Grant writer Emily Fehl, ’23, used her writing skills to help secure a gift from Bombas, a comfort-focused, basics apparel brand with a mission to help those facing homelessness. Her carefully crafted application to become a “Bombas Giving Partner” resulted in the NIU Huskie Closet being awarded 5,750 pairs of socks.
After Fehl first discovered and applied for the Bombas Giving Partner program, it took two years for the Huskie Closet to reach the top of the list of potential partners.
Fehl, a nonprofit and NGO studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies (NNGO), served as the Huskie Closet’s inaugural merchandising intern.
“The Huskie Closet is a great on-campus resource,” said Fehl. “It meets the needs of students who may be unable to afford new clothing or want to expand their budget and save money by ‘thrifting.’ Students can use the Huskie Closet to find appropriate clothing for changes in weather or sizing and to find a wardrobe for work, internships or interviews. It opened my first semester in the NNGO program and it’s a supportive environment where everyone is welcome.”
Fehl created displays, managed and trained volunteers, sorted through donations and kept inventory. She worked on enhancing procedures to ensure students could access the clothing they needed efficiently. She also created a stronger social media presence by showcasing weekly outfits and styles.
“Often my biggest challenge was believing in myself,” Fehl reflected. “But the NNGO program was full of inspiring staff who helped me learn about myself. The positive feedback and encouragement from my professors and program directors helped me to find my strengths and apply them throughout my time at NIU.
Fehl continued, “Sometimes one connection or experience can make all the difference in accomplishing goals and uncovering passions. NIU did that for me.”
In addition to her internship with the Huskie Closet, Fehl completed a second internship with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra as part of a collaboration between the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership, The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at NIU, and Career Services at Northern Illinois University, supported by the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation. She helped secure a grant for the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, which funded a project to refurbish instruments and donate them to local schools.
“I was so excited to learn that the grant application was approved and to be a part of something that will open up new doors to the arts for young students,” she said.
Fehl also worked for two semesters as a student research consultant on the 40TUDE Nonprofit student consulting team. Staying organized and learning to manage multiple projects and grants simultaneously has helped Fehl be successful during stressful, busy times and persevere through challenges.
While pursuing a full-time grant writing career, Fehl is a part-time grant writer for Girls Light Our Way (GLOW), a Peoria, Illinois-based organization that provides youth programs supporting health, financial and practical literacies, and self-efficacy.
“For me, what is most fulfilling is knowing that my work is making a positive impact— whether it’s on one person or worldwide,” Fehl commented.
Fehl grew up in Bartonville, Illinois, and describes herself as “very sensitive and empathetic.” These characteristics as likely the reason why she pursued work with nonprofits and community engagement.
“I also have very supportive parents who have always encouraged me to follow my interests and pursue any dreams,” she said. “During high school, my mom signed us up to deliver gifts to the senior citizens enrolled in the Meals on Wheels program. Seeing how excited they were to receive gifts and have company really made me feel good. That experience impacted my youth, and I think I took that desire to make a difference, big or small, as often as possible and carried that with me.”
Fehl credits her mother with always guiding her to achieve her goals and work toward success. She also helped her find the NNGO program at NIU.
“I came to NIU because I felt like the people were very welcoming, and there were many ways to get involved on campus,” she said. “Other universities felt very competitive, and I wanted to go somewhere that made me feel like my personal journey was important. Now, after earning my degree, my goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it and contribute to a more connected, accepting and equitable society.”
The Huskie Closet provides donated clothing to current NIU students. Visit the Huskie Closet website and use the SignUp Genius link to volunteer. Click here to learn about other volunteer opportunities at NIU, or email volunteer@niu.edu for more information.
Huskie alumna and Rehabilitation Counseling Associate Professor Amanda McCarthy, Ed.D., ’12, led the team to achieve this extraordinary designation.
Significance and Prestige
First, congratulations! Please share why this designation is significant for NIU and what it means for students and prospective students.
McCarthy: The Center of Excellence designation is available to exemplar programs that prepare students for clinical excellence in the rehabilitation counseling specialization. Our pursuit and attainment of the Center of Excellence designation signals to current and prospective students, community partners, and people with disabilities that the rehabilitation counselor professionals graduating from NIU have the skills, knowledge and dispositions to provide quality services to people with disabilities and their families. This designation also provides students and faculty in our program with additional benefits such as student engagement opportunities, recruitment support for our program, and networking opportunities for students.
How did NIU earn this prestigious designation?
McCarthy: Our program just celebrated our 50th Anniversary, so we have been in the business of teaching and mentoring counselors for five decades. When the designation was created last year, we jumped at the opportunity to apply. We were required to undergo a review by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification to ensure our curriculum and program outcomes meet the required standards. The rehabilitation counseling program faculty and Shondra Clay, Ph.D., interim chair, School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions, contributed to efforts to ensure the standards were met. We were delighted that our efforts paid off, and we were awarded the designation last fall. The icing on the cake was being the first program in the country to meet the standards.
Demand and Career Outlook
What is the career outlook for rehabilitation counselors?
McCarthy: Rehabilitation counselors are professional counselors who specialize in working with people with disabilities. As rehabilitation counselors, we collaborate with people with disabilities to help them set and meet major life goals in areas such as employment, education and independent living. The demand for trained counselors with a master’s degree continues to grow. It is estimated that one in four Americans have a disability, and most want to work and engage in their communities. Additionally, because our program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, our students are prepared in all the core curricular domains and the rehabilitation counseling standards. This means that our graduates are eligible for certification as a rehabilitation counselor as well as counseling licensure in the state of Illinois. This further expands the possibilities for our graduates to secure employment in behavioral health settings.
What sets NIU’s graduate degree program in rehabilitation counseling apart from others?
