The Power of ‘Why’: How One JJC Alum Turned Struggles into Success

The Power of ‘Why’: How One JJC Alum Turned Struggles into Success

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes back a familiar face to the Roots and Branches initiative: Dr. Brian Thompson. A proud JJC alumnus from a family of educators, Dr. Thompson shares his inspiring journey from a wandering student in the 1990s to becoming a Clinical Professor of Economics and Director of Undergraduate Programs at DePaul University, as well as the founder of Black & Essington Solutions. Brian describes how learning the fundamental "why" behind his coursework at JJC propelled him to overcome past academic hurdles, eventually earning his doctorate alongside his wife and launching a highly successful, multi-location martial arts enterprise. Dr. Thompson discusses his "hands-on" approach to higher education, the continuous global impact of his 2017 TEDx talk, and his deep reconnection with JJC’s Entrepreneurial and Business Center (EBC), where he leads cutting-edge programming in strategy and AI-driven decision-making. He also highlights an exciting new applied learning initiative connecting graduate students with local community staple Rooted in Minooka to uncover fresh market opportunities. Brian concludes by encouraging the next generation of "Future Wolves" to find their unique capabilities, seek strong mentorship, and step confidently into the opportunities meant for them. Resources & Links * To find out more about the entrepreneurial programs and community courses, visit the JJC Entrepreneurial and Business Center [https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started] * To watch Dr. Brian Thompson's professional insights on capability and mindset, view his TEDx Talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oetCA5QRDHg]

From Blueprint to Greenprint: A JJC Alum’s Lasting Impact

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Maria Anna Rafac, Professor of Architectural Studies and Program Coordinator, who shares her journey from a childhood passion for "boy toys" like Legos and Erector sets to becoming a leader in a male-dominated field. Maria describes how her mother’s insistence on taking high school drafting classes led her to the University of Illinois, where she earned a Master’s in Architecture with a focus on structures as one of the few women in the program. After working for local firms, she returned to JJC in 1997 as an adjunct, eventually becoming a full-time faculty member and launching the Architecture program in 2008. Maria discusses the challenges of growing the program, her "hands-on" teaching philosophy, and the success of the JJC Summer Camps, which help junior high and high school students discover their path early. She also outlines her leadership in campus sustainability, highlighting the "Circular Economy" and the success of the Repair Cafe, which has fixed hundreds of items through community volunteerism. Maria announces the Future Architects Scholarship, a $15,000 initiative she started to help final-semester students cross the finish line, and encourages donors to help endow the fund at jjc.edu/givetojjc. She concludes by inviting the community to the next Repair Cafe on October 17 and encourages all "Future Wolves" to follow their hearts and join the JJC community whenever they are ready. To find out more about the Romeoville Repair Cafe visit: Romeoville Repair Café | Joliet Junior College [https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability/romeoville-repair-cafe]  To sign up for one of our fantastic summer camps or programs, visit: Continuing Education | Joliet Junior College [https://jjc.edu/community/continuing-education]   To support the Future Architects Scholarship or make a gift to the JJC Foundation, visit: jjc.edu/givetojjc [http://jjc.edu/givetojjc]

It Started With a Hello: Belonging, Leadership, and Building Community at JJC

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Rosa Salazar, Manager of Admissions, Recruitment and Operations, who shares how touring JJC and a staff member’s simple “hello” helped her feel welcomed as a first-generation student and inspired deep involvement in clubs, student government, and serving as student trustee. Rosa describes using student surveys, leadership work, and a Kellogg Foundation grant effort that helped launch what became Multicultural Student Affairs. After transferring to the University of St. Francis, she continued working at JJC and has served in multiple roles for 26 years. She discusses recruitment challenges, especially perceptions of community college, and emphasizes cost savings, transfer partnerships, and career programs. Rosa outlines JJC’s high school outreach, application and Next Step Days, and encourages students to apply for scholarships at https://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college/scholarships [https://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college/scholarships]   She previews Discover JJC on April 11, 9–noon, featuring campus tours, program showcases, bilingual presentations, and on-the-spot help.

The Perfect Ingredients: A JJC Alum’s Recipe for Career Success

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis sits down with Javier Reyes, culinary arts purchasing specialist and adjunct instructor, to share his inspiring journey from Mexico to Joliet in pursuit of a culinary education that grew into a thriving career at JJC. Javier talks about becoming the student commencement speaker, stepping into a purchasing role that expanded into full‑time work supporting seven chefs across 11 kitchens, and earning recognition as the 2025 Adjunct of the Year. He also recounts his experiences on Butterball’s Turkey Talk‑Line, including appearances on Good Morning America and in a New York Times video filmed at JJC. The episode highlights campus events like Wandering Feast and Empty Bowls, and Javier closes with simple but powerful advice for students: stay open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.

Embracing Discomfort: A JJC Alum’s Story of Growth and Self-Discovery

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis speaks with Noah Kraulidis, Employer Relations Manager at National Louis University in Chicago. A proud JJC alum, Noah shares his journey from JJC to Illinois State University, emphasizing the critical role community college played in setting the foundation for his career. Noah, along with his wife, also a JJC alum, navigated their educational paths together, offering an inspiring story of support, growth, and self-discovery. Noah highlights the importance of taking risks and choosing discomfort to achieve personal and professional growth. Currently working in career services, Noah discusses how his varied experiences have culminated in a role he finds deeply rewarding. This episode is a testament to the enduring impact of a JJC education and the value of mentors and community connections in shaping successful careers.