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Angelina “Ang” Lambert arrived at ��ɫ�ֿ� with a clear sense of purpose and a determination shaped by years of navigating life on their own terms. After starting college earlier in life, they were forced to step away when circumstances made continuing impossible. Rather than viewing that interruption as failure, Ang treated it as a pause. “Did I go to school before then? Yes. Did it work out at that time? No,” they said. “You just have to really take a chance on yourself when no one else will.” What followed was an academic and leadership journey defined by intention, persistence and a refusal to settle. Today, Ang, a first-generation college graduate, has earned both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Resource Management while holding some of the University’s most visible student leadership roles.

Returning as a nontraditional, first-generation student, Ang came back with intention. “I wanted to really immerse myself in the full experience of being a student,” they explained. Studying in downtown Chicago became central to Ang’s experience. Immersed in the city’s energy, they found inspiration in what they describe as “the grit, the tenacity, the work ethic.” That mentality, they said, “has really been such a pivotal role within my success.”

Ang chose Human Resource Management after experiencing discrimination in professional settings and wanting to become a different kind of advocate within the workplace. “I wanted to redefine what it would look like to be a human resource professional,” they said, someone who could help build equitable systems from the inside.

That commitment to equity shaped their campus involvement. Over nearly four years, Ang served as President of affinity organization , represented students through the , managed budgets for the , served on the Student Conduct Hearing Board and balanced work-study responsibilities alongside a demanding academic schedule. That level of leadership did not come easily; it was built through years of persistence, self-advocacy and an unwavering commitment to creating equitable spaces for others.

Faculty and staff mentorship played a defining role in that growth. Director of Career Services Nancy Inkertsiah worked closely with Ang to refine their résumé and clarify their professional direction. She noted that Ang approached career exploration “with deep reflection and intentionality,” growing more confident in “naming their strengths, communicating their purpose and envisioning the impact they want to make as a future human resources professional.”

Director of Academic Advising Linda Davis described Ang as “proactive in seeking guidance, reflective in their decision-making and deeply invested in creating inclusive and equitable spaces for others,” adding that watching them grow into a confident leader “has been truly inspiring.”

Assistant Vice President for Social Justice & Advocacy and Title IX Compliance Dr. Natasha Robinson also served as a mentor. “She took a chance on me when it seemed as if no one else could,” Ang said. Dr. Robinson called Ang “an invaluable member of the team,” praising their dedication and imagination.

Looking back, Ang sees their success as deeply connected to that support system. “The number one thing that I am most proud of accomplishing at ��ɫ�ֿ� is earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” they said.

Next, Ang plans to attend law school and pursue a legal career that may one day include serving as a judge. They will also publish their debut poetry book, , this year. Above all, Ang hopes to make it easier for others to be seen. “I want to create more avenues for everyone to get their stories out there,” they said, ensuring no one has to navigate their journey alone.