CRISTINA VALDEZ PINEDA (’15) graduated from Illinois with a double major in Political Science and Communication. She now works at Ernst & Young (EY) as a Senior Economic Consultant in their Transfer Pricing practice. Valdez Pineda helps ensure that large corporations which engage in cross-border transactions are following international laws and regulations, and that their transactions are...
AMBER MCREYNOLDS (‘01) always had an interest in politics and government. With both of her grandmothers having served as election judges and her father’s career as both a lawyer and a judge, it’s no wonder McReynolds graduated with a double major in Political Science and Speech Communications. It wasn’t until she worked for a nonprofit nonpartisan youth voter education organization during the...
JESUS MAGANA (‘13) was not always sure of his career path. However, while attending Illinois as a Political Science student, Magaña was the Civic Engagement Intern with the University YMCA on Wright Street. This allowed him to help develop and coordinate a mentorship program that paired high school sophomores with current college students. Through this internship, Magaña developed an interest...
JENINE SALEH (‘15) majored in both Political Science and Global Studies, receiving highest distinction honors during graduation. Saleh originally decided to study Political Science and Global Studies because she wanted to work with survivors of persecution, as both of her parents faced displacement from their home countries. While at Illinois, Saleh was active in the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor...
Quite a few graduates from the Political Science department at the University of Illinois might someday end up on the east coast, but far fewer will have had a journey similar to RESHMA SAUJANI (BA ’97). Saujani majored in both political science and communications and went on to receive her MPP from Harvard and her law degree from Yale. Saujani’s passion for public service led her to run for the...
MICHAEL ALLENSWORTH (BA ‘14) attended the University of Illinois originally majoring in MCB on the Pre-Med track but soon realized it was not for him. Allensworth always had a passion for politics, and after taking a few introduction classes in Political Science, it solidified his decision to change his major to Political Science. While at Illinois, Allensworth built an impressive resume,...
While studying Political Science at Illinois, AMANDA BRADY ZIFFRA (BA ’08) was President of the Women's Lacrosse Team and spent time studying abroad in both Greece and Curaçao. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Amanda went straight to law school to pursue a joint-degree JD/MBA program with Chicago-Kent College of Law and Stuart School of Business. Upon graduation, Amanda began work at a...
For Professor ALAN WISEMAN (BA ’96), his professional career stems from a hot day in Champaign, Illinois in August 1993. Dr. Wiseman was planning to complete an internship program in Washington, DC, graduate early with a degree in history and political science, and go to law school. To make this happen, he needed to enroll in an upper-level political science class and find a faculty advisor. He...
Growing up in Taiwan, where politics permeates every day life, MURPHY PERNG (BA ’11) developed an interest in the subject. Her family openly shared their views on international affairs with her, and their passion for politics rubbed off on her. She decided to pursue a Political Science degree with a double major in Communication. After graduation, Perng worked in the corporate field, gaining...
MARK GLASSGOW (‘16) is a Co-Founder and Producer at Chicago Media Angels, a business dedicated to connecting investors with talented, independent filmmakers. They also assist in the production of the films and ultimately strive to provide a space for the filmmakers to express their authentic creative vision. Chicago Media Angels has produced 16 feature films and a slate of web series; many of the...