Harper Talks Podcast

Harper Talks Alumni Podcast A co-production of Harper Alumni Program and WHCM Radio.

Listen in as Harper alumni share their stories , experiences , and life journeys. Through Harper Talks conversations led by Associate Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton , Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.

Harper Talks is a co-production of WHCM 88.3 Harper Student Radio and Harper Alumni Relations. WHCM students assist with editing and production of each episode. Original podcast theme music composed by former Harper College student Aidan Cashman.

Harper Talks episodes can be found on all podcast streaming services including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or other platforms and downloaded below. Learn more about WHCM and support radio students.

Harper Talks Episode 39 - Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez

Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, Harper College alumna and current coordinator for student diversity initiatives at Harper College, shares her journey as a first-generation college student, the challenges of being undocumented, and how she became involved in campus life. She discusses her role in supporting diverse student populations, particularly through the Glide Peer Mentorship program, which aims to address equity gaps and enhance student retention. Esmeralda emphasizes the importance of involvement and connection in the college experience. Listen to Episode 39

Harper Talks Episode 38 - Dana Romero

Alumna Dana Romero saw Harper College as a new beginning. Dana joins Harper Talks and discusses how getting involved as a student, an impactful study abroad trip, and continued education made a significant difference for her in her goal of becoming a mental health therapist. Dana shares insight into her work in the field of clinical mental health counseling and the surprise of being selected as the 2024 Harper College Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recipient. Listen to Episode 38

Harper Talks Episode 37 – Dr. Hector Martinez

Alumnus Dr. Hector Martinez joins Harper Talks to discuss the love for science, education close to home, his dual duties as both business owner and principal Chiropractor at Tri-Modern Health and becoming the team Chiropractor for the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team. Listen to Episode 37

Harper Talks Episode 36 – Luigi De Matteo

Alumnus Luigi De Matteo discusses emigrating from Italy, learning a new language and culture, and his a determination to succeed by taking advantage of all educational opportunities available. He joins Harper Talks to discuss Harper’ s role in his education, his start at Jewel Osco and longevity with the company, and why mentoring international students is so important to him. Luigi is the District Manager for Jewel Osco, overseeing stores in the northwest suburbs. Listen to Episode 36

Harper Talks Episode 35 – Dr. Ruth Morales

Dr. Ruth Morales’ road to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy started with a single anatomy class at Harper College. From teen mom to Harper Honors Program to graduating with honors from Northwestern University’s esteemed physical therapy program, Dr. Morales shares her inspiring journey on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 35

Harper Talks Episode 34 – Carrie Fullerton

Harper Talks welcomes alumna Carrie Fullerton, Executive Director of the Arlington Heights Park District. Carrie discusses her extensive career in parks and rec, leading one of the largest park districts in the state of Illinois, and what she’s doing to help mentor the next generation of female leaders in the field. Listen to Episode 34

Harper Talks Episode 33 – Jenn Mepham

Jenn Mepham, the 2023 Outstanding Recent Alumna, joins Harper Talks and shares insight into her career as the System Simulation Education Specialist for Advocate Health system. Jenn talks about training nurses for all types of medical scenarios through simulation and what it was like pivoting to an unexpected role during the COVID-19 Pandemic. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Biology from ISU in 2011, her Associate Degree in Nursing from Harper College in 2014, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. Listen to Episode 33

Harper Talks Episode 32 – Kari-Ann Ryan

2023 Harper College Distinguished Alumna Kari-Ann Ryan joins Harper Talks and discusses the journey to receiving her degrees, her role as Director of Marketing and Development at Mid-West Moving and Storage, building relationships in the community, and her proactive volunteerism that’s transforming lives. Listen to Episode 32

Harper Talks Episode 31 – Nicole Buchanan

Alumna Nicole Buchanan joins Harper Talks and discusses working her way up during her career which began at 15 years old at a McDonald’s restaurant to ultimately becoming Vice President, Operations with Bear Family Restaurants, which owns and operates 35 McDonald’s restaurants in the suburbs. Nicole talks about the Harper/Bear Restaurant partnership, shares about her time at Harper, and at the University of South Carolina. Listen to Episode 31

Harper Talks Episode 30 – Andy-John Kalkounos

Andy-John Kalkounos is a restaurateur, actor, real estate professional, and currently serving as the Palatine Township Supervisor. Andy-John, a 2010 Distinguished Alumnus of Harper College, joins the podcast and discusses his varied roles, his Greek heritage, his experiences at Harper College as a piano and theater student, and the importance of being present in our lives. Listen to Episode 30

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