Announcements

All core program courses will be offered remotely. The weekly courses will meet virtually and synchronously. There may be required course assignments or program requirements (such as meetings, orientations, ceremonies, informal gatherings, presentations, etc.), which will need to be conducted face to face and in person. However, these will be few, and students will be notified in advance. We cannot promise that all electives, particularly those outside of the program, will be offered remotely.

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ALumni Awardees

We are very proud of our alumni who continue to take the extra and often challenging efforts to make important, positive changes in their community. The following MACTL students have received distinguished NEIU Alumni Awards:

Jessie Fuentes Community Leadership Awardee 2021

Jessie Fuentes: Community Leadership Award 2021

B.A. 2013 Justice Studies; M.A. 2018 Community and Teacher Leaders

Jessie has done work around empowering young people in the community, the release of Oscar Lopez Rivera, anti-gentrification work, education reform, and work around the independence of Puerto Rico.

Jessie began her political work as the director of a youth organization in Humboldt Park called the Batey Urbano. She is now the Director of Policy and Youth Advocacy for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. Through her social justice work, Jessie strives to create a more just world through policy and grassroots organizing. 

David Robertson: Outstanding GOLD Alumni Award 2020

B.A. 2016 Nontraditional Degree Programs; M.A. 2018 Community and Teacher Leaders

David is the Founder and Executive Director of the Hope Is Foundation, an organization that supports local communities, education organizations, by creating mobile technology mental health and SEL curriculum, research, products and programs for youth and young adults.

Robertson’s background is a qualitative courage researcher. He combines his wealth of knowledge about trauma-informed practices with contemporary methods like restorative practices and wellness writing to support organizations in creating shared experiences that foster belonging and connection. He has partnered with and consulted University of Chicago, AmfAR, Berkeley City College, First 5 Alameda, Chicago Department of Public Health, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Department on Aging, among other organizations to enhance the impact of their work with employees and other stakeholders.

Berhane Hailemichael: Community Leadership Award 2020

B.A. 2014 Justice Studies; M.A. 2017 Community and Teacher Leaders

Berhane's dream is to advocate for people's social and justice issues. He believes education and hard work can beat poverty. He wants to share his experience with his community and to participate in their daily lives and activities. Since 2016, he continues to advocate for justice and equality as well as expanding education and developmental programs in his community. 

As part of his ambition, in 2017, he became an active member in establishing the Eritrean Assistance Organization in Chicago and Environs (EAOC). He currently working as board member. In addition, to accomplish his passion, he has been voluntarily teaching his mother language of Tigrinya to Eritrean children with other church members at an Eritrean church (St. Mary Chicago) since 2018. Hailemichael believes that to maintain connection, to transfer and to save Eritrean values, culture, and identity, to live in harmony with others, the community must teach and invest in their children's future.