Oakton Voices Archive

Marga Martinez

Published on May 14, 2025

Marga’s decision to move to the U.S. was deeply personal—rooted in the desire for healing and openness around mental health. Read More

Raisa Gwyneth Javan

Published on May 2, 2025

Inspired by the compassionate nurses who supported her family through their most difficult moments, Raisa shifted course and enrolled in Oakton’s nursing program. Read More

Giorgia Balestri

Published on April 30, 2025

"When you have a family, or you feel older, and you’re busy and new to the community, it’s hard. But don’t listen to that voice. You can do it. Keep going—you will be proud of yourself.” Read More

Cindi-Marie Willoughby

Published on January 6, 2025

Cindi-Marie Willoughby, Psy.D. is an Oakton College Distinguished Alumni honoree. Her work is continuously guided by resilience as a clinical psychologist and college professor. Read More

Dario Castañeda

Published on January 6, 2025

“I feel that immigration law is the best field of law as far as you’re giving back and also receiving so much. When a client becomes a citizen, it’s the ultimate achievement. " Read More

Amayrani Vargas

Published on January 2, 2025

Amayrani Vargas was looking for a way to level up in her career when she discovered Oakton’s Commercial Driver’s License program. With help from the Workforce Equity Initiative, Amayrani received financial assistance—and a whole lot of encouragement. Read More

Jennifer Rector

Published on December 17, 2024

"After 23 years as a vet tech, I didn’t know if I’d find another calling, but I find this career very, very fulfilling." Learn more about Jennifer's medical laboratory technology journey. Read More

Saviya Quraishi

Published on December 16, 2024

“I haven’t always been a big fan of school, but that changed at Oakton. I just love coming here—it’s so peaceful to me, it just relaxes me. It’s because I 100 percent feel like I belong here. This is my place." Read More

Maciej Padowski, M.D.

Published on December 4, 2024

Maciej Padowski, M.D., Oakton College Distinguished Alumni honoree, is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Ascension Saint Joseph - Elgin Hospital. Read how he pivoted careers. Read More

Helen Hurry

Published on November 26, 2024

Helen Hurry, Oakton College Distinguished Alumni Honoree ‘24, has made a transformational difference in the lives and the communities of those she works with. Be inspired by her persistence and story. Read More

AnnLouise Applewhite

Published on November 4, 2024

I’ve learned that every challenge brings growth, and I’m ready for what’s next. I want to keep making a difference in my son’s life and in the lives of others. Read More

Franklin Ocaña II

Published on October 15, 2024

Franklin Ocaña II returned to Oakton in 2022 to study Fine Arts. In his art, Franklin explores themes such as his Puerto Rican identity, the concept of home and mental health. Read More

Francesca Frost

Published on October 7, 2024

“When you develop a chronic illness after being able-bodied, everything changes. It’s like telling the Flash he has to crawl—you can’t go at the speed you’re used to. My advice to anyone going through a tough time is this: You are stronger than you think." Read More

EJ Smith

Published on September 17, 2024

EJ Smith is a machinist at a local manufacturing company who is rising in the ranks with training in computer numerical control (CNC) operation at Oakton. Read More

Yann Kouotou

Published on September 17, 2024

Yann arrived at Oakton looking for a fresh start and the opportunity to learn how to grow his small business. Read More

Victor Leca

Published on January 16, 2024

After immigrating to the United States from Brazil in March 2020, Victor Leca set his sights on a college degree. Read More

Steven Gan

Published on January 16, 2024

Oakton alum Steven Gan knows firsthand the experience of caring for a loved one. He embarked on an educational journey at Oakton, where he found a community of professors and advisors who encouraged him to explore a new career in the medical field. Read More

Sanele Stewart

Published on January 10, 2024

When Sanele Stewart graduated from high school, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do next. Read More

Lydia Delgado

Published on December 8, 2023

Lydia Delgado found her path at Oakton as she completed pre-requisite courses needed before her Doctoral in Occupational Therapy degree at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More

Elizabeth Perez

Published on December 7, 2023

Elizabeth Perez is a driven and passionate student whose journey to a fulfilling career in nursing began while she was still in high school. Read More

Marco Moreno

Published on December 5, 2023

As the first in his family to go to college, Marco Moreno has paved a path for himself and for those who follow in his footsteps. Read More

Lydia Cruz

Published on December 4, 2023

Growing up in Guam, Lydia Cruz felt at home with the island’s distinctive culture and diverse population. Then she moved to the Chicago area at age 12 and entered what felt like a different world. Read More

Engineering Grads

Published on November 30, 2023

Oakton grads Michael Ciupinski, Alan Connor, Chris Iliopoulos and Antonio Mercado are finding out what it's like to join one of the country's best engineering school in their junior year through Oakton’s University of Illinois Engineering Pathways program. Read More

Jerrod Tucker

Published on November 29, 2023

Meet Jerrod W. Tucker—Distinguished Alumni Honoree ’23, Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Hall of Fame inductee and head coach of the Jacksonville 95ers. Beyond his achievements, Jerrod’s story is about the power of connections, inspiring a ripple effect of giving. Read More

Filza Ali

Published on October 11, 2023

Oakton alum Filza Ali loves learning and understanding systems. She applies her pre-med biology degree from Loyola University to a career in biotechnology with the company Tempus, where she is an operations analyst. Read More

Julian Thompson

Published on October 2, 2023

Distinguished Alumni honoree ’23, Julian Thompson, Ph.D., holds space for the complex and nuanced identities of the people he works with. Read about his work as an Assistant Professor of Criminology at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More