Oakton Staff Member Joins 2025 AAWCC Under 40 Class

Des Plaines, Ill. (Nov. 10, 2025) — Oakton College Senior Student Care Coordinator Malarie Marquez has been recognized by the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) as a member of the Under 40 Class of 2025.

Each year, AAWCC honors rising leaders making meaningful contributions to community colleges and the communities they serve. The recognition highlights young women who are transforming higher education through innovation, compassion and leadership.

“Malarie’s dedication to supporting students with holistic, compassionate care exemplifies Oakton’s commitment to building just and thriving communities,” said Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., Oakton College president. “Her work ensures that every student, especially those facing barriers, has access to the resources and support needed to succeed.”

In her role, Marquez provides individualized, solution-focused support to help students navigate crises, address their basic needs, and remain on track to achieve their educational goals. Her leadership has resulted in several impactful initiatives at Oakton, including:

• Serving as Designated House Liaison with the Illinois Community College Board, helping to secure emergency housing funds for Oakton students.
• Securing funding to provide gift cards to local stores as additional support for students facing food insecurity, and integrating Oakton’s Caring Closet into the Student Care Coordination department. 
• Institutionalizing Oakton’s Mental Health First Aid Training Program, empowering staff and faculty to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

“The work I do with students is both beautiful and humbling for me,” said Marquez. “Each conversation, each moment of support, reminds me of the strength it takes to pursue education while overcoming challenges to do it. I’m proud to represent a college that not only sees these struggles but provides us a space to support students by meeting them with compassion and care.”

Marquez, a licensed psychotherapist, brings years of experience in mental health counseling and higher education. She holds a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University’s Family Institute and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Northeastern Illinois University.

Beyond her role at Oakton, Marquez continues to serve the broader community through volunteerism with Ronald McDonald House Charities, U.S. Hunger, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Oakton cares deeply about its community, and part of that care involves looking out for one another. The Caring Closet is a place where Oakton students can obtain essentials like food and items for self-care, such as soap and toothpaste, at no cost. To learn how Oakton students can pick up the necessities or donate to the Closet, please visit Oakton’s website.