2024 Staff Council Candidates

Voting is open as of Monday, April 22, 9am and will close Friday, May 10 at 5pm. Please check your LUC staff email for the ballot.

*Faculty or ineligible staff are not permitted to vote*

Lake Shore Campus

Preferred Name	Statement of Purpose
Kalina Chkoumbova	As the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Loyola University Chicago's Conference Services Department, my nearly year-long tenure has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the department's operations and goals. Through my role, I've developed innovative strategies to promote our services, align with diverse teams, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. This experience has not only honed my leadership and communication skills but also provided me with a unique perspective on the needs and challenges facing our staff. My marketing insights coupled with my fresh perspective, make me an ideal candidate for Loyola University's Staff Council, where I can contribute effectively to decision-making processes and advocate for the interests of our diverse staff community.
Kimberly Davenport	As a recent graduate, I am extremely eager to further my contributions to Loyola's community as a staff member. Because the professional staff is the engine of Loyola operations, our needs should be at the forefront of campus decisions and actions. I bring energy, a can-do attitude, and intentionality to any team I join. I am honored to be nominated and believe in my ability to add an impactful zeal should I be elected to the University Staff Council.
Lily Hasler	Being newer to Loyola, I can provide a fresh perspective on how best to enhance the experience for staff, faculty and students to create a more cohesive environment where all can thrive. I have a background in education in both a K-12 and collegiate setting which allows me to analyze issues from all angles and provide creative solutions to unconventional obstacles. I would love to become more involved at Loyola to help my peers work with the best resources that are available.
Faith Kares	I have lived in Chicago for 18 years, but am a new staff member at LUC. While new to LUC employment, I am not new to the Rogers Park campus as I spent my time in graduate school running through campus and reading in the library, so the LSC holds a special place in my heart. I bring a new perspective and fresh set of eyes to the challenges and opportunities the university faces. I bring compassion, empathy, and a kind curiosity to every situation I encounter, love working with and advocating for communities, and believe we do our best work collaboratively. I'm excited to learn from others and leverage my research expertise to reflect key insights that may be used to improve staff experiences, amplify concerns, and celebrate our contributions and joys to the rest of the LUC community.
Caitl Light	As a relative newcomer to the Loyola staff, I have been seeking more opportunities to get to know staff from around Loyola and learn more about how we can be in community together. I'm told I have a talent for offering novel perspectives and solutions in collaborative work contexts. I hope that I will be able to bring some fresh thinking to USC, while also learning more about how I can be a member of the larger Loyola community.
Brian Sabath	I am interested in serving in a larger capacity to meet and collaborate with other colleagues across the University community. Our shared mission and Jesuit values encourage us to respond to calls of action, and I feel called to serve our staff in various capacities through USC. Recognizing and supporting staff across the university is at the forefront of my candidacy and will be at the forefront if I get to serve on the USC.

 

