is the international city it is. I know it’s called a second city, but we’re second to none. It’s unexplainable. I know that when I go to other places, the way they look at me, knock down doors to help me. I know standing at 5′ 1″, I have big energy. It is unmatched.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

CS houses some of the best and brightest that could have been easily overlooked if there were no CS. For Chicago, it is so magnificent, you will never fully experience the essence of what it has to offer — the people, culture, food, weather. It takes a lifetime to fully enjoy. I love Chicago.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do? 

I am the Regional Water Trails Manager for Openlands. My essential job duties entail being a managing liaison between the organization’s frontward-facing water trail work and people. This looks like overseeing projects, programs, and educational experiences, that increase access and awareness of the Northeastern Illinois water trail system with a special focus on the Calumet area Water Trails. 

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like? 

Chicago Scholars aided in my adolescent metamorphosis and played a significant role in my coming-of-age story. With little to no familial college-to-career guidance, Chicago Scholars provided a safe space to explore a pathway to higher education and the beginning stages of my journey with likeminded peers. Although I was an unconventional Scholar – I attended a 2-year college instead of a traditional 4-year college and was admitted into CS  through one of CS’s athlete bridge programs called World Sports Chicago,  Chicago Scholars made sure I did not fall between the cracks. 

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today? 

Chicago Scholars played a significant role in shaping who I am today, despite not going to a traditional 4-year university. Its headquarters was my respite and a haven while I navigated my footing. Alumni engagement staff members, specifically Lashawn Holloway, supported me before I realized I needed support. Lashawn provided me with food (being young and broke, this means a lot), mentorship, and resources. The CS Alumni engagement team also hosted alumni gatherings which helped me engage with my peers.

What advice would you have given yourself after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars? 

If I could rewind time, I would advise myself to be confident, to believe in the process, and to play a more active role in defining my north star. CS is a place full of people who genuinely want you to succeed, break generational patterns of poverty, and develop into a well-rounded adult. Finding your footing is a challenging process and many scholars had outside factors influencing them. For those who are battling outside influences, inner conflicts, doubts, or fear, I would advise them of the saying “carpe diem” or seize the day because you never know what putting your best foot forward can do. I would also advise Scholars to focus on building healthy relationships with their cohort members and rapport with their mentors, CS staff, and upper leadership. 

What does being from Chicago mean to you now? 

Being from Chicago to is a badge of honor, because Chicagoans, similar to the Powerpuff Girls, are made of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Chicagoans are unique because we are where heart meets grit and grits meet growth. 

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago? 

People should know that Chicago Scholars attracts youth from all walks of life and reflects the racial, religious, and cultural diversity prevalent in the city of Chicago. Being immersed in spaces that are diverse in background and perspective is valuable and necessary for young people, and Chicago Scholars offers that. 

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do? 

I am the Executive Director for Student Experience and Inclusion at Dominican University. I oversee three units that focus specifically on ensuring that the overall experience of our students is positive, inclusive, and leads to their success.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My experience with Chicago Scholars was quite positive. I remember feeling fortunate to have the support of mentors across the city who wanted me to succeed and being very lucky to have early access to college admissions and financial aid packages. It helped my family and me make a decision on where I would attend college.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Chicago Scholars helped me develop a sense of paying it forward. I understood that my success was not solely due to my effort, but also the support of my family, my teachers, and my mentors.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

The advice I would have given myself is to lean into the mentors a little bit more. As a first generation student, I did not always understand how to engage with mentors and advisors, so I may have left a lot of support on the table without realizing how valuable of an opportunity I had. Ultimately, the support and guidance I received served me well and it inspired me to mentor other youth now that I am a professional in higher education.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

I was born in Mexico and my parents immigrated to the Pilsen area when I was 2 years old. Being raised in Chicago means a lot to me as I was able to attend schools with culturally relevant curricula, and with teachers and peers who understood my culture. I am forever grateful to this city and I am so happy to be back here working in education.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I hope that people understand the wealth of knowledge and cultural richness that our Chicago Scholars and their families bring to educational communities.

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

I am currently a Special Education Tutor transitioning into Education Consulting. I provide special education services to diverse learners at private and religious schools, ensuring they receive the support they qualify for under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My experience with Chicago Scholars is beyond words. It was incredible and life-changing, providing the love, support, and community I needed to pursue my dreams. The people, the resources, and the entire community gave me everything I needed to feel confident and be myself as I ventured into the world after high school.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

I always knew I wanted to attend college and pursue a professional career. Chicago Scholars played a pivotal role in helping me achieve this goal by providing exposure to professional contacts, workshops, and investing personally in my life and career journey. When my mom passed away during my junior year of college, Chicago Scholars gave me the community, reassurance, and resources I needed to keep moving forward.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program?

Advice I would have given myself just after being accepted in the program would have been to deepen my connections with other Scholars outside of those who I went to the same high school with.

What advice do you have for current Scholars?

