Chicago Chapter Mentoring Committee members Marina Oberemok, Meghan McAuliffe and Marilyn Susman with Fulbright Association Associate Director for Chapters Christine Oswald, after being presented with the 2024 Fulbright Program of the Year Award.
MENTORSHIP PLAYS A CENTRAL role in the Fulbright mission, and this year the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association was presented with the Program of the Year Award at the National Conference of the Fulbright Association in Washington, DC that took place Oct. 25-27, 2024.
Meghan McAuliffe, Marina Oberemok and Marilyn Susman accepted the award for the Chicago Chapter Mentoring Committee, that has invested over three years in developing a mentoring program that serves as a model for Fulbright chapters nationwide.
The program aims to provide comprehensive support by fostering authentic relationships among Fulbright alumni, visiting scholars, and students. It facilitates their integration into academic life and the cultural and social landscape of Chicago as well as American culture. This is done by matching the incoming Fulbrighters with a Fulbright Alum.
During the conference, Board Member Meghan McAuliffe outlined how other chapters could replicate Chicago’s success, introducing a guidebook to streamline program development. Marina Oberemok highlighted how technological advancements have bolstered the program’s effectiveness, especially in matching mentors with mentees and enhancing communication.
Visionary leadership
Marilyn Susman, the longest-serving board member of the Chicago Chapter, initiated this mentoring idea in 2021 and with the support of a local committee, successfully launched it the following year. “I envision this program implemented across the country so the visiting students and scholars have support to ease their way into the university, the community, and the culture,” Susman said during her acceptance speech.
Marilyn Susman delivering her acceptance speech at the 42nd National Fulbright Association Conference.
During the first cohort of the Mentoring Program in 2022 there were 28 mentors and 42 mentees. In 2023 there were 26 mentors and 36 mentees. In 2024, there are 45 mentors and 48 mentees.
John Bader, the executive director of the National Fulbright Association, emphasized the critical role of volunteer work in the program’s success. “This program is the result of the extraordinary efforts of all of you,” Bader said. He announced that the association plans to develop new methods to enhance the program further. Additionally, Chicago board member Linda Spoleti is forging partnerships with Directors of International Affairs at local universities to support the mentoring program’s mission.
Susman said that other chapters are implementing similar initiatives. “Fulbright Germany started a Mentoring Program after hearing about ours two years ago at the Conference. They have a matching method that they plan to share with us—a collaborative effort,” Susman added.
A team venture
“It was a pleasure to accept the award and to have so many people express interest in implementing a similar program in their chapters.” Susman said. She acknowledged the collaborative effort * required to achieve such success. “We have done an extraordinary job, each of us in our own way. Some of you worked on the matching process over the years, others on the Handbook we refine each year. We have held events that were successful thanks to everyone’s participation, and some of you have presented webinars, implementing innovative ideas.”
Back in March 2021 a subcommittee formed by Ana Gil-García, Mary Mares-Awe and Hannah Callas started working on the first edition of the mentoring handbook. “It is a tool to guide Fulbright visiting scholars to navigate Chicago and its surrounding areas. It presents information provided by the mentors, with tips on transportation, housing, libraries, museums, entertainment venues, obtaining a driver license, healthcare providers, as well as cultural information,” Gil-García said. According to Susman, this is a useful resource to help Fulbrighters transition into their experience in the U.S.
Susman, a Fulbright Scholar with extensive international experience and a deep commitment to the community, is a professor emerita at Loyola University Chicago and continues her practice as a therapist. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this program over the years, and to our current mentors and mentees, who are committed to making this the best year yet,” she concluded.
*Current members of the Mentoring Commitee: Marilyn Susman, Linda Higgins Spoleti, Meghan McAuliffe, Lexie Asrow, Michael Schlesinger, Alan Teller, Mete Ozgurses, Sylvia Atsalis, Marina Oberemok, Carlos Rivas
Former members: Ana Gil García, Suzanne McBride, Rachel Birkley, Tatiana Orlova, Mary Mares-Awe, Gabrielle Kallgren
THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO MENTORING Program is in its third year! Join us to discuss the ins and outs of mentoring, how to make the most of this experience between the Fulbright mentor and Fulbright mentee, and how to build lasting relationships across cultures.
WHAT Mentoring Program Orientation
WHEN Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024
TIME 6:00 PM
WHERE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 325 N. Wells Street, Chicago
The program will include opportunities to understand the mentoring process and working in mentor-mentee pairs to clarify the goals that each of you has for the experience. The evening will close with a pizza party with pizzas and salad from Lou Malnati’s.