Water Tower Campus

Preferred Name	Statement of Purpose
Nayantara Abraham	Over the last 16 years, I have had the opportunity to experience Loyola through a student lens, an instructor lens, and a staff lens. More than a decade of insight into the staff experience has made me acutely aware of how greatly it varies from that of faculty, in terms of what is expected of us and how often we feel heard. I was inspired last fall by the staff council's landmark achievement of launching the inaugural staff retreat and I am eager to help create more opportunities for all staff to feel a sense of belonging at Loyola.
Angie Azouri	It has been a pleasure working and studying at Loyola University Chicago for nearly three years. During my time here, I have been committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment for all at Arrupe College, and I believe that serving on USC would allow me to extend such opportunities to all staff across the greater Loyola community. With a background in problem-solving and cross-cultural communication, I hope to use my skills and passion to address staff concerns and ideas and create a welcoming environment for all.
Julie Garcia	As a dedicated member of our university community for the past 8 years and a champion for equity in education, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every staff member feels valued and supported in their professional endeavors. Through active participation in the Staff Council, I plan to engage in initiatives that promote inclusivity and foster professional development and healthy, transparent, and inspiring work environments.
Doug Geiger	I have worked in student and academic support roles in higher education for the past 25 years. I was very pleased to join Loyola as Assistant Dean, Graduate Operations at Quinlan School of Business in January, 2024.As a first generation college student, I believe strongly in affording equitable opportunities for students to participate in and succeed in achieving their higher education goals. Both myself (Ph.D., Higher Education 2010) and my spouse (MS, Computer Science 2010) are also proud alumni of Loyola. I also serve as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education (Higher Education program). I wish to serve as a voice for my faculty and staff colleagues in all issues related to our work lives. Service as a member of University Staff Council would afford me this opportunity.
Wendolyn Gomez	Wendolyn Gomez (she/her/ella) is the Executive Assistant to the Dean at Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago at the Water Tower Campus. LUC is her alma mater; she holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability. Wendolyn aspires to empower fellow staff and raise the spirit of collegiality at Loyola. Wendolyn is interested in USC to give back to her community. She will contribute skills in organizing, scheduling, and delivering the services that staff deserve.
Emma Koop Liechty	I am interested in joining USC because I believe a strong sense of community in a workplace is one of the most important aspects of a job. I would strive to make Loyola a place that is equitable, open, and friendly for everyone. I am an extroverted person and enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life. Learning how to be a better global citizen and working towards justice, kindness, and peace are significant values to me. These values align with my Mennonite heritage and the LUC Jesuit mission, and I would strive to bring them into my role on the staff council, should you elect me.
Eleni Prillaman	I enjoy finding creative ways to implement ideas that have a positive impact on the University. I have found that the most effective way to make this happen is through forming relationships and collaborating with staff, faculty, and administration across the campus. One of the things I love most about my job is being an advocate for my students and helping them achieve their goals. I am excited for the opportunity to also serve as an advocate for my fellow staff members.
Uriel Robles	With a strong background in academic advising, diversity programming, and online instruction, I bring a multifaceted approach to student support and community building. As an Academic Advisor within LUC's School of Continuing & Professional Studies, I've provided personalized advising by being knowledgeable of the various resources and services available to students. Engaging with partners across the university has allowed me to learn extensively about these opportunities while networking with colleagues at the same time. Additionally, my previous experiences at Marquette University have given me valuable insights into diversity and inclusion initiatives, community development, and collaboration which lend themselves well to a role with USC. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to USC to advocate for staff interests and promote an inclusive university environment across our campuses.
Sara Schmidt	Over the past year at Quinlan, I have found myself lucky enough to support a variety of initiatives working across all of our departments. I feel we can only grow as individuals if we learn and listen to those around us, embrace their ideas, and see how we can best approach their concerns. If elected to staff council I am eager to continue this spirit of collaboration with persons across the university, learning from my counterparts, and exploring new opportunities with them too.
Isabel Tamas	With a Master's in Higher Education and a commitment to uplifting individuals historically marginalized in academia, I bring a deep passion for promoting equity to the University Staff Council candidacy. My academic background informs my dedication to promoting inclusive excellence in our institution. As a candidate, I am driven to advocate for staff, especially those with identities that have been historically marginalized in higher education, and fostering a campus culture that celebrates and supports all members of our university community.
Dori L. White	I believe I would be a good choice for staff council due to my 1:1 relationships I currently build with students each day. I have a background in counseling psychology, career and non profit, thus I have experience working with all types of people. I also often view things from a multi lense perspective often offering alternative viewpoints on issues, that others haven't considered. If chosen I can promise and unwavering dedication to do what's right for the students we serve and the organization itself.

Health Sciences Campus

Preferred Name	Statement of Purpose
Alyssa Castaneda	Interested in communicating and learning more about the needs of LUC staff. Open to help organize events for LUC.
Iman Poostdoozan	As someone with over 15 years of experience in higher education, I am deeply committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within our university community. Serving on the University Staff Council would allow me to leverage my expertise in analyzing the big picture, effectively communicating ideas, and advocating for staff concerns. I believe that my background equips me to contribute meaningfully to the Council's initiatives, ensuring that the voices and needs of all staff members are heard and addressed. I am dedicated to collaborating with colleagues to enact positive change and enhance the overall experience for staff across our institution.
Susan Zelisko	In my 26 years of working at Loyola, I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with some wonderful people. I feel that honest and open communications are important in keeping Loyola one of the best places to work. If I am elected, I will keep communication open, listen to my coworkers ideas and bring them to the forefront.