The Harrison Fellows Oral History Project was created to capture the stories and experiences of participants of National Louis University's Harrison Fellows program. In Fall 2010, National Louis launched the Elizabeth Harrison Fellowship Program, named after the University's founder, to establish a bachelor degree program designed to ensure academic success, degree completion, and professional self-efficacy to first-generation and historically under-served populations. The oral histories in this collection shed light on systemic and institutional challenges these first-generation students encountered and highlight their successes and contributions to the community.
This project was developed by Dr. Mónica Haydeé Ramos and Meghan Ryan, Assistant Professor, University Library. Dr. Ramos was awarded the inaugural Comunidades Latinas Académicas con Visión de Éxito (Latino Academic Communities with Vision of Success) postdoctoral fellowship in 2021. Her fellowship research focuses on the Latine first-generation student experience of the NLU Harrison Fellows and she hopes her research strengthens NLU’s diversity, equity, and justice efforts. During her CLAVE Fellowship, Monica collaborated with the NLU University Library and Meghan Ryan, Special Collections and Cataloging librarian, to preserve the stories of the Harrison Fellows with an oral history project and the creation of a Harrison Fellows Special Collection.
Funding for this project was made possible by the National Louis University's Engaged Research and Innovation Seed Grant.
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Aura Pereddo-Uriostegui, Supervisor, DuPage County Health Department
National Louis University
Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, as a proud Afro-Latina, Aura migrated to the USA at sixteen to follow a dream of becoming a professional. She faced multiple obstacles as many young immigrants, such as the language barrier, cultural shock, and the life of a single mother whose goals and dreams were unreachable.
Thanks to the Harrison Fellowship at National Louis University, she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services in 2014. For the past ten years, she has dedicated her life to helping immigrants, refugees, and the under-served community of DuPage County by connecting them with resources to find the assistance they need. “In the health department, we collaborate to assess needs, deliver services and coordinate care to improve the health of our clients and community.” DCHD
Today, Aura is a Site Supervisor at the DuPage County Health Department. She informs community members about the services available to them and their families. Among her many responsibilities, she and her team ensure that the community members receive the proper support and assistance needed to empower themselves and be safe. She is pursuing her master’s in public administration.
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Enrique Alvarez, Special Education Classroom Assistant, Chicago Public Schools
National Louis University
Enrique Alvarez has been working in the community for eight years. He is a special education classroom assistant at Ruiz Elementary School in the Chicago Public Schools. He previously supported youth in the PODER after-school program. Enrique is a DACAmented, first-generation graduate. He was awarded the Harrison Fellowship and received his bachelor's in business administration degree from National Louis University in 2016. He plans to enroll in graduate school and pursue an educational degree to teach middle school math.
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Jessica Askar, Urban School Educator
National Louis University
Jessica Askar knows that successful students become successful adults. She has served children and families for seven years working as an elementary school teacher in an urban district in Chicago. So far, fourth grade is her favorite grade to teach. Ms. Askar's teaching revolves around culturally relevant pedagogy and critical thinking. Due to her leadership and passion for education, Ms. Askar was awarded the Harrison Fellowship at National Louis University where she majored in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics. She is an experienced math tutor and mentor. Throughout her education career, she worked as the lead math tutor for the Center for Academic Success (CAD) and mentored young adults. She is currently working on her Master of Education degree at National Louis University.
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Joseline Calderon, Student Outreach & Re-Engagement Specialist, Chicago Public Schools
National Louis University
Joseline Calderon (Harrison Fellow, 2014-2016), was born and raised in Mexico City. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and grew up in the South Side of Chicago. Joseline graduated from National Louis University with a Human Services degree. She has held various positions at Trilogy Behavioral Health Center and Central States SER, focusing on mental health, employment, and education. Currently, she is working with Chicago Public Schools, supporting students at risk of not graduating on time. Joseline’s purpose is to instill positivity in young immigrants and their ability to succeed anywhere they chose to make their home. Throughout her career, Joseline has helped families from a holistic approach providing resources, support, and guidance to ensure success in their pathway to continuing education and higher education.
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Priscilla Somarriba, Executive Leader, Target
National Louis University
Priscilla describes her experience as a Harrison Fellow (2012 –2017) as she earned her degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences
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Susan Patzan, Youth Services Coordinator, Department of Family and Support Services, City of Chicago
National Louis University
Growing up in the vibrant city of Chicago to Guatemalan immigrant parents, Susan (Harrison Fellow 2011-2016), always knew she would be advocating for others. With 16 years of educational nonprofit experience, Susan Patzán, has worked with organizations that assist under-served communities. Currently she is a Youth Services Coordinator, under the Corporate Partnerships portfolio with the Department of Family and Support Services. In her role, she oversees professional development for Chicago’s youth ages 14-24. She knows how having professional development, and mentoring in these ages is very important in shaping youth often living in overlooked communities.
Susan, has a Bachelor's in Applied Behavioral Sciences , with a minor in Science Education. She also has training as an interpreter through the Language Access Resource Center in DuPage County. She does simultaneous interpreting in education, social services, medical, and soon Illinois courts. As an English language learner herself, she has a desire to support language services and advocacy. Susan, had also served on different Associates Boards within the city of Chicago, which have raised over $25,000 to continue serving families.
When she’s not supporting youth or interpreting, you can find her at home enjoying time with her dogs, her nieces, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
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Victoria Villalpando Sánchez, Director of Public Affairs & Public Information Officer, Illinois Department of Human Rights
National Louis University
Victoria Villalpando Sánchez (Harrison Fellow, 2011-2014) joined the Illinois Department of Human Rights in January. She serves as their new Director of Public Affairs and Public Information Officer. Previously, Victoria worked for Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, where she oversaw her brand and executive presence across digital channels for three years. Using her "Civic Joy'' strategy, she organically grew the Lt. Governor's cross-platform following by 138% and achieved over 19.4 million impressions.
Prior to her work in government, Victoria worked for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), a national non-profit, and managed logistics for their annual national conference. Under her leadership, the USHLI conference generated the highest revenue and attendance among the organization's programs from 2013-2019. Additionally, she spearheaded all internal and external communication, developed new programs and campaigns, and engaged program stakeholders. Before her departure, she took an active role in several statewide Census initiatives and chaired Forefront's Illinois Count Me in 2020 Communications Subcommittee.
Although Victoria is a proud Illinoisian, she immigrated from Mexico and lived as an undocumented immigrant for nearly 27 years. This experience gave her a deep understanding of how race/ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ability, and gender identity affect access and privilege. Despite experiencing discrimination early in life, she knows Illinois is the best place to raise a family and believes that thoughtful policies can support marginalized communities across our state.
Victoria holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from National Louis University.
To learn more about Victoria, watch her interview with NBC 5 Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern for Hispanic Heritage Month.
