PNW Alumni

Michaela Weaver, B.S. '22

PNW alumna Michaela Weaver is embarking on a new adventure as an Evidence Technician II at the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Center!

She was the first PNW student in STEM to present her research internationally at the International Society for Forensic Genetics in Prague, Czech Republic in 2019. Despite facing challenges during her childhood and beyond, Michaela wants to inspire others, especially women in STEM, by showing that obstacles can be overcome.

Her courage and determination remind us that anything is possible.

Maya Tobin, B.S. '20, M.S. '22

Maya Tobin is a true PNW success story! Despite the challenges of graduating during the pandemic, Maya persisted.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at PNW, she continued her education with a master’s from the College of Technology. Her journey led her to JK FEC MGMT, where she started as an HR/Training Assistant. Through hard work and dedication, Maya quickly rose to become an HR/Training Specialist, now overseeing marketing and social media for multiple locations. She’s a true superstar, handling new hire orientation, training, and much more.

Maya’s ambition doesn’t stop there – she dreams of pursuing a doctorate in technology.

Murilo Cunha, B.S. '18

Murilo Cunha, a proud PNW alum, is reminiscing about his college days!

From bonding with his soccer teammates to enduring the chilly winters and diving into lab exercises, PNW left a lasting impression. Now living in Leuven, Belgium, he’s a Tech Lead AI at Dataroots.

Reflecting on his college experience, Murilo highlights the importance of interpersonal skills and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, which have been crucial for his career journey.

Jasmin Zamora, B.A. '14

Jasmin Zamora, a 2014 communications graduate, is making waves in diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the founder and president of Sembra, Jasmin is leading a newly established organization to make a positive impact.

She also sits on the national board of directors for Mujeres Latinas en Accion and on the Emerging Leaders Board for Casa Central.

Steve Mulder, B.S. '03

PNW’s HTM Alum Steve Mulder BS’03 developed an interest in the hospitality industry at the young age of 10!

His interest in hotels and restaurants turned into a passion when he was hired for his first restaurant job at 15. 28 years later, his passion is just as strong as it was then.

Steve’s impressive career led him to places like Las Vegas to New York and is currently the Vice President of Revenue Strategy for Apple REIT, a company with more than 220 hotels nationwide.

Spencer Summers, B.S. '22

A region native, Spencer Summers, began his professional career at just 14 when he worked at a sports complex in Valparaiso, Indiana, and became Basketball Director.

After qualifying for 30 dual-credit high school courses, Spencer was able to get this bachelor’s in 3 years at PNW! As the Economic Development Director for the Northwest Indiana Forum, Spencer is thrilled to tell the story of NWI and attract businesses to move to the area.

Spencer will be completing his MBA program at PNW in December of 2023.

Nicole Guevara, B.A. '10

“I strive to be a valuable contributor to the metals industry, a male dominant industry by breaking barriers and utilizing my life/work experiences along with my B.A. in Business from PNW.”

Nicole Guevara (B.A. ’10) joined the non-profit sector working with at-risk families and their newborns for years before transitioning to the steel industry. She is 3rd generation in this field and the first female in her family to work in this industry.

Nicole is paving the way for Latina women in the industry!

Hannah Scheffer-Wentz, B.A. '19 & M.A. '20

“I attribute my journey to my foundational career and education through the professional relationships built at PNW.”

Hannah Scheffer-Wentz has a hunger for education and exploring! She received both her B.A. (’19) and M.A. (’20) in communication at PNW. Since then, her mentors and professors have encouraged her to continue pursuing her professional and personal goals.

She is currently enrolled at the University of North Dakota where she is a communication student pursuing her Ph.D.

Hannah has had the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers for radon exposure and COVID research, as well as present her own research in gender media studies internationally. She has also discovered her love of traveling and explored Europe this year.

Jokima Hiller, '96

Noted as one of the 25 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality 2021, one of the 100 Most Powerful People in USA Hospitality in 2022, and one of the 30 Most Influential Educators in Global Hospitality 2022 by the International Hospitality Institute, Jokima Hiller, Ph.D. (PNW ‘96) is a leader in the hospitality industry.

As part of the book writing, educating, and training duo BET on Hospitality, she is a speaker, author, workshop facilitator, consultant, mentor, and change agent.

As she expands her brand offerings, her recently published work has included a heart-warming story coloring book about her prosthesis Sabrina (Jokima is an above-knee amputee), entitled Sabrina and Her New Shoe.

Need some hospitality mentoring? Listen to her podcast, Your Hospitality Moment that Mentors on Anchor and Spotify!