My advice for current scholars is to truly enjoy college. Use this time to pursue what you love and focus on your passions. Don’t spend time on subjects or activities that don’t excite you. Learn about business and generating income beyond your salary. If possible, avoid working part-time jobs and concentrate on your studies and building your brand. Create a plan for your life and set clear goals for where you want to go. Work extremely hard now while you’re young so that in your mid-twenties to thirties, you can have more time for family, fun, and travel by achieving financial stability. Establish systems now that will support and enable you to live a life of freedom. Finish what you start, don’t leave college without that degree.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

Wow, what an exciting question! I feel incredibly privileged to call Chicago my home—it’s my absolute favorite place to live. Despite having lived in other places, nothing compares to Chicago. For me, being from Chicago embodies diversity, rich culture, genuine hospitality, quick wit, and street smarts. It’s a place where I’ve had the privilege to see my dreams come true

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

I wish people understood the immense value Chicago Scholars provides to its scholars and alumni, both personally and professionally. I wish everyone could experience the fun of the Swing for Scholars events. Chicago is a beautiful, loving, comforting, and exciting city, brimming with rich history, vibrant people, diverse culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Every year, Scholars join us for a day of college admissions interviews, community building, and leadership development at the Onsite College and Leadership Forum. Because Scholars participating in Onsite must submit their college applications early, they are also some of the first students to receive admissions decisions. Check out the tracker below to see our admissions results in real time.

2024 Onsite Admissions Tracker

Chicago Scholars Merch Store Design Contest

Chicago Scholars has opened a merch store! With the launch of the store, we want to be sure our store truly represents our Scholars and Alumni. To do that, we’re hosting a design contest! Read below for the full details of the contest:

The brief:

Your task is to make a design suitable for a piece of CS merch. This will need to be a square design that can be uploaded to our merch platform for use on items. Your design should represent the feel and energy of Chicago Scholars, but it does not necessarily have to say the words “Chicago Scholars.” Some possibilities include display text highlighting a great slogan; a digital illustration of something from your CS experience; a representation of a CS “in-joke”; a play on our existing branding. At this stage, anything goes!

If a Chicago Scholars logo does not appear in your design, we reserve the right to put it somewhere on the final product.

The details:

Entries must be submitted in .png format, 12×14 inches or less, high-res image. Please note that 12×14 is the size of the printing area on the front of a t-shirt; smaller items are possible.

Chosen entrants will need to be submit packaged files of their design for resizing purposes, if possible. If you aren’t using software that allows for this, we’ll work it out.

Currently, we’re only equipped to use these designs on clothing, hats, and some drinkware. Please do not submit designs intended for other items.

Designs can be printed on items using DTF or DTG printing. If you have a preference let me know, otherwise I will choose based on the intricacy of your design.

All entries must be work- and school-appropriate. This includes memes and other references.

Your entry should be your own work and should not include any copyrighted materials.

The process:

Entries should be submitted via email to media@chicagoscholars.org. Include your design, its title, your name as you’d want to see it on our website, and your contact information.

The deadline is October 31, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

When all entries have been collected, Chicago Scholars staff will review them and select up to 10 finalists. These finalists will then be put up for public vote via poll distributed on CS social media, website and emails. The poll will close at 11:59 p.m. November 17.

All finalists’ designs will be used on tees in the CS merch shop.

Each of the top three winners from the public poll will win the following:

• Design used on CS merch shop shirts and hoodies/crewnecks
• One free print of their design on their choice of a tee, hoodie, or crewneck
• CS swag pack (shirt, pen, pencil, sticky notes, sticker, pinback button)

Third place will win the swag, shirt, and $50

Second place will win the swag, shirt, and $100

First place wins the swag, shirt, and $150

August Career Partner Highlight:

Cars Commerce

The Emerge Summer Career & Leadership Program may be over for this year – but we’re finishing out our series of spotlights on our incredible Emerge Career Partners, the companies and organizations that make our Emerge internships possible. For each, we’ve given you a special look at what called them to partner with us, shared stories of their Scholar interns – and maybe inspired you and your company to partner too!

Our August Emerge Career Partner Highlight of the Month is Cars Commerce, the expanded platform behind Cars.com that allows a simplified experience of buying and selling cars. With their roots and current headquarters based firmly in Chicago, Cars Commerce has partnered with Chicago Scholars to host several Emerge interns over the years. Cars Commerce is also committed to community engagement, making them a fantastic partner in our work. We talked with the communications team at Cars Commerce about the company’s commitment to our Scholars – read on for their responses!

Firstly, why did you choose to partner with Chicago Scholars?

“We have employees all over North America, but we launched our headquarters here in Chicago 25 years ago. We are deeply committed to our community and our hometown city. We’re thrilled to partner with Chicago Scholars in their mission to nurture the next generation of diverse leaders from our own backyard. This collaboration not only supports a vital cause but also strengthens our talent pipeline, paving the way for future opportunities within Cars Commerce.”

To continue, why did Cars Commerce go beyond general sponsorship of Chicago Scholars to also host interns as part of the Emerge program?