THE CHICAGO CHAPTER of the Fulbright Association invites you, your family, colleagues, and friends to our 2024 Fall Welcome celebration. Join us for an engaging afternoon where you can connect with fellow Fulbrighters, members of our chapter board, newly arrived Fulbright students and visiting scholars, and Friends of Fulbright.
Our event kicks off with a captivating 45-minute Architectural Tour on the Chicago River. Board one of Wendella’s renowned tour boats and immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of Chicago’s famed architectural landmarks.
After the tour, we will continue the celebration with an informal gathering at Lizzie McNeill’s, located along the beautiful north Riverwalk. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just looking for a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, this is the perfect opportunity to make new connections and enjoy the hospitality of our Fulbright community.
DATE Sunday October 6, 2024 TIME Meet up at Wendella ticketing: NO LATER than 1:50 p.m. Wendella Boat Ride: Departs promptly at 2:15 p.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m. Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub: 3:10p.m.
BOAT TOUR LOCATION 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 (near the Wrigley Building at the river level). From there you can check in with a dock employee who can direct you to your boarding area. For further directions click here.
*Note –one soft drink ticket will be provided per attendee; additional refreshments may be purchased individually.
RECEPTION LOCATIONLizzie McNeill’s, 400 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
We will be arriving at Lizzie McNeill’s immediately after the boat tour ends. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Wendella’s docks.
If you’re unable to join the boat tour, don’t worry! You can still participate in the fun by meeting us directly at the pub. Separate tickets for the reception are available.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE IN-PERSON Fulbright, U.S. Department of State & Chicago Council on Global Affairs Extravaganza! The U.S. Department of State and Fulbright Association invite you to an invigorating program highlighting some of the exciting work done both domestically and internationally. You will hear short presentations from a member of the Senior Foreign Service, Department of State Special Agents, and Fulbright alumni, followed by a high-energy networking reception.
WHEN Thursday, January 25, 2024 TIME 6-9 pm WHERE Chicago Council on Global Affairs 130 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601 RSVP *FREE – Register in the link below to attend* https://forms.gle/cgnC2EwJS2mkq4fQ9
PROGRAM AGENDA 6:00pm Event opens/Check-in 6:00-6:15 Networking reception 6:15-6:25 Welcome remarks Tatyana Noble, Chicago Council on Global Affairs Matthew Kelley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DS-Chicago Mark Woods-Hawkins, Special Agent in Charge, DS-Chicago 6:25-6:40 Chicago Council on Global Affairs Topics and Speakers TBC 6:40-7:10 State Department panel discussion Jeannette Juricic, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Office of Foreign Missions Bryan Weiler, Supervisory Special Agent, DS-Chicago Donshay Peoples, Special Agent, DS-Chicago 7:10-7:25 Q&A 7:25-7:40 Nontraditional Partnerships in an Age of Insecurity Dr. Donovan Chau, University of West Florida Professor, and I/R Analyst 7:40-7:55 Community and Academic Involvement in Policing Kirsten Mahoney – UChicago Crime Lab 7:55-8:35 The Five-Minute Fulbright Kate Vergara PhD MPH, Fulbright Alum and Board Member (opening remarks) Five Fulbright Alums will each present a rapid (5min) overview of the highlights of their Fulbright year abroad. Each Fulbright experience was done in a different country and each one focused on a different field of study which will emphasize and celebrate the diversity of the program. 8:35-8:40 Fulbright closing remarks Kate Vergara PhD MPH, Fulbright Alumna and Board Member 8:45-9:00 Closing networking reception
SPEAKER BIOS
MARK WOODS-HAWKINS – Special Agent in Charge
Mark Woods-Hawkins began his career with the Diplomatic Security Service (DS) at the Washington Field Office in 2002. Mark recently transferred to the Chicago Field Office (CFO) to serve as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge. Before CFO, Mark served as the Deputy Regional Security Officer (DRSO) for the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. As DRSO, Mark managed RSO Seoul’s daily operations and was the RSO’s primary liaison to the U.S. Forces Korea’s Non-combatant Evacuation Operations unit (NEO), Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR). Before DRSO Seoul, Mark was the Deputy Olympic Security Coordinator (DOSC) for the 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As DOSC, Mark collaborated with South Korea’s national organizing committee, the U.S. and International Olympic Committees, and a myriad of U.S. private sector sponsors to design and implement a comprehensive security plan for both games. Mark’s efforts resulted in an unprecedented level of venue access and accreditation for over 100 DS agent Field Liaison Officers (FLO), enhancing the safety of over 400 U.S. athletes, coaches, and staff. Mark’s other DS assignments include a Shift Leader tour on the Secretary of State’s Protective Detail, an Assistant Regional Security Officer tour in Jerusalem and an additional posting at CFO as an Acting Unit Supervisor and Team Leader. Mark has an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University.
