Harper College

From uncertainty to finding her voice: Alumna Maham Khan shares her story on Harper Talks

The Harper Talks logo is featured with a photo of instructor Maham KhanMaham Khan, who grew up in Palatine, reflects on her journey from an uncertain Harper College student to a journalist and Harper professor. On the Harper Talks podcast – in which Harper alumni share their education, career and life journeys – Khan talks about finding her voice, embracing leadership opportunities at Harper and building a career in communications.

“I had to step up as a leader,” Khan said about being the president of the Muslim Student Association when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. “And what surprised me about myself is that I took it on, and I embraced it.”

Listen to the full episode of Harper Talks and hear Khan discuss how Harper helped her find direction and shape her career.

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.

Last Updated: 3/18/26