Malcolm X College advisor Marisa Lugo was recently selected as a 2022-2023 fellow in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. The program is designed to increase Hispanic/Latinx representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education and prepare fellows for leadership roles in Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Lugo, who has worked at City Colleges for the last seven years, was stunned when she heard she was nominated for the Leadership Academy by Malcolm X College Associate Dean of Student Services Brian Hall.
“He saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue the opportunity. I thought to myself, ‘Is this even possible? Will I get selected?’ It’s such a competitive national program,” Lugo said.
Nonetheless, she is grateful she went for it. Lugo sees it as an opportunity to grow her leadership skills while serving the Malcolm X College community.
“I am so honored to represent our college and the entire City Colleges community in the HACU Leadership Academy. I will be at the table, having difficult conversations on how improve our students’ and staff members’ experiences. This opportunity is a game-changer for me, and I could not have done it without the support from the entire Malcolm X College familia!” she said.
Lugo joined the City Colleges community in 2015 as a part-time admissions clerk at Wright College. She transitioned to a part-time Wright College advisor and earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from North Park University during that time. After receiving a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University through the ENLACE cohort, Lugo joined Malcolm X College as a full-time college advisor.
Her participation in the Academy is already expanding Lugo’s impact at Malcolm X College. She was recently selected to the college’s Equity Partners Committee and is working with the team to create a stronger sense of belonging and inclusion on campus.
“My responsibility is to empower and inspire others to reach their potential. I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Lugo said.
Lugo is the second City Colleges leader to join an HACU leadership cohort. Harold Washington College President Daniel López Jr., PhD, was a fellow in the Leadership Academy’s inaugural cohort of 2019.
