Envisioning the future

Tonija Neal came to Northeastern Illinois University with two keys to success: dreams and commitment.

Born and raised in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, Neal transferred to Northeastern from the College of DuPage. She is working on her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which she is expecting to earn in May 2026. Neal’s been able to directly apply her coursework to build her own nonprofit, Eye Visionaire Foundation, NFP.

“I chose Northeastern Illinois University because it felt like home and aligned with everything I needed at this stage of my life,” Neal said. “As a mother, a wife and someone living with a disability, the road hasn’t always been smooth. NEIU’s mission, built around students balancing ambition with real-life responsibilities, spoke directly to me.”

Though Eye Visionaire Foundation, NFP, is still early in its development, Neal’s goal is to offer an array of support to some of the most vulnerable populations, including transitional and affordable housing, and programs centered on mental health awareness, healing and personal growth.

“Eye Visionaire Foundation, NFP, is a nonprofit focused on supporting individuals who often go unseen, especially those dealing with mental health challenges, trauma and invisible disabilities,” Neal said. “Our goal is to create safe, supportive spaces while connecting people to resources that help them move forward and rebuild. As someone living with a disability, I understand what it means to face challenges that aren’t always visible and that perspective is what drives this mission. This work is personal to me.”

Neal has worked with Habitat for Humanity Chicago to fundraise and build affordable homes on the South Side of Chicago. She’s also worked with IGlow Mentoring, supporting youth and community development initiatives. In coming to Northeastern, she found faculty — like Jennifer Banas, Ed.D. — who were able to support her at a tuition rate that she could manage.

“What I appreciate and enjoy most about being a Northeastern student is the support I received from faculty, especially my advisor and professors,” Neal said. “Jennifer Banas encouraged me to dive deeper into the health perspective, which helped shape my direction. Her classes pushed me to think differently and expand my purpose. That level of support made a lasting impact on me.”

Dr. Banas, who is a Professor of Health Sciences and the Community Health Program Coordinator, said Neal’s commitment to building accessible mental health and advocacy spaces reflects the kind of community-centered leadership Northeastern’s Mission is designed to inspire and cultivate.

“Tonija Neal embodies the purposeful, community-driven student that NEIU is known for producing, someone who brings real-world experience into the classroom and channels it toward meaningful work,” Dr. Banas said. “Across her coursework in mental health education and health program design, she has demonstrated the ability to connect lived experience with evidence-based practice, applying a socioecological lens to both personal reflection and team-based community health projects.”

Program Specialist Jacqueline Butler has worked with Neal through the University’s Nontraditional Degree Programs (NDP).  

“Tonija is a wonderful, deeply committed, caring and high-achieving student and individual,” Butler said. “Her perseverance and dedication to achieving her educational and professional goals has been inspiring for all of us at NDP.”

After graduation, Neal wants to pursue a master’s degree as she builds her nonprofit.

“I want to continue beating the odds and creating opportunities that make an impact,” Neal said. “I also wanted to graduate from a respected university in the Chicago area, one close to home but flexible enough to allow me to still show up fully for my family. Northeastern’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment and a supportive environment made it the right fit. It gave me the opportunity to grow without feeling overwhelmed or burdened financially, while still pursuing my goals even when life didn’t go exactly as planned. I believe it’s only up from here.”

Top photo: A headshot photo of Tonija Neal.