McCarthy: Our program has strong ties with our community partners to provide engaged learning experiences. Many of our clinical site supervisors are alumni of our program who want to give back to our program and the profession by helping to train the next generation. Program faculty are engaged in the profession and take the role of mentoring, teaching and advising very seriously. Many faculty have grants and are engaged in professional organizations, and we engage students in those activities. I think our students are some of the best in the profession. We have lots of first-generation students, students with disabilities, and students who come to us as a second career or who are working full-time. Class discussions and learning are better with multiple perspectives.
Meeting McCarthy
You are also an NIU graduate. What brought you to NIU for your Doctor of Education?
McCarthy: When selecting a program and institution for my doctoral degree, I was looking for an accredited program close to home. I was also interested in a program that had professors who were actively engaged in the counseling profession, faculty who placed importance on mentoring and teaching students, and a program that would allow me to continue to gain clinical counseling experience during my time in the program. The NIU counselor education and supervision program checked all those boxes and more. As a student, I always felt like NIU was big enough to provide me with many opportunities yet small enough to give me personalized attention and support. It was the perfect fit for me; I could not have asked for more from my doctoral program here at NIU.
What was your transition from student to professor like?
McCarthy: My professors supported me in my job search, and I was very fortunate to be hired at NIU in the College of Health and Human Sciences immediately after graduation with my doctoral degree. During my doctoral program, I co-taught and solo-taught several courses, so I was already well on my way as a new professor on the teaching front. In terms of research, my program faculty supported me in starting a stream of research, maintaining an effective pipeline, and balancing research with teaching and service responsibilities. I was also fortunate to remain in contact with my professors after graduation for support. Mentors were the key for me in landing my dream job.
What made you choose rehabilitation counseling?
McCarthy: An internship. I was a first-generation college student and felt a bit lost after high school. It wasn’t until I did an internship in college that helped me find the field of counseling. That hands-on experience working alongside professionals and seeing what they actually did made me aware of the field. I fell in love with the rehabilitation philosophy of empowerment that everyone, at their own ability level, is encouraged to take control of their path. I also gained a strong appreciation for the role that work plays in all our lives and that everyone who wants to work should be able to do that regardless of disability status. My mentors helped me further develop my passion, and they encouraged me to get experiences in a wide range of settings while in my master’s program. I worked full-time for several years providing counseling and disability services before earning my doctoral degree and then switched to counselor educator and supervisor.
Huskie Pride
Why NIU?
McCarthy: NIU is a great place! When I think of NIU, I think of opportunity. Getting to be part of a student’s journey through NIU on their way to a successful career and happy life is the best thing in the world. There are so many opportunities here. It’s truly inspiring to see students take advantage of all that NIU has to offer and emerge as confident, capable individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Mary Kay Morrison was a kindergarten teacher in rural Streator, Illinois, right after graduating from NIU in 1968 with her bachelor’s degree in education.
Morrison, ’68, M.S.Ed. ’89, had learned about the power of play studying early childhood education and was excited to engage her students in playful activities as the optimal way to learn.
“My first classroom was a playroom, set up with stations with ways for children to engage in play as the foundation for learning. This practice was based on the research from my studies at NIU,” she said.
While she loved connecting with her students and found joy in teaching, she found that the administration was focused on test results and did not understand the theory of learning through play.
“I was fresh out of college, and I had all these ideas about learning through play,” she said. “The administration was, I think, questioning what I was doing in the classroom. They thought these kids should be sitting in seats as the traditional way learning was practiced at the time.”
She continued to learn more about the benefits of play, and of humor, and over the years has become a strong advocate for humor and its benefits to learning and for mental health. She genuinely believes in the power of laughter and encourages play as a daily practice.
Morrison has facilitated keynote presentations and workshop sessions internationally for more than 30 years. Her work includes integrating the theory and neuroscience of humor research into practical applications for both education and business.
She frequently conducts seminars internationally on humor, cognitive research and leadership. Morrison has authored two textbooks – “Using Humor to Maximize Living: Connecting With Humor” ‘and “Using Humor to Maximize Learning: Exploring Links between Positive Emotions and Education” – as well as two books in her “Legacy of Laughter” series: “Legacy of Laughter: The Playbook” and “Legacy of Laughter: A Grandparent’s Guide and Playbook.”
“My book ‘Using Humor to Maximize Learning’ explores the connections between neuroscience and humor,” she said. “One of the key points in this book is that humor nurtures the trusted relationships needed for engaged learning. Excitement, enthusiasm, laughter and high energy are reflective of an engaged learning classroom based on cognitive research.”
She founded and is the director of her own business, Humor Quest, which provides workshops, seminars and conferences on the power of humor.
“Efforts to become aware of your own humor practices will give you invaluable information,” she said. “This kind of reflection is often accomplished through exploring humor studies and by considering when and how you play, laugh and have fun. It may feel awkward at first, but keeping a humor journal is the best way to record what tickles your funny bone.”
Through the international Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), Morrison founded in 2010 the organization’s Humor Academy, a one-of-a-kind, three-year, college-level program focused on the science, benefits and application of humor. Each level of the Humor Academy lasts one year and those who complete all three years earn the distinction of Certified Humor Professional (CHP).
She has regularly supported her alma mater, presenting at NIU on several occasions, most recently the fall of 2024 to the Department of Special and Early Education and its chair, Hope Wilson.
Morrison has fond memories of NIU, including serving as chair of the May Fete Dance Festival, volunteering as a childcare worker at the Newman Center and working in food service at Douglas Hall.
She said her NIU experience has positively impacted her entire career and led to lifelong friendships.
“My classes in early childhood education and the research on play has inspired my work throughout my career,” she said. “I enjoyed my residency in Douglas Hall and the friendships I made there have continued to this day. We still get together frequently with the girls who were on my floor and the support and ongoing dialogue with them has been inspirational.”
