Student Affairs Staff Spotlight
To allow Division staff to learn a bit more about colleagues outside their department, the Student Affairs Staff Development Committee has worked with Student Affairs Marketing to again plug in the Spotlight. The Staff Spotlight will appear monthly in the Snapshot and contain fun information about a Student Affairs staff member based on a short questionnaire they complete. It will illuminate facets of their personality we might not otherwise get to know and can provide information to enhance our own NU experiences.
We would love YOU to participate by answering at least three questions on this form.
Ashley Hicks
Director of Employer Recruitment and Engagement - Northwestern Career Advancement
What is your favorite part of your job?
Gaining insights into some of the top brands and businesses in the world. It's fascinating. I love meeting with employers and learning about their personal stories as well as happenings at their companies. I also really enjoyed chaperoning a group of students to NYC for the Finance and Investment Banking Career Trek. Learning about the different industries, career paths, and lifestyles (related to careers) never gets old to me.
What is your favorite spot on campus or in your neighborhood?
Kellogg. It's a beautiful building :)
What do you do for fun?
I have the most fun when I'm spending time with family. I'm always up for a family activity. I have small children, so museums, a beach day, the park, indoor playgrounds, are always fun. I also enjoy reading and practicing yoga.
What's the best vacation you ever took?
My honeymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Our resort was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the people were welcoming, and the food was fantastic. 10/10!
On a typical day before work, how do you start your routine?
Ha! Getting my kids ready. I typically don't allocate a lot of time in the mornings for much else. But I'm a big breakfast person, so I have to eat breakfast every morning. Even if it's just a cup of yogurt or a piece of fruit, I must eat something. I rarely skip this meal. However, I usually eat when I arrive at work.
Who’s your biggest supporter/cheerleader, or who do you go to for advice?
My hubby :)
Do you have any personal or professional goals you would like to share?
I'm fairly new to NU, so one of my personal goals this year has been to attend an event on-campus at least once per month, that is not hosted by my office. This has been a very intentional way for me to meet people and learn more about the university.
Alexandra Ortega
Program Assistant - Multicultural Student Affairs
What do you do for fun?
I am a cat mom, artist, and activist outside of my role. My interests/hobbies pertain to running, body modifications, as well as consuming media (i.e., films, video games, social media). You can catch me on my computer or reading a book.
What is your favorite spot on campus or in your neighborhood?
My favorite spot on campus is the Multicultural Center and the Woman's Center!
What's the best vacation you ever took?
The best vacation I have ever taken was spending a month in Mexico (Salvatierra) with my grandparents! Feel free to ask me for a picture of my grandma's garden.
Do you have any personal or professional goals you would like to share?
In regards to my personal and professional goals, I would love to continue my studies in higher education in Psychology. I am passionate about offering a therapeutic, affirming (LGBTQ+, immigrant, pro-human rights) space, especially to adolescents.
Jessica Ali
Operations manager - Norris University Center
What is your favorite spot on campus or in your neighborhood?
At the Center Desk in Norris! There's always so much going on and I enjoy having a chance to check in with the students to see how things are going in their lives.
What do you do for fun?
In my free time, I enjoy watching Oscar-nominated movies, snowboarding in Tahoe, and trying fries from every restaurant I go to.
What's the best vacation you ever took?
The best vacation I've ever been on was this past summer when I visited Banff National Park in Canada! I submitted a mountain and was able to see the entire valley. The lakes there are an unreal shade of blue, it's easily the most beautiful place I've ever been to!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with our student employees! I love helping them solve problems big and small in Norris, encouraging them to practice self-care, and planning training opportunities and socials for them.