Advancement Ambassadors

Who Are We?

We are students, that first care about Illinois Tech and our peers. As Ambassadors to this great school, we bridge the gap between the institution and its alumni and friends. Our outreach focuses on raising alumni participation and increasing Illinois Tech pride. We do our best to educate all supporters of our school, including current students, on the importance that participation has played in making this school rise to the top as the premier tech-focused institution in Chicago.

Get to Know Our Ambassadors

Learn a little more about some of the incredible students serving as Advancement Ambassadors.

Advancement Ambassador - Saad Ali

Graduate Student

Marketing Analytics

“I spoke to an alumnus last year that got so excited hearing that I was calling from Illinois Tech. When they heard that this call was to help students get scholarships through the donations provided by alumni, the caller remembered his time at Illinois Tech and understood the struggles of a student. He pledged to donate $1,000 for the cause. Our ability and interest to provide to the school financially is really motivating for me."

Advancement Ambassador - Shrisha Shetty

Graduate Student

Architecture

“The talk I had with an alum who graduated in 1999 about how things were then and how different they are today is undoubtedly my most memorable experience. My communication skills and confidence have definitely improved since becoming an ambassador. I find it much simpler to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Advancement Ambassador - Lawrence Odey

Graduate Student

Management Science

“Early on, while I was still getting a hang of the job, I spoke to a lovely alum who must have noticed I was nervous and basically took over the conversation. She increased her regular donation amount just to help me out and then spent the rest of the call asking about my background and my education, and just showed genuine interest in my experiences. There's something about a complete stranger being so kind that you never really forget.”

Advancement Ambassador - Mahshad Nourmohammadi

Graduate Student

Marketing Analytics

“I have always been interested in philanthropy activities. Since I entered Illinois Tech, I always like to do something beneficial to support the Illinois Tech community. In addition, this job also boosts my confidence because I am not a native speaker. My job is to communicate with different people who have different characteristics. I think this job helps me to develop my exact skills in this area!”

Advancement Ambassador - Nayana Keshavamurthy

Graduate Student

Computer Science

“My career goals after Illinois Tech are not only to accomplish all the technical skills to excel in any position, but also to have a good interpersonal relationship with coworkers. Having the ability to lead a project or make judgments based on facts and circumstances can help you go to the next level and become a leader. While classroom instruction will make me an expert in my field, this ambassador role will help me get a head start on understanding the limitations of how to handle disagreement and prioritize. I believe that the impact of this role is as important as the role I  play as a student in my courses.”

Advancement Ambassador - Sumit Sakarkar

Graduate Student

Computer Science

“By becoming a Phonathon caller, I wanted to contribute my part by generating funds for the coming generation students to get the same—or even better—services and facilities that were provided to me. Communication is the key to every problem in the 21st century. With this job, I am building on top of my communication skills.”

Advancement Ambassador - Jenita Devadoss Samraj

Graduate Student

Computer Science

“I always admired and looked up to Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and, most importantly, Philip Armour—because of whom I am able to do my graduate studies at Illinois Tech even 150 years later. As an Advancement Ambassador, it’s a great opportunity for me to be a part of a humanitarian mission; it opens new doors to get connected with more people and to get more cross-cultural experience.”

Advancement Ambassador - Marrium Nayak

Graduate Student

Information Technology & Management

“The main reason behind being a phonation caller is to help my school raise funds in order to fuel many different pathways to help the current and upcoming generation of students. This job helps me connect with so many people. It makes me believe in the word “hope”. Listening to the stories of our alumni pushes me to work harder so that I become who I want to be!”

Advancement Ambassador - Sriya Pravalika

Graduate Student

Environmental Management and Sustainability

“I would like to become a business analyst where I could talk to different people, which helps to know about different cultures and build new connections. This job is helping me to build connections and improve my communication which is the primary step toward my goals. It is also helping me learn how to build networks.”

Advancement Ambassador - Tukesha Hill

Undergraduate Student

Architecture

“My favorite part about being an ambassador is that I am able to connect with alumni and have meaningful conversations. I receive advice about what to do in university, in an internship, and when I finally make it into the workforce. A stand out memory from last year was an alum wanting to share their phone number with me so that they can see how I am doing every now and then.”

Advancement Ambassador - Ixchel Rodriguez

Undergraduate Student

Biology/Psychological Sciences

“I feel that this job will be able to help me in the future by improving my communication skills as well as learning how to connect better with others. This is a vital part of expertise when it comes to the medical field in order to not add onto the barriers and disparities already present.”

Advancement Ambassador - Somanshu Gupta

Graduate Student

Computer Science

“This job will help me with my ability to make connections and develop relationships as a result of my work, which will also assist me in understanding people's feelings in various contexts. When I graduate, I want to become an expert in artificial intelligence so that I can utilize it to solve problems for humanity, especially people who are dealing with depression.”

Advancement Ambassador - Mayuri Gorhe

Graduate Student

Computer Science

“This job gave me confidence in talking to people and improved my convincing skills. It is very important for an entrepreneur, which is what I aspire to be, to have outstanding communication skills and leadership qualities along with the knowledge. This job helped me boost my confidence and gave me leadership opportunities.”

Advancement Ambassador - Moises Mata

Undergraduate Student

Biomedical Engineering

“This job will help me make connections. I think the people I talk to have a lot of valuable information and experiences that can help me grow as a person and steer me in the right direction.”

Advancement Ambassador - Sakher Yaish

Undergraduate Student

Computer Science

“I chose to become a Phonathon caller to help keep the alumni of Illinois Tech in touch with the university. To add to that, I also enjoy talking with my community members and university alumni and hearing about their journeys here at Illinois Tech.”

Advancement Ambassador - Briar Moore

Undergraduate Student

Civil Engineering

"I love hearing people's stories, using strategy to make decisions, and working with and leading teams. Being an Advancement Ambassador will help me in the future because it improves communication skills and teaches you how to be personable."

Advancement Ambassador - Neil Shah

Graduate Student

Computer Science

"In a few years, I hope to launch my own company where I can actively advance current Computer Science technology to the next level. As part of phonathon, I speak with successful alumni, which allows me to connect with them and learn what they've done to create a better future for themselves."

Ways to Give 

There are many ways to give to Illinois Tech and fulfill your pledge.

What Is Our Goal?

The goal of the Advancement Ambassador program is to develop professional and leadership qualities among its members and empower them to change Illinois Tech. The Advancement Ambassdor program is a great pre-professional opportunity with a highly selective hiring process. The program brings together students from across all campus disciplines with a singular focus on supporting every campus need.

 

Students—are you looking for a job where you can make a difference for Illinois Tech? Contact Kylie Link, Assistant Director of Constituent Engagement, at klink1@iit.edu for more information about how you can become an Advancement Ambassador.