In the 1980s, she was working at Kishwaukee College and wanted to strengthen her education credentials for her job.
“I was employed as a counselor for the teen parent program and the GED program in the Adult Education Department at Kishwaukee, so that motivated me to get my master’s degree,” she said.
After her tenure at Kishwaukee College, from 1994 to 2004 she served as a consultant for the Boone/Winnebago Regional Office of Education via the Illinois State Board of Education to implement No Child Left Behind and to provide staff development for teachers and administrators in northern Illinois..
Morrison said it took her many years to complete her Master of Science in Education degree, and she was grateful for NIU’s schedule of night classes to help her complete the degree one class at a time while working and raising young kids.
“I had four little kids at the time, and I was working full-time, so it took me a long time to get that degree, but they were very patient at NIU to let me take it a little at a time,” she said.
She praised the mentors she has gained during her career, including the regional office superintendent who provided opportunities to attend conferences to learn more about brain research, including the impact of fun and play on learning.
“I have had amazing people over the years who have mentored me, supported me, been on the same page I’m on,” she said. “I’ve not been out there by myself.”
Ken Stemke ’83 (left) stands with fellow Huskie and business partner Patrick Pipp, M.B.A. ’91, outside Main Street Social. Stemke owns Main Street Social and co-owns Bright Angel Wines with Pipp. (Photo: Main Street Social)
After spending years in high-end restaurants—from bussing tables to earn money for college to entertaining clients during a 30-plus-year career in banking—Ken Stemke, ’83, fulfilled his dream of opening a restaurant. In 2024, it received the Open Table Diners’ Choice Award.
Stemke opened Main Street Social in 2017 after finding the perfect location in downtown Libertyville, Illinois.
“Good spots are hard to get in what is a very successful downtown dining destination,” Stemke said. “When the ideal spot opened in the heart of downtown Libertyville, we pounced and brought in some Chicago restaurant folks to help us build and run the restaurant.”
Since then, Main Street Social has hosted an NIU Alumni Association Huskie Hour event, enabling alumni and friends to experience the blend of service, ambiance and culinary delights that make it a top choice for diners. In addition to welcoming Huskies, Main Street Social offers wine and bourbon dinners, lobster boils, and dinners where guests bring their favorite wines from their collections, and Stemke brings a few standouts from his cellar.
Main Street Social employs several restaurant staff that have been with Stemke since the restaurant’s opening, and guests count on seeing familiar, welcoming faces when they visit. While he is honored to be recognized with the award from Open Table, he said they have maintained high expectations from the start.
“Consistency in food and service are critical,” he said. “Guests desire the same outstanding experience every time they visit. Then, like any business, nailing the details allows a business to go from good to great. That takes focus, attention and passion.”
Before opening Main Street Social’s doors, Stemke joined friend and fellow Huskie, Patrick “Pat” Pipp, M.B.A. ’91, in his passion for wine. As co-owner of Bright Angel Wines, Stemke focuses on sales and growth strategies for the brand. He described the evolution of Bright Angel Wines.
“It didn’t really seem like more than a crazy expensive hobby at the time,” Stemke said. “Pat was a recent convert to fine wines and embraced the project to make premium single vineyard wines from Napa and Sonoma, primarily. I figured, ‘Why not?’ and invested a small amount to help him bring the wine to market. We started doing wine tastings in Libertyville for friends and contacts, and combined with a couple of good ratings from Wine Enthusiast, we started to move the wine and gain a following.”
Ken Stemke, ’83, serves Bright Angel Wines at NIU Alumni Association Golf Outing (Photo: NIU)
Today, Bright Angel Wines is integral to Main Street Social’s customer experience and branding. Select Chicagoland area country clubs also serve Bright Angel Wines. Stemke and Pipp have hosted two wine-tasting events with the NIU Alumni Association and are regular hole sponsors for the NIUAA Golf Outing and the Huskie Athletics Brigham-Novak Golf Outing. They hope to expand the micro-winery into the California market and partner with a small wine label like theirs to have a tasting room and a wine club in Napa or Sonoma.
Stemke credits his business education and background as significant factors in his success. He studied finance and international relations at NIU and worked part-time for the Office of Campus Recreation. After a memorable first year, having what he described as “too much fun” and a blizzard to start the winter semester, which closed the university for an entire week, Stemke said he focused on his education.
“NIU prepared me well for pushing my limits and fed my desire to always have a couple of projects going on,” he said. “I think that’s true for the NIU grads I have met or worked with over the years. Huskies have a street fighter mentality. They were not given anything and, as a result, make great entrepreneurs!”
Ken Stemke, ’83, at Bright Angel Wines winery in Napa, CA. (Photo: The Wine Foundry team)
After graduating, Stemke entered commercial banking and worked as a credit analyst for a small bank in Libertyville. With the desire to have varied skills, he earned a master’s in accounting from DePaul University and passed his CPA exam. He worked at a CPA firm for two years only to return to commercial banking; however, Stemke maintained a handful of clients and held a side CPA practice for ten years. He continued in commercial banking for over 30 years, and his accounting knowledge was a key asset.
“The key turning point in my banking career was joining and investing in American Chartered Bank in 2003,” Stemke said. “I was itching to do something entrepreneurial and joined an incredibly unique and entrepreneurial commercial bank. We went on to be a major player in the Chicago area small business and lower-middle market. The bank was sold in 2016 and that provided me with some play money to build the restaurant that was already in the planning stages.”
Then, in 2019, Stemke invested in a small bank in which a few former American Chartered Bank partners bought a controlling interest.
“Since I was not interested in a job, I negotiated bringing in 10-15 old clients or new client opportunities and working solely with those clients,” he said. “This has enabled me to keep a toe in the industry and help build the bank.”
Stemke offers three words of advice for success in any industry, particularly entrepreneurship.
