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Amanda Rossi is a senior at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she will join Discover Financial Services as a full-time software engineer, building on her experience as a summer intern on their balance transfer team.

Amanda has been a leader and advocate for women and underrepresented communities in STEM as a Google Developer Group Organizer and Women Techmakers Ambassador. At NEIU, she served as President of both the Google Developer Student Club and the Computer Science Society, fostering collaboration, innovation, and peer mentorship. As a member of the College of Business and Technology Student Advisory Council, she helped organize professional development and community-building events. Among her proudest accomplishments is organizing an international hackathon in Canada alongside fellow NEIU students—an initiative made possible through the support of CBT and faculty mentorship. Passionate about technology and inclusion, Amanda is committed to driving innovation while inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.

Cassaundra Garcia is a first-generation Latina student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. A scholar in the Honors Program with a 3.7 GPA, she is recognized for both her academic excellence and her deep commitment to campus engagement.

Cassaundra serves as a Lead Peer Mentor for the First-Year Experience Program and holds a Marketing Internship with the NEIU Alumni Association. She is also the President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) and Student Liaison to the NEIU Foundation Board. Driven by a passion for empowerment and leadership, Cassaundra is dedicated to helping others overcome challenges and thrive. Her work reflects a commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and creating lasting impact within the university community and beyond.

Danielle Steinitz brings over 15 years of experience in sales and account management and currently serves as an Account Executive at inKind. Known for her client-focused approach and strategic problem-solving, Danielle thrives on building meaningful relationships and driving results.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Marketing at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, with plans to graduate in 2025. Returning to school has allowed Danielle to expand her understanding of emerging marketing trends and refine her business acumen. As a dedicated working mom and lifelong learner, she embodies resilience and balance, combining her industry experience with new insights to create innovative solutions. Danielle is passionate about aligning her career with purpose and making an impact through collaboration, leadership, and continuous growth.

Grace is an undergraduate student at NEIU’s College of Business and Technology, pursuing a degree in Accounting, and she plans to obtain her CPA license in the future. She is a full-time student and works part-time. One of her roles is as the Accounting tutor at the CBT, where she helps students taking Accounting 201 and 202. Grace is motivated to help fellow students grow in their abilities and understanding of the course material. This year, she participated in the VITA program, which serves the community by assisting with tax preparation. In addition to preparing returns, she helped manage the program, honing her communication, organizational, leadership, and time management skills. She is passionate about making the most of every opportunity and values building connections with others, both professionally and personally. Grace is excited for the opportunities ahead as she continues her academic journey and looks forward to bringing her experiences, skills, and values into her future career.

Jennifer McDonnell is a Dean’s List computer science student at NEIU with a strong interest in software engineering, IT, network and server management, game design, and programming. As a peer leader and tutor, she supports fellow students in learning programming fundamentals, working alongside faculty to foster academic growth.

Beyond the classroom, Jennifer serves as an event coordinator for Girls Who Code and Golden Eagle E-sports. She helped bring software engineers from the studio behind Mortal Kombat to campus, connecting students with professionals in the gaming industry. As a student senator, she advocates for student voices in university decision-making. With a passion for both technology and leadership, Jennifer is dedicated to building inclusive and innovative spaces in tech and on campus.

Jocelyn Hrubec is a results-driven student leader and emerging marketing professional with a passion for strategic problem-solving, collaboration, and process improvement. As President of NEIU’s American Marketing Association and the College of Business and Technology Student Advisory Council, she has led initiatives that strengthen student engagement and promote professional development.

While balancing full-time coursework and employment, Jocelyn has successfully organized large-scale events, spearheaded strategic projects, and cultivated meaningful partnerships. She is known for her strong organizational skills, analytical mindset, and innovative approach to challenges. Set to graduate in December 2025, Jocelyn is actively pursuing opportunities in marketing and operations, with a focus on building impactful strategies that drive growth and engagement.

Jonathan Flores is a Computer Science student at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ with hands-on experience working with legacy systems like Unisys ClearPath MCP and scripting in WFL (Workflow Language). He has served as a peer leader, helping fellow students navigate challenging computer science concepts, which has enhanced both his technical and communication skills. Jonathan is passionate about problem-solving and enjoys working with systems that require both precision and creativity. Jonathan is also an Application Developer at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and a Student Career Readiness Program Assistant at the College of Business and Technology at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.

In addition to his academic achievements, Jonathan takes pride in mentoring others and fostering a supportive learning environment. He enjoys debugging code, navigating old-school technologies, and simplifying complex concepts, making them accessible to others. Jonathan is driven by curiosity and is passionate about learning both classic and modern technologies. He values collaboration, clear thinking, and is committed to personal growth while helping others grow as well.