MATTHEW KELLEY – Assistant Special Agent in Charge
Matthew began his Department of State career serving at the Boston Field Office in 2003. His career includes assignments on the Secretary of State’s Protective Security Detail, three tours of duty in Iraq, as the Regional Security Officer in Croatia, a senior agent at the Phoenix Resident Office, a year at the Naval War College-assigned to an MIT research team, as the Overseas Criminal Investigations Chief in Bangladesh, assistant regional security officer in Peshawar, Pakistan, liaison to FBI Chicago, and is currently the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Department’s Midwest operations. Matthew was part of the first wave of agents to serve in Iraq in 2004, earning him bravery and meritorious honor awards, and he also established first-ever counter human trafficking programs in Bangladesh and Pakistan, earning him additional awards for service. Matthew hails from Kansas. He has two Master’s degrees (Strategic Affairs Studies and National Security Policy), worked for the U.S. Marshals Service, was a grant recipient for ballistic missile proliferation research, has an 11-year old son, and is dedicated to fitness and community involvement.
JEANNETTE JURICIC – Regional Director, Office of Foreign Missions/Chicago is an FS-01 Management Officer currently serving as the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) Regional Director in Chicago. Ms. Juricic joined the Foreign Service in January 2000. Ms. Juricic has also served as OFM Regional Director in New York; International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Director in Bridgetown, Barbados; Management Officer in Erbil, Iraq; Supervisory General Services Officer in Vienna, Austria; Program Analyst in the Director General’s Office of Policy Coordination; Assessor in the Board of Examiners; General Services/Human Resources Officer in Santiago, Chile; Management Officer in Chengdu, China; Management /Consular Officer in Merida, Mexico; and as General Services Officer in Beijing, China. She speaks and reads Mandarin, Spanish, and German.
Ms. Juricic has a BA in Political Science, Asian Studies, and Gender Studies from Central College and a MA in International Policy Studies with a certificate in Women and Development from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Ms. Juricic grew up in Wilmington, IL but now calls Barre, WI home. She has no spouse or children but does have three cats.
BRYAN WEILER – Supervisory Special Agent Weiler began working for DSS in 2009. He was assigned to the Boston Field Office from 2010 to 2011 and was the ARSO-I at three different overseas posts (2011 – Lima, Peru; 2012-2014 – Belmopan, Belize; 2016-2019 – Panama City, Panama). He also served as an ARSO in Tegucigalpa, Honduras from 2014 to 2016. Bryan has 27 years of service in federal law enforcement, previously serving as an Immigration Officer in Chicago, IL for 13 years from 1996 to 2009. He speaks, reads, and writes Spanish and Portuguese, and has a doctorate (PhD) in Spanish language and literature from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Bryan came to the Chicago Field Office in December 2019 and is currently assigned to the PL Unit.
DONSHAY ANTONIO PEOPLES – Special Agent began his career with the Department of State in 2021. Initially, he served as a Program Analyst for the Bureau of Budget in Planning in the System Resources and Operation division. In 2022, he accepted a position with the Diplomatic Security Service as a Special Agent and was assigned to the Chicago Field Office. Prior to working for the Department of State, Donshay served four years in the United States Airforce as a Security Forces member and eight years doing security contracting throughout various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donshay holds a BA from Xavier University, an AA from Cincinnati State, an English as a Second Language teaching certification from University of Cambridge and is one class from having a Masters in Intelligence Operations. Donshay speaks German.
KRISTEN MAHONEY – Director of Policing Leadership Academy – University of Chicago. Kristen Mahoney serves as the Director of the Policing Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago. In this role, Kristen is responsible for the day-to-day management, operations, and strategic leadership of the Policing Leadership Academy. Kristen served as the Principal Deputy Director at the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice, and created the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab which is a trusted resource for law enforcement and the communities they serve. Kristen also served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. In that role, she led the planning, promotion, legislative, and investment strategies for the State of Maryland with government entities, private organizations, and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims. She came to the state government after serving as the Chief of Technical Services for the Baltimore Police Department and the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice for the City of Baltimore.
Kristen received her B.A. from Sweet Briar College and her J.D. from the University of Baltimore. She is a member of the Maryland Bar and has practiced law with the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland, specializing in the representation of abused and neglected children.
Dr. DONOVAN CHAU is a faculty fellow in the Kugelman Honors Program at the University of West Florida. He teaches and supervises undergraduate and graduate students in the Government and Information Technology departments. He also works in law enforcement as a liason supporting cross-functional information sharing and serves in the US military as a member of an Intelligence Community element. Previously, Dr. Chau was an associate professor of political science at California State University, San Bernardino. And before academia, he worked as a professional staff member in the US House of Representatives and a US government contractor in homeland security and counterterrorism. He received his PhD from the University of Reading (UK).