“Listen, listen and listen,” he said. “Entrepreneurship can lead you to great things that you might not think are possible, but you must keenly listen to get there.”
Don Westlake, ’50, in October 2024. (Photo by Scott Walstrom/NIU Information Technology)
Don Westlake, ’50, gets a twinkle in his eye when he talks about his late wife, Helen (Gum) Westlake, ’49.
“She was a star,” he said. “And everybody knew she was a star.”
After her death, Don established the Helen Gum Westlake Memorial Scholarship for Early Childhood Education in her honor and to expand their support of their alma mater. This was in addition to the giving the couple had made previously over the years.
“I wound up with a doctorate never having paid tuition,” he said. “So, once my wife and I were established – we had great memories of NIU – both of us decided we should be giving back.”
The pair first met as four-year-old children in Sunday school in the small rural town of Elburn, Illinois. Helen attended a country grade school, and Don went to school in town, so they didn’t really get to know each other until they both went to Elburn High School.
After graduating from high school, Don received state scholarships to go to the University of Illinois and NIU, but he ultimately chose to attend NIU for another important reason: Helen, who he had begun dating, was a Huskie.
When Don entered NIU in the fall of 1946, the university was still named Northern Illinois State Teachers College and was flooded with veterans returning from service after World War II because of the G.I. Bill.
In 1946, enrollment jumped to 901 men and 541 women – the first time that men outnumbered women at NIU. Of those numbers, 731 men and 11 women – more than 50 percent of the student body – were veterans.
There were no dorms for male students at the time; the first male dorm, Gilbert Hall, wouldn’t open until 1951. So, Don and other men would rent rooms at boarding houses off campus.
Tuition at NIU then was inexpensive. – Don was in awe as he recalled it cost $15 a quarter – the school year at the time was divided into quarters – when he entered the university as a freshman.
Following graduation from NIU, Don taught math and physical education at his old high school for a year. After a year, the principal asked him to also coach the basketball team, but Don wasn’t interested and began looking for other opportunities.
Don found an ad in the newspaper for Argonne National Laboratory, which was looking for a chemist. He applied, got the job, but was there for only a year when he was drafted into the Army. He spent the summer and fall of 1952 in boot camp.
“Having trained for infantry combat in Korea during the summer and fall of 1952, it was my education at NIU and experience at Argonne National Laboratory that qualified me to be selected, instead, to serve as an analytical chemist at the Army Chemical Center in Maryland,” he said. “It was this additional experience in the profession that encouraged me to further my education.”
Using the G.I. Bill to attend graduate school tuition-free, Don attended Iowa State University and earned a Ph.D. in metallurgy. After receiving her master’s degree at Iowa State, Helen taught for 50 years at the high school and college levels before her retirement.
Don worked at Argonne National Laboratory for 25 years as a researcher and authored, or co-authored, 120 papers on the absorption and diffusion of hydrogen in various metals and alloys, before retiring in 1984. After retirement, he edited textbooks written by Helen, and authored books of poetry and memoirs of his younger days in Elburn. Currently, he produces his own podcast called “Reflections From The Cloud,” where he tells stories about his years in Elburn and other memories.
Don and Helen Westlake. (Photo from Don Westlake)
Don’s parents, Leslie and Florence Westlake, married young, and he remembers growing up during the Great Depression.
“There were times when Dad was out of work and it was very hard times,” he said.
His grandfather, Gilbert Westlake, bought a grocery store in town and made his father the manager, but that was just in time for the market crash and the store had to be sold. His grandfather later bought a hatchery, which his dad managed. The hatchery was later expanded to include the sales of farm equipment and animal feeds.
“That was the beginning of success for my Dad,” he said.
Neither of Don’s two siblings went to college, but he knew from an early age that he wanted to go to NIU. He loved to play basketball and three of his uncles were Huskies, all of whom played basketball at NIU.
The youngest of the three, Benjamin “Benny” Westlake, ’35, was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in its first year, 1978, alongside the team he was on, the 1933-1934 Little 19 Conference Champions, coached by George “Chick” Evans.
Don also played some basketball at NIU, although he didn’t find success on the court like his Uncle Benny. He was on the B team his sophomore year, and during his junior year, he was the sixth man on the varsity roster, which meant he only played occasionally. When his senior year rolled around, the team had hired a new coach who wanted to see what the new, talented freshmen could do, and he did not play.
During a Hall of Fame induction ceremony on campus in October 2024, NIU head men’s basketball coach Rashon Burno presented Don with a varsity letterman’s jacket.
Don’s grandfather also had an NIU connection. According to Westlake, he was hired, along with his team of horses, to help dig the foundation of what would be Altgeld Hall when it was being constructed in the 1890s.
In addition to receiving a state scholarship, Don received other support. He gave a humorous anecdote about winning a scholarship from a psychology professor.
Every student was required to attend a weekly assembly where announcements were made. Don dutifully attended every week, except for one week when he skipped and later found out he had been called on to accept a scholarship he had won from Professor Marion C. Hayes.
Don Westlake, ’50, center, in the 1950 Norther yearbook as class vice president. (Photo from the Regional History Center and University Archives)
“So, I went to Doc Hayes’ office, and I walked in very sheepishly,” he said. “And he pulled out his billfold, took out $50, and handed it to me. That was my scholarship.”
Westlake still remembers some of his professors at NIU who made an impact, including a math professor, Eugene Hellmich
“He was an absolutely marvelous teacher,” he said. “He wasn’t personable at all; he was a taskmaster. But I liked that. I was that kind of person.”
Frederick Rolf, who taught analytical chemistry, was another “taskmaster” described by Don but was someone the students could depend on for advice.
“It was he from whom I sought advice when I was offered a teaching job after my junior year of college,” Don said of Rolf. “Of course, he didn’t tell me what I should do, but he helped me to clarify my values. I have never regretted my decision to return for my senior year in college, even though my final season of basketball was a huge disappointment.”