“Instead of merely sponsoring Chicago Scholars through a general sponsorship, we hosted 6 Emerge interns this year to offer more direct, hands-on support and development for emerging professionals. By integrating these interns into our team, we provide them with practical experience, mentorship, and potential career pathways. In return, we gain fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, benefiting from their contributions and the dynamic impact they bring.”

What is Cars Commerce looking to accomplish through your internship program?

“Our goal is to offer the next generation of professionals valuable real-world experience through engaging projects, hands-on training, and mentorship, helping them stand out in a saturated job market.”

What qualities does Cars Commerce look for in potential Emerge interns? 

“We seek individuals who are eager to learn, highly adaptable, and passionately curious about their field. These traits help them excel in our fast-paced industry and fully leverage their internship experience.”

Finally, what are your hopes for the young adults of Chicago?

“Being based in Chicago, we are fully committed to our community. We aim to provide individuals with the skills and experiences needed to excel both personally and professionally, empowering them to eventually contribute back to the community.”

Inspired by Cars Commerce’s work with our Emerge Scholars? Head here to learn more about becoming a partner with us!

On Saturday, September 14th, Chicago Scholars is partnering with the Chicago Fire to takeover for Hispanic Heritage Night!

We’re bringing our Scholars, Mentors, Alumni, Staff and Volunteers to represent Chicago Scholars in front of thousands of Chicago Fire fans as they play the New York Red Bulls. We want you to join us for this exciting evening and help us raise some money to support our Scholar programming!

You can be part of this amazing event by purchasing tickets for United Club Corner Kick Seats. Tickets are $33 each with a $5 donation back to Chicago Scholars for each ticket sold. These are fantastic seats located on the east side of Soldier Field with easy access to and from the suite level, including concession stands, bathrooms, indoor seating, and a climate-controlled concourse with room to mix and mingle. Support Chicago Scholars and enjoy the game!

Ticket availability is limited, so don’t wait! Buy your tickets here.

Meet Our 2024 Reach Innovation Award Winner – Levenfeld Pearlstein

Meet Our 2024 Reach Pathways Innovation Award Winner, Levenfeld Pearlstein– With this award, we honor a company or organization that has allowed Chicago Scholars and Reach Pathways to reach new heights due to their support and innovation. LP has been an incredible growth partner over the last year, and has allowed us to grow Reach to new stages, and introduce it to new audiences.

We spoke with Suzanne Shier, Of Counsel in the firm’s Trusts and Estates group, about what it means to be recognized for this award, and how it drives LP forward as they continue their work in partnership with Chicago Scholars. Read on for her responses!

July Career Partner Highlight:

Radio Flyer

There’s just over two more weeks until our Emerge Summer Career & Leadership Program closing ceremony – and we’re continuing our series of spotlights on several of our incredible Emerge Career Partners, the companies and organizations that make our Emerge internships possible. For each, we’ll give you a special look at what called them to partner with us, tell stories of their Scholar interns – and maybe inspire you and your company to partner too!

Our July Emerge Career Partner Highlight of the Month is Radio Flyer, the company behind the iconic red wagon, which has more recently expanded to so much more. With their headquarters right here on the West Side of Chicago, Radio Flyer has partnered with Chicago Scholars to host several Emerge interns over the years, as well as hosting yearly Growth Labs at their Radio Flyer Campus. We talked with Lisa Cockrell, lead of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Radio Flyer, about the company’s commitment to our Scholars.

Firstly, why did you choose to partner with Chicago Scholars?

“Radio Flyer chose to partner with Chicago Scholars because of the awesome work and opportunities that they provide to Chicago youth. When we first were introduced to Chicago Scholars through a volunteer opportunity at the annual college Onsite event, there was synergy among, parents, students, business partners, colleges/university partners, and the Chicago Scholars team that was unparalleled. What Chicago Scholars has cultivated for Chicago youth is something great and Radio Flyer wanted to be a part of that work.” 

To continue, why did you choose to specifically support the Emerge Program as a Career Partner and Growth Lab Host? 

“Radio Flyer recognizes that the students of Chicago Scholars are some of the best and brightest in the Chicagoland area. As a best places to work company we want to support these students as they matriculate through their college journey.”

What is Radio Flyer looking to accomplish through your internship program?

“Our internship program is a direct pipeline to full-time employment at Radio Flyer. Currently, about 30% of our full-time employees were previous interns.”

What can Emerge Interns plan to experience and learn about at Radio Flyer’s Growth Lab? 

“Through the Radio Flyer Growth Lab, Emerge Interns will learn professional development skills that will help them become more self-aware, confident and be able to solicit and give feedback. They will tour our Chicago offices and be able to talk with Flyers (employees) in various professional disciplines.”

Finally, what are your hopes for the young adults of Chicago?

“Our hope for the young adults of Chicago is that they will have equal access to opportunities for success without systematic barriers. In addition, we hope that young adults find a workplace where they can say, “I love my job.”

Inspired by Radio Flyer’s work with our Scholars? Head here to learn more about becoming a partner with us!