Maliha Amir
Mechanical/Electrical Design Engineer
Haumiller Engineering
Maliha received her major in Mechanical Engineering along with minor in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago in May 2024. She has received many recognitions in Engineering Pathways Program at Harper as well as NASA where she did a project regarding the payload system. At Harper, she was a president of Women in Science and Engineering club and in addition she also designed her own 3-D printer. At her time at UIC, she was heavily involved with WISE and engineering clubs along with her cultural club such as PSA and MSA. Since 2020, she has been a Design Engineer for both Mechanical and Electrical Department where she is working with Medical Device industry to help make assembly for robotics. Maliha is very dedicated to her engineering career and is willing to help anyone that needs her assistance in engineering world.
Elda Holbrook
Intensive Care Nurse/Neuro Critical Care Unit
Advocate Aurora Health
Elda Holbrook is a Registered Nurse currently serving in the Neuro Intensive Care
Unit at Lutheran General Hospital, where she provides high-acuity care to patients
facing complex neurological challenges. Her path to nursing was driven by a deep commitment
to service; from being a Toy Designer back in her country of origin, to a medical
interpreter in the U.S., she felt called to expand her clinical impact during the
height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique background in communication allows her
to advocate for her patients with both technical expertise and empathy.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Elda is dedicated to
lifelong learning and clinical excellence. Upon completion of her degree, she plans
to earn her specialty certifications in Critical Cere (CCRN) and Stroke (SCRN). Balancing
the demands of a Neuro ICU schedule and her studies with motherhood, she prioritizes
health and resilience through regular workouts. She remains passionate about the fast-paced,
life-saving environment of critical care.
Jorge L. Martinez
Chief of Staff
Illinois House of Representatives
Office of State Representative Nicolle Grasse
Jorge L. Martinez is the Chief of Staff for Illinois State Representative Nicolle
Grasse, who represents Harper College in her District. As the Chief of Staff, he oversees
the District Office in Arlington Heights, collaborates regularly with Illinois House
Legislative Staff in Springfield, meets with policy stakeholders, and communicates
with liaisons from various State of Illinois agencies, serving the constituents of
the 53rd District. Prior to being the Chief of Staff, Jorge worked with the Illinois
Senate Democratic Caucus as a Field Organizer for various State Senators on their
political campaigns. Jorge also helped start a Rapid Response Network in his Hometown
of Des Plaines, Illinois to respond to reported Federal Immigration Enforcement Activity.
Jorge holds a Bachelors of Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago
and an Associate of Arts from Harper College. He hopes to use his lived experience
as a First-Generation Mexican-American to drive change in the State of Illinois, with
the hopes to make our State more equitable, inclusive, and ensuring we meet the needs
of our working families.
Leah Pope, Med
PhD Student in Research Methodology
Loyola University Chicago
Leah Pope is a PhD student in research methodology at Loyola University Chicago and currently serves as a research assistant in her program. She earned her master's degree in higher education and graduate certificate in institutional research from Penn State University in 2024 and is pursuing a career in institutional research for colleges and universities. Her professional experience has included supportive roles in higher education student affairs, empirical research in the field of higher education, and applied data analysis. From taking psychology courses at Harper College to studying research methodology in the present, her academic journey has always been driven by the desire to effect positive social change. Her vision is to use research to help colleges become more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the communities they serve.