Don added, “It was my positive experience in Dr. Rolf’s course that made me confident when I applied for the job as analytical chemist at Argonne National Laboratory. From day one, I felt fully qualified for the job I did at this prestigious laboratory.”
The impact NIU had on Don’s life and career was tremendous, and Don is grateful for the opportunities that NIU gave him with the help of scholarships. That’s why he and, during her lifetime, Helen, gave back to their alma mater.
“I just like to give somebody in need an opportunity,” he said. “I’m very grateful.”
For more information on giving to support students or facilities, click here.
Diana Iracheta, ’19, motivates Latinas in engineering and STEM-related fields. (Photo: Diana Iracheta)
Diana Iracheta, ’19, impulsively launched a blog in 2019 to share her story as a young Latina engineer. It grew rapidly, resonating with fellow ingenieras.
She expanded her presence and built a network of Latina STEM professionals and aspiring Latina engineers. Today, her brand, Latina Engineer, and her foundation, Ingeniera Foundation by Latina Engineer, have more than 10,000 community members and even more on social media. Currently, her Instagram account has 26,000 followers.
Iracheta confidently embraced these new opportunities, opening herself up to explore ideas outside of her day job. She said seeing NIU professors balance successful careers while also having fulfilled personal lives significantly influenced her unwavering path to engineering and creating Latina Engineer.
“I had two mechanical engineering professors at NIU who were married to each other and had a family,” Iracheta said, referring to associate professors Iman Salehinia and Sahar Vahabzadeh. “Professor Vahabzadeh was pregnant during one of my classes. It was very inspiring because I always had trouble thinking about whether I needed to give up any part of myself to continue being in STEM or engineering. They showed me that you could have a great career and a family, and nothing had to stop. Watching them, I realized there could be room for whatever I wanted to do with my life. They were great mentors, and I still talk to them, even recently.”
By launching Latina Engineer and her foundation, Iracheta is also an inspiration to other women. Her mission is simple: to empower Latinas in engineering by providing educational and professional development resources.
Empowering Resources for Students and Professionals
“I put the first conference together very quicky, and it was held virtually because of the pandemic,” Iracheta said. “There were speakers and giveaways. I had a GoFundMe page, and people wanted to help. They could see the need for something like this. From there, I started looking for sponsors, and in 2021, started a hybrid of in-person and virtual events. We did three years in Chicago, and in 2024, we went to California.”
Iracheta is proud to have hosted over 3,000 attendees from across all five past ILEW conferences.
“I am empowering a whole generation of Latinas to succeed in engineering,” she said in a LinkedIn post reflecting on serving as the ILEW host.
Iracheta said the ILEW community is roughly half students and half early professionals. She believes her niche is being able to meet the needs of both successfully. Her foundation partners with organizations to sponsor the conference and help fund scholarships. They have awarded $26,000 in scholarships to Latina students studying any engineering discipline.
“I have seen our scholarship recipients grow and graduate,” Iracheta said. “Many of them stay in contact and are big advocates. It feels good to be able to contribute in some way to help them be successful. Some of them even find internship opportunities at companies we partner with.”
In addition to the scholarship, Iracheta and foundation volunteers launched a mentoring program to connect rising Latinas in STEM-related fields with mentors to address goals, challenges, opportunities and everything in between. They also hosted a career fair.
Iracheta is grateful to the many ILEW volunteers who work with her and share her passion.
“The ILEW team has been doing a great job, pulling a lot of the weight. Without them, I couldn’t continue doing this,” she said.
Commercials and Collaborations
In 2023, Iracheta’s success caught the attention of an advertising agency working with Toyota Latino. They filmed a mini-documentary featuring Iracheta while also advertising the Hybrid Prius, which Iracheta got to drive around downtown Chicago for two days before having to return the keys.
“I still think about it,” Iracheta said. “I’m like, wow, that really happened. I have a commercial!”
With her social media following, Iracheta collaborates with companies to promote their products or services. Past collaborations include Rockport Works safety shoes and an advertisement for Niagara Falls highlighting ABB’s fully electric vessel carrying passengers to view the falls. She also offers her services to speak with students and professionals or host workshops.
Diana Iracheta, ’19, says fashion and success can go hand-in-hand and inspires others on Instagram. (Photo: @latina_engineer)
Intentional Fashion
Iracheta does all this while also sharing her inspiring fashion—often covered in shades of pink. Her website poignantly states, “Who says you can’t be both?” referring to being a fashionable female in engineering.
“I used to feel like I had to kind of mute myself and wear one of my boyfriend’s shirts so that I didn’t look like I was wearing something super girly,” Iracheta said. “I just kept toning myself down, and then when I had an internship in college it gave me confidence that, you know, I made it. So, I started embracing who I was and started wearing pink and girly clothes.”
Iracheta said pink became her way to embrace her identity, regardless of whether she fit in, and it inspired her to choose pink for her brand’s color scheme.
“It was my way of saying you can be whoever you want, you can be as girly as you want, or you don’t have to; either way, you can still be in engineering. It just shows you that you can bring your 100 percent self into school or work and still succeed.”
Iracheta laughed and said, “But now I’m starting to get more into burgundy.”
Growth and Education
In her senior year in high school, Iracheta took her very first physics class. It was then that she found out she could do something else with math, which she always liked and was good at. She attended Waubonsee Community College with a scholarship covering two years’ full tuition and earned her associate’s degree in physics. After, she transferred to NIU to study mechanical engineering as a commuter student. Despite not having time to join any official student organizations on campus, Iracheta said she made many friends and felt a sense of community between engineering and business students.
Iracheta earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and started her career as a manufacturing engineer. She later worked as an automation design and manufacturing engineer in the automotive industry and then as a product design engineer for a professional trades equipment manufacturer.
