Name: Irene Armas
Title: Program Assistant III
Department: Human Resources/Commencement/Division Resources
Where are you from? Chicago, IL–Pilsen Neighborhood
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 7 years
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
Working for the SA Human Resources department, I am able to utilize my Spanish-speaking skills to assist in communicating information regarding the university to the Spanish speaking staff. I have always been happy to help in interpreting; my parents are Spanish-speaking individuals (English is their second language) therefore I know first-hand how difficult it can be for Spanish-speaking individuals to receive and understand information if it is only provided to them in English.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
I recommend participating or being a member of one of the committees or clubs the Student Affairs division offers, such as the Book Club or Northwestern Believe. They provide the opportunity to learn and converse with a diverse number of SA staff on different subject matters.
What inspires you?
My mother inspires me; she bravely migrated to the US from Mexico about 50 years ago and experienced some struggles living in a different country, such as the language barrier, a new unknown city (Chicago) and no immediate family support close-by. She is an independent woman who worked very hard for our family and always showered us with unconditional love. She taught me to have respect and be compassionate to all people, and that no obstacle is too big to conquer.
What can’t you live without?
I cannot live without my faith in God and my family.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I am a soccer/football/baseball mom, so during my free time, I enjoy being my boys’ biggest cheerleader at their games.
Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.