Alumni Maria and Jose Macias share love, leadership and lifelong learning on Harper Talks

Maria and Jose Macias never imagined that enrolling at Harper College would shape their futures as well as their lives together. On the Harper Talks podcast – in which Harper College alumni share their education, career and life journeys – the married alumni share how Harper opened doors to opportunity, community and one another.

Maria, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, discovered programs and mentors at Harper that gave her flexibility to explore her curiosity and find her path. She is now a strategic innovator in restaurant design. Jose, who moved from Ecuador as a teenager, recalls adjusting to a new life and language before finding his footing on campus. He has since become a leader in real estate and financial literacy education.

Both credit Latinos Unidos, Harper’s social student club, with giving them community and confidence during their college years.

“Being involved in Latinos Unidos was like finding a family,” Maria said. “It gave us a place where we felt we belonged, and that made all the difference during those years.”

Listen to the full episode of Harper Talks to hear Maria and Jose reflect on their journey from Harper students to community leaders – and how finishing what you start can shape both careers and relationships.

Harper Talks, a co-production between Harper College Radio and Harper Alumni Relations, features Associate Professor of Mass Communication Brian Shelton in conversation with Harper alumni about the role that Harper played in their lives. You can listen to past episodes of Harper Talks on Harper’s website, WHCM, and on all podcast streaming services, including Spotify and Apple.