Most recently, Iracheta enrolled in the M.B.A. program at Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to study value chain management.
“I obviously don’t have all the answers, but I am capable of doing something bigger,” Iracheta said about pursuing her M.B.A. “I thought I was done, but I want to learn from other areas like marketing and apply my engineering skills more broadly. Starting Latina Engineer and the ILEW really opened my eyes to see all the different areas and impacts I can have in addition to engineering. Earning an M.B.A. will also help me grow into managerial roles.”
From Fearful to Fearless
Starting a new chapter in her life, Iracheta is living out the quote that guides her: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
“I had no idea how I was going to do many of these things,” she said. “Two minutes before going on stage, I think, ‘Why did I sign up for this? I don’t want to do this.’ but I do it anyway. It’s understanding that it’s ok to feel that way. I felt that way going into engineering; every new semester was the same. I’d start with rough grades and build my way up. I had to know that it was ok to struggle and be scared in the beginning for it to get better.”
Iracheta’s advice: “It’s ok not to know everything. Find the people that will support you. Feel the fear, but don’t let it stop you.”
Life Fitness / Hammer Strength CEO Jim Pisani, ’89, during Nasdaq Wellness Week 2025. (Photo: Nasdaq, Inc.)
Jim Pisani, ’89, joined Life Fitness / Hammer Strength in 2023 as CEO. (Photo: Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, Inc.)
Former Northern Illinois University soccer player Jim Pisani, ’89, commences his day as one might expect of any fitness industry executive—by exercising.
In his morning routine, Pisani either turns up the music or listens to a podcast while engaging in cardio or strength training. This invigorating start sets the tone for his day before heading into the office of his dream role as the Chief Executive Officer of Life Fitness / Hammer Strength.
“Physical fitness, health, and maintaining my well-being have always been paramount to me,” Pisani remarked. “This role was a perfect fit.”
Pisani joined the company in 2023, following closely behind the global pandemic, and is proud of the remarkable turnaround Life Fitness / Hammer Strength has achieved. He attributes the success to the dedication of 5,000 hardworking global employees, dealers and distributors, business partners, a robust business plan, servant leadership, and perseverance.
“During the pandemic, the industry faced severe disruptions with the closure of gyms, our primary customers,” Pisani noted. “The commercial and consumer strength, cardio, and connected fitness sectors are highly competitive, and I am proud we are once again leading the market.”
Life Fitness / Hammer Strength collaborates with fitness clubs, the hospitality sector, multi-unit housing complexes, corporations, sports teams, universities, and armed forces to inspire the global community to engage in physical exercise. Pisani has fortified the company’s culture by advocating for servant leadership and driving the purpose of creating healthier and happier lives.
“We take pride in fulfilling this purpose daily,” Pisani stated. “We also remain steadfast to our legacy of pioneering fitness innovation, helping global athletes and exercisers to become faster, stronger, and healthier.”
Pisani is particularly enthusiastic about their latest product innovation, an ultra-premium Life Fitness cardio line named Symbio. He describes it as “blurring the lines between the athlete and the equipment through a groundbreaking fusion of next-generation biomechanics, purposeful design, and premium aesthetics.”
Pisani takes pride in the innovations that emerge from recruiting, nurturing, and motivating the best team and consistently prioritizing them.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about setting the vision, empowering others, and creating an environment where people feel valued and heard,” he said. “The principles guiding my decisions are integrity, accountability, and empathy. I truly believe in leading by example, owning successes and mistakes, and prioritizing relationships. By demonstrating these values, you create a winning culture.”
Before joining Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, Pisani was the CEO of Newell Brands’ outdoor and recreation business segment, with global responsibility for brands such as Coleman, Marmot, and Contigo. He also served as the global president for Timberland after a significant, eight-year tenure at VF Corporation, where he held the position of president of VF Licensed Sports Group. During his time there, Pisani led the company against formidable brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, establishing leadership in licensed sports apparel and securing the renewal of the Major League Baseball on-field uniform contract.
Pisani, front row center holding the winning plaque with teammates and coaches. (Photo: NIU Athletics)
Pisani’s faith, family, and friends are profound sources of motivation and inspiration, driving him to achieve his best.
He was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Angelo and Judy Pisani, and brother to Rick, Donna, and Patty. The Pisani family is tightly knit, and his parents played significant, positive roles in shaping his life. Pisani’s passion for sports was fostered by his father, who devoted considerable time to coaching him in baseball, soccer, or golf, depending on the sport Pisani was engaged in at the time. The formative years he spent on the fields of St. Pius X Catholic Parish and Rosary High School cultivated his work ethic and competitive spirit.
Pisani was recruited to NIU as a student-athlete to join the men’s soccer team. Having played soccer throughout his life, he aspired to compete at the NCAA Division I level and thus accepted an athletic scholarship to attend NIU.
“Over four years, I had the privilege of playing alongside outstanding players, coaches, and administrators,” Pisani remarked. “Serving as a two-year captain, MVP, and all-conference player at NIU was an honor. This achievement was made possible by the exceptional teammates, coaches, and support staff. The camaraderie we developed extended beyond the field, and I maintain strong connections with my teammates and other student-athletes from NIU.”
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Pisani was driven by the knowledge that he would be the first college graduate in his family. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and became a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, where he formed enduring friendships. To this day, Pisani actively participates in fraternity alumni events, supporting the NIU community.
The Pisani Family (left to right): Jim, Kristen, Sarah (daughter-in-law), Jake (son), Greyson (grandson), Jenna (daughter), Caden (grandson), John (son-in-law), Josh (son). (Photo: Kristen Pisani)
His distinguished soccer career transitioned into coaching at the competitive club level with the Chicago Magic, as well as positions at Lewis University, where he obtained his M.B.A., and Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois.