Dr. KATE VERGARA –Global Health Consultant, PhD, MPH
Kate Vergara has focused her career on addressing public health disease burdens in vulnerable populations internationally and domestically for over 20 years. She was awarded and executed major contracts concentrated on polio eradication programs through World Vision US and USAID, partnering with the CORE Group Polio Project, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, CARE International, Catholic Relief Services, AMREF, Save the Children, American Refugee Committee, Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, CDC, and the National Ministries of Health of Angola, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Working across the private and public sector, Dr. Vergara supported global immunization programs providing healthcare for a population over 1.6 billion people across multiple high-risk countries. Currently, Dr. Vergara serves as Vice President Health Impact at NJOY LLC furthering the mission of ‘Making Smoking History’. She directs an extensive suite of human subjects research studies through development, execution, and submission to the US Food & Drug Administration. Dr. Vergara credits discovering her passion for public health to the opportunity granted by the US State Department Fulbright Program. She was awarded a Fulbright to Peru in 2003-04 to study tuberculosis and intestinal parasites deep in the Amazon jungle. Two decades later, her fondness for the Fulbright mission and community continues. Dr. Vergara currently serves as a Board Member for the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter. Originally from Chicago, Dr. Vergara holds a Bachelor of Science from New York University, a Master of Public Health, as well as a PhD in Public Health from University of Illinois-Chicago. She also is an Adjunct Faculty and Course Lead for Epidemiology at Baylor University’s Master of Public Health program. To keep up with her teenage sons, she is also an Ironman 70.3 athlete, avid marathon runner, and volunteers with US Medical Reserve Corps.
ON BEHALF OF THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO MENTORING PROGRAM we are thrilled to announce the Fulbright Chicago Chapter’s first kick-off event of the year! Mark your calendars for an evening of captivating storytelling and cultural exploration.
📅 WHEN January 16, 2024
⏰ TIME 6:00 PM Central Time
Join us as Fulbright Alumni Alan Teller and Jerri Zbiral take us on their incredible journey of “Following the Box” from Chicago to India.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTA mysterious shoebox discovered at an estate sale, filled with photographs and negatives from India in 1945, sparked a quest for Chicago couple Alan and Jerri. Their journey led them halfway across the world as they sought to unravel the history behind these fascinating images. In India, they collaborated with local artists, inspiring a unique body of work that reflects a cross-cultural dialogue between past and present. This project, initiated with a Fulbright award, showcases the enduring power of art to bridge cultures and time.
JOIN US ONLINE To be part of this extraordinary event, please join us via Zoom at the link below:
We warmly invite everyone to join us in experiencing Alan’s and Jerri’s journey. This event promises to be not only an exploration of art and history but also a celebration of our shared human experiences across different cultures.
Looking forward to seeing you there! Mete Ozgurses and Marilyn Susman on behalf of the Fulbright Chicago Chapter
IN CELEBRATION OF 2023 International Education Week, the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association invite you, your friends, family, and colleagues to a presentation of Chicago architectural history. The talk will focus on Chicago’s major historical events, and how those events lead to pioneering innovations in architecture and structural engineering that have influenced the building of modern cities around the world.
The presentation will be led by Dr. John Zukowsky, an art historian with numerous honors and professional positions including that of Curator of Architecture at the Art Institute of Chicago. The lecture will take place at the Hull House Museum which is part of the Art and Architecture College at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC.)
Whether you’re a Chicago native, or visiting from halfway around the world, this will be an excellent opportunity to learn about some of the most fascinating facts about the architecture of our wonderful city and its impact on industrial development, commerce, world-wide architectural innovations, and lives of those who make Chicago their home.
WHAT Presentation on Chicago’s architecture, Q & A, and networking WHEN Wednesday, November 15, 2023 4:00pm-5:30pm WHERE Hull House Museum Dining Hall 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60607 COST This educational event is presented to attendees at no cost. Refreshments will be served. RSVP Click on the linkRSVP
Dr. Edel Jose, Marketa Klicova, Nicole Robinson and Vera Komarova.
By Mary Mares-Awe—THE CHICAGO CHAPTER RECENTLY held a Women’s Empowerment Forum at the University Club of Chicago. The forum focused on women in leadership roles, and examined some of the influences, motivations, and inspirations that helped them achieve top positions in their fields.
The event, which took place on Oct. 5, was organized in partnership with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago. Vice Consul Veronica Boksova opened the meeting followed by an introduction by Fulbright Chicago President, Dr. Edel Jose, who moderