Toni Montgomery

What is your title?

Sr. Project Administrator

Month and Year You Started Working at Northwestern.

May 2006

Tell us a bit about your Northwestern journey.

My position at Northwestern began as a Business System Analyst in the Student Loan Office. However, I was allowed to expand that position to one where I wore many hats. I provided IT Support within the office. I was the Facilitator and Trainer of Customer Service Collaborations across many student-facing offices. My strength in managing multiple projects led me to use my tuition benefits here at Northwestern and gain a certificate in Project Management. My role in Student Finance has expanded, allowing me to manage critical projects and assist in creating processes to increase better student experiences.

What do you find the most rewarding and fulfilling about your work?

Collaborating across campuses and producing valuable outcomes while enhancing relationships within Northwestern.

Your favorite spot to visit on campus.

In Evanston, Shakespeare Garden; In Chicago, Walking along the Lake Front to Navy Pier

What’s something you couldn’t function without?

My Faith

What’s on your bucket list?

Attending more National Parks

Interesting fact about you.

I played at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. I sat in the woodwind section, where I played my clarinet with some schoolmates. Our most famous piece was ‘Flight of The Bumblebee’.

Any organizations in which you participate at Northwestern or elsewhere.

My leadership skills have allowed me to reach outside the current business office and join ANUW. I joined the mentoring committee, and I assisted in launching the ANUW Mentoring Program. I later joined the mentoring program as a mentor. As a mentor, I get to assist in the professional development of a mentee.

I have been a member of NUSAC, where our cohort was instrumental in many improvements, such as winter recess and the staff survey. I held the leadership in the Career Development series with Human Resources.

As one of the NU Black Professional Network (BPN) co-chairs, I connect with 300+ black staffers across the Evanston, Chicago, and Qatar campuses. The NU BPN affinity group builds community collaboration and creates events that lead inspired action with black staff and senior leaders. As the Director of Dialogue, I develop and oversee open dialogue sessions for members with our executive coaches.