“This experience provided unparalleled hands-on opportunities in building relationships, communicating, mentoring, coaching, and team leadership,” Pisani stated. “I received invaluable insights and guidance from esteemed individuals such as NIU Coach Jerry Collins, Waltz Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Coach Willy Roy, and Lewis University Coach Evan Fiffles. Our efforts culminated in remarkable achievements, including three state championships at Carl Sandburg and regional and conference championships at both Lewis University and Chicago Magic.”
Pisani’s most significant moment at NIU was meeting his wife, Kristen (Williams) Pisani, ’89.
“Kristen became my best friend, soulmate, and spouse of 33 years,” he said. “Together, we have built a family that includes our three children, Jake, Jenna, and Josh; Jake’s wife, Sarah (Haire) Pisani; Jenna’s husband, John Smagala; and two grandchildren, Greyson and Caden. The unwavering support system I have at home has been instrumental in shaping me into a better person and leader.”
Pisani reflects on NIU as an enriching environment that bolstered his confidence and refined his leadership abilities.
“NIU’s student-first approach motivated me to excel and provided real-life experiences that laid a solid foundation for success,” he said. “It nurtured leadership skills and time management, which were crucial for balancing athletic commitments with academic responsibilities. My identity was profoundly influenced by NIU. I am a proud Huskie, a symbol of humility, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of goals.”
Today, leveraging his extensive experience at NIU and the transformative benefits of fitness, Pisani exemplifies a life characterized by happiness and health. His journey illustrates the profound impact that dedication to both education and physical well-being can have on cultivating a fulfilling and vibrant existence.
Jacqueline Tovar, a nursing major with a Spanish minor who plans to graduate in the fall of 2026, is the first in her family to attend a four-year university.
“I am proud to be a first-generation college student, but I’m fortunate that two of my older sisters attended community college,” she said. “Their experiences have been a great help in easing my transition to college life. Being a first-generation student has really motivated me to be very involved on campus as a way to repay my parents for all their sacrifices.”
Tovar grew up in Chicago. Her father is a landscaper, and her mother had a babysitting service while Tovar and her younger sister were little. Her mother now works in a factory.
Tovar has received several scholarships to help her cross the finish line to graduation, including the CHANCE Program scholarship.
“As a first-generation student, my main concern was financial barriers, and receiving scholarships has played a crucial role in overcoming that challenge,” she said. “Financial assistance is essential for my ability to attend college, as without it, I would struggle to cover costs while balancing my other responsibilities. Being able to manage work, academics, and extracurriculars would be even harder if I had to pay for everything out of pocket. Scholarships have also allowed me to pursue leadership roles, internships, and extracurricular activities that are vital for my career development.”
Receiving scholarships has been a motivator for Tovar to keep going and maintain academic excellence.
“When I was awarded these scholarships, I felt validated, knowing that my hard work and dedication were recognized,” she said. “It inspires me to continue pushing toward my academic and professional goals, knowing that my efforts are making a difference and opening doors for my future.”
For Tovar, the scholarships give her more than financial benefits, they also provide opportunities for professional development.
“For instance, responsibilities like completing service hours for the Huskies Service Scholars and advising students through my Honors Fellowship help me build critical skills in leadership, communication, and time management,” she said. “These experiences have expanded my understanding of the world and prepared me for my future career.”
She wants donors to know that their philanthropy makes a tremendous difference in the lives of students.
“For many of us, receiving a scholarship means the ability to attend college, pursue leadership opportunities, and gain valuable experiences that will shape our futures,” she said. “Their donation doesn’t just support tuition, it opens doors to career development, personal growth, and the chance to make a positive impact on the community. By donating, they’re helping students achieve their academic and professional goals, creating a ripple effect of success for generations to come.”
In addition to working two jobs and attending school, Tovar holds leadership positions in Kappa Delta Chi and Chi Alpha Epsilon, is involved in the University Honors Program as an honors fellow and serves as a mentor in the CHANCE Program.
“I joined these organizations because they align with my values and goals. As a first-generation student, I wanted to surround myself with like-minded individuals who were motivated to succeed. These organizations offer opportunities for leadership development, community service, and networking, which have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth. They also allow me to give back by supporting other students, especially those who come from similar backgrounds. Being part of these groups has not only enhanced my college experience but also reinforced my commitment to my education and future career.”
“From the moment I entered her class, I felt seen and welcomed,” she said.
Tovar said Ramirez spoke Spanglish in class, which made her feel like she was with family, as it’s how she speaks with her own sisters at home. Ramirez also made sure the students knew about the resources available to them on campus.
“One thing about Deyci is that she always kept it real,” Tovar said. “She made sure we understood how things worked at school, whether it was about selecting classes, managing finances or navigating the college system. She was always willing to help, and her guidance truly made a difference in my college experience. Additionally, Deyci always emphasized the importance of being involved on campus. She frequently sent out information about available opportunities, which is how I got involved with Huskies Service Scholars. Her encouragement to engage outside of the classroom has been a great motivator in keeping me involved.”
Tovar said she hopes to work as a part-time certified nursing assistant closer to home in Chicago so she can be near family. Currently, she works two jobs – at the Holmes Student Center on the operations team and Dunkin’ Donuts – and while balancing work and school can sometimes be difficult, she keeps the bigger picture in focus.
“There are days when I feel overwhelmed, and I ask myself if I can keep going,” she said. “But my ultimate motivation is my parents and all the sacrifices they’ve made for me. I often think about how my father works in the fields under the scorching sun for hours, and that helps me push through my busy schedule. To me, my hectic days at school and work don’t even compare to what he has to endure. It can be exhausting, and sometimes I don’t get home until really late at night. I leave my apartment early in the morning, and by the time I return, I’m physically drained.”
