海角乱伦社区

What is your current role at 海角乱伦社区? Give a brief description of what your role looks like.听

I currently serve as the Manager of Human Resources at 海角乱伦社区. My role spans the entire employee lifecycle, ranging from supporting onboarding and payroll to policy administration, benefits management, and offboarding. A typical day is split between focused administrative work in our HRIS and supporting people and culture initiatives that help shape our organizational environment.听听

What brought you back to 海角乱伦社区 to work on the staff after graduating?听

I initially applied for a fellowship role at 海角乱伦社区. I didn’t get the role; however, Jeff Beckham, who is the CEO now, informed me that the organization was hiring for an HR Associate position. I expressed interest, had an informal conversation with the team lead at the time, and then formally applied and went through the hiring process.听

Having just graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Applied Psychology, I saw Human Resources as a natural pivot. I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to a mission that had supported me鈥攈elping academically ambitious students from under-resourced communities succeed in college and beyond.听听

As a CS team member, what does it mean to you to be shaping the future of the organization?听

To me, it means playing a meaningful role in supporting the people and systems that make our mission possible. My 鈥渨hy鈥� is rooted in being a silent influencer and contributing in ways that align with my strengths to help others thrive.听听

What is it like interacting with current Scholars as an Alumni and current staff member?听

While I don鈥檛 interact with Scholars often, when I do, it feels like I鈥檓 speaking to my high school self. I enjoy offering advice, sharing things to look out for, and serving as a stepping stone for Scholars who are curious about Human Resources as a career path.听

How has your view of 海角乱伦社区 changed in your current role with the organization?听

I’ve developed an appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes. I’ve experienced the transition between being served as a Scholar to being on the side that is responsible for serving future scholars as an Alum and staff member. I see the hard work that goes into decisions, interactions, and the results of the work spearheaded by the whole organization. The appreciation for the work really comes from hearing directly from Scholars about how 海角乱伦社区 has helped them!听听听听听

What was your experience like as a Scholar?听

As a Scholar, I was pretty reserved, much like my cohort. We were all hardworking and eager to grow as leaders while navigating the pressures of college applications. My mentors and peers were a huge source of encouragement. Once I started college at UIC, I felt disconnected. I wasn鈥檛 living on campus, had a significant financial aid gap, and often felt alone. That changed when 海角乱伦社区 launched an initiative to check in on Scholars during college. Alicia Ferraris, who still works with CS, became my campus contact. Thanks to her, I learned about scholarships, resources that helped me close my financial gap and build confidence as a leader. Her support was a turning point in my journey!听

What advice do you have for current Scholars?听

Take everything in stride. Try things out, even if they seem hard. You won’t know what you like, don’t like, or what you’ve made of if you don’t experience things outside of your comfort zone! And know that 海角乱伦社区 is just one call, email, or visit to the office away from providing you with support.听

What do you wish people knew about 海角乱伦社区 and the city of Chicago?听

About 海角乱伦社区, I wish people knew about the scholarships, resources, and internship opportunities that are available to Scholars to take advantage of! About Chicago itself, I wish people knew that the city is big, but the connections are tight-knit. Take your reputation seriously because people know people, and it only takes one to two key people to sing your praises, and you shine.听

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

Something that I struggle with is asking for help and imposter syndrome. The advice I’d give is to not wait until you鈥檙e overwhelmed to ask for help. Recognizing when to lean on others is a strength, not a weakness. Collaboration and vulnerability often open doors to growth, innovation, and stronger relationships!听