Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.

Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!

(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?

(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.

(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?

(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)

Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.

Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!

(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?

(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.

(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?

(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)

Interview by Brianna Smitko. Brianna graduated from Columbia College, Chicago in 2009 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. She currently works in communications as a Digital Project Manager in Chicago.

Although Lafakeria and I have volunteered together on the communications committee of the Pullman Foundation Associates Board for almost a year, during the interview I learned a lot about her and that we shared a similar journey to our current roles as members of the communications committee. We were scholars during the same years and volunteered on the Pullman Scholar Alumni Selection Committee and joined the Associates Board at the same time. She has very valuable advice for current and future scholars, and it was a pleasure getting to know her a bit better. I hope you enjoy getting to “know” her too!

(Brianna): What years did you receive the Pullman Foundation Scholarship?

(Lafakeria): I was a Pullman Scholar from 2005-2009 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I double majored in political science and communications.

(B): How did the Pullman Foundation Scholarship affect your college experience?

(L): I was truly excited and blessed when I received news that I was selected as a Pullman Scholar in 2005. Becoming a scholar not only helped me financially with my goal of continuing my education and obtaining a college degree, but it also allowed me to become a part of a huge network of great people. (more…)