She continued, “But despite the exhaustion, I love it because it gives me a sense of purpose. It makes me feel like I’m doing something productive and meaningful, something that honors the sacrifices my parents have made. There are moments when I question how much longer I can keep this up, but then I remember why I’m doing it: for my family, for my future. It fills me with pride knowing that all the hard work I put in is for a greater good, my success and the chance to give back to those who have given me everything.”
To help Huskies like Jacqueline cross the finish line to graduation, please visit the NIU Foundation website.
Sujey Gomez, ’24, a hardworking, married mother of three children, embodied the Huskie spirit as she crossed the finish line to graduation this past December with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.
Gomez’s family came from Mexico, and she grew up in Elgin, Illinois, the oldest of three sisters. Her father works at a grocery store and her mother is employed at a factory. She now lives in St. Charles, Illinois, with a goal of becoming a school psychologist.
“I have been a stay-at-home mother to my three children, one of whom has special needs,” Gomez said. “Balancing school and my responsibilities as a mother has been challenging at times. However, I was able to successfully complete school with a 3.9 GPA.”
Gomez chose NIU as it is close to her home and has a great psychology program. Thanks to NIU donors and her hard work, she earned a number of scholarships to help her finish school, including the Dream Scholarship, the Huskies Aiding Huskies Scholarship, the Warner and Lora Kays Pomerene Memorial Fund Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Finish Line Scholarship.
“I will be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree,” she said. “Getting scholarships allowed me to concentrate on my studies without having to stress about the financial burden that comes with education. I felt extremely grateful and happy when I received the scholarships.”
Gomez praised Sandy Lopez, director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center, as a mentor.
“During my time at NIU, Dr. Sandy Lopez has been incredibly helpful. She has guided me in making educational decisions that have shaped my future,” Gomez said.
Gomez strongly believes in funding scholarships for future students and has a message for alumni and donors.
“I believe that donating to support student scholarships is not only important but also a significant contribution to the future of our country,” she said. “Students are the future of society, and investing in their education helps create more educated individuals who will be integrated into our communities. Your donation can make a profound difference by providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential, ultimately benefiting all of us.”
To help Huskies like Sujey cross the finish line to graduation, please visit the NIU Foundation website.
Stephanie Mead, ’13, is a meteorologist for WJBK-TV FOX 2 Detroit. (Photo Credit: WJBK-TV FOX 2)
NIU helped meteorologist Stephanie Mead, ’13, build her confidence and critical thinking skills to weather challenges while reporting for four metropolitan areas across the United States.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in geography with a minor in journalism and was involved in the Northern Television Center (NTC) on NIU’s campus.
“My experiences putting together a story and editing my work prepared me for the broadcast industry,” Mead said. “NIU taught me to think critically. One of the hardest parts of the industry is having a concept and conveying that in two minutes or less. It’s tricky, so preparing for that at the NTC and in classes really helped.”
Mead first came to NIU when her aunt was a student. She attended a family weekend, and her aunt showed her around campus.
“I loved it!” Mead said. “Plus, I immediately connected with the mascot because, as a little girl, I loved Husky dogs. I still do. I have one now!”
After graduating from Hinsdale South High School, Mead returned to NIU, this time as a freshman eager to embrace what the university had to offer. In addition to being involved in the NTC, she served as a community advisor for Grant and Douglas Halls for two years. She planned fun events, held monthly floor meetings, participated in Welcome Week, and met with enthusiastic incoming freshmen.
“My time at NIU was great!” Mead said.
As a Midwestern girl who always enjoyed experiencing the four seasons and marveled at the shades of green in the sky when stormy weather approached, Mead secured an internship at WTVO-TV Channel 17 in Rockford, Illinois. However, her dream and first break required some patience and resilience.
“Having confidence and believing in myself has to be the two qualities that have pushed me through many ‘no’s’ in my industry,” she said. “It was hard to get my break and first job. I had to stay positive and really believe in my dream!”
After graduation, Mead started her career at KMTV in Twin Falls, Idaho, anchoring the weekend evening weather forecasts at 9 and 10 p.m. She then moved to WGBA-TV NBC 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she anchored the weekend morning weather forecast from 5 to 7 a.m., performed live weather shots in the field, and covered a memorable storm that delayed the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Her work there contributed to her team earning a Midwest Regional Emmy Award nomination for “Best Evening Broadcast.”
After just over two years in Green Bay, Mead spent the bulk of her career at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. She anchored weekday morning weather forecasts and traffic from 4-10 a.m., performed live weather shots in the field, anchored breaking news traffic updates, and hosted a weekly podcast focused on community events. Mead covered five Indianapolis 500 races at WISH-TV before being hired as a meteorologist at FOX 2 Detroit, where she anchors WJBK-TV FOX 2’s morning and evening weather forecasts on weekdays and weekends. She also serves as a fill-in host for the morning lifestyle show and represents the station at community events.
Mead describes a typical day in the office.
“I usually come in and look at various models to figure out temperature and precipitation,” she said. “After I get the forecast together, I make my graphics and update numbers. There will be a digital hit for a weather update. Then, I go into the studio and tape a teaser that will air later in the evening. Next, the show starts, and after the broadcast, I’ll clip one of my longer forecasts so I can post that to the web with a blog detailing the forecast for the next seven days. I’ll update social media as well.”
Mead enjoys breaking down severe weather coverage on air and social media.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is informing the public on inclement weather,” she said. “Whether it’s snow during the morning drive or a severe weather event, my work impacts viewers by helping them adjust their drive by ten minutes or helping them get a safety plan in place. It makes my job incredibly rewarding.”
Aside from accurate weather forecasting and the ability to effectively communicate the degree of urgency behind weather situations, Mead says meteorologists need to build trust with their viewers over time. This approach to success and making a difference in her viewers’ lives extends beyond meteorology. Mead’s values of trust and thoughtful communication serve as a reminder that no matter what challenges one encounters, it’s the relationships built that truly forecast success.
Feedback Form
Please provide feedback here or report any errors.