Jose Colon’s journey with the College of Business and Technology reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and innovation. A proud graduate and current master’s student, Jose has actively worked to enhance the student experience at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. As a senator in the Student Government Association, he has advocated for affordable tuition, expanded student support, and greater access to career-focused technology.

His leadership extends beyond the classroom through impactful service efforts, including restoring internet infrastructure in disaster-affected areas and mentoring peers in NEIU’s Living and Learning Community. Passionate about using technology as a tool for connection and opportunity, Jose is building a career in cybersecurity and network engineering with a mission to empower others and drive meaningful change.

Marcellus Lawson is an ambitious and hardworking Accounting major who believes that relationships, accountability, and understanding are core values that define his character. As a student, coach, mentor, and humble servant of life, he is deeply driven by a passion for learning, sharing knowledge, and helping others grow.

In his leadership roles as Vice President and now President of Accounting Associates, Marcellus has worked to create a supportive and empowering environment for his peers. He is committed to using his experiences to uplift his community and foster success for anyone willing to pursue it. Whether leading by example or offering a helping hand, Marcellus is dedicated to turning every opportunity into a moment of growth—for both himself and those around him.

Nimra Shahid is a graduate student pursuing her MBA with a concentration in Finance at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Her journey with NEIU began in 2022 as an international exchange student, a transformative experience that inspired her to return in 2024 to continue her academic and professional development within the College of Business and Technology.

Since rejoining NEIU, Nimra has served in several impactful roles, including Graduate Research Assistant, Student Tutor, and Vice President of the Beta Gamma Sigma NEIU Chapter. She is a recipient of both the Dr. Stonebraker Scholarship and the Mossadegh Scholarship, recognizing her leadership, academic excellence, and service to the university community. Nimra’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. She has played key roles in various student organizations, including President of the International Club, Treasurer of SPARK, and Founder and President of the Pakistani Student Association. She is also a VITA volunteer and an enthusiastic mentor for fellow students. Her dedication to academic support, leadership, and community engagement reflects her passion for empowering others and building a strong, inclusive campus culture.

Rushi Padhiar is a passionate student leader at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and the founder and president of Golden Eagle Esports, NEIU’s official competitive and inclusive gaming organization. Under his leadership, the group has thrived, competing in titles like League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, and Smash Bros Ultimate. Rushi also represents Midlane Esports, expanding his impact across the wider esports community.

Beyond gaming, he serves as Vice President of Geeks and Nerds United, a student organization he revived to create a welcoming space for fans of Dungeons & Dragons, art, and geek culture. As a Programmer for the Northeastern Programming Board, he helps organize engaging campus events that foster school spirit and connection. With a love for anime, singing, sports, and design, Rushi brings energy and creativity to every project. His goal is to enrich student life at NEIU by building vibrant, supportive communities both on and off campus.

Suha Amber is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at NEIU, expecting to graduate in 2025. With a background in computer science engineering and experience in digital marketing, product management, and video production, Suha brings technical fluency and creative vision to her work.

She has led and contributed to impactful marketing campaigns for NEIU’s College of Business and Technology, growing digital engagement significantly through strategic and creative content creation and targeted marketing initiatives. Through her leadership roles in student clubs and activities, Suha has helped foster campus-wide student engagement and co-led signature events such as the annual International Business Conference. She is now working on her thesis, which focuses on the development of research-based learning environments at NEIU through human-centered design strategies.

Susanne Pawlikowski is the Office Manager for the Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communication, Media, and Theatre from NEIU and is currently pursuing an MBA to expand her leadership and business expertise.

In addition to her administrative role, Susanne is an active campus leader. She serves as President of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and Treasurer of the Student Advisory Council, where she advocates for student success and engagement. Her commitment to communication, organizational excellence, and student support exemplifies her dedication to the NEIU community.

Yasmeen Alqaissi is a senior at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ majoring in Marketing with a minor in Management. As a proud Palestinian-Jordanian Muslim woman, she brings a unique cultural perspective to her work in branding, content creation, and community engagement.

Yasmeen is the co-founder and social media manager of ExploreChicago, a digital platform that showcases the city’s food and events, boasting over 190,000 followers on Instagram and 330,000 on TikTok. With more than four years of experience in digital marketing, she has partnered with local businesses and national brands to create authentic content that connects people through shared experiences. At NEIU’s College of Business and Technology, Yasmeen has thrived under the guidance of faculty who emphasize practical, experience-based learning. Their mentorship has helped shape her creative and strategic approach to marketing, equipping her with the tools to turn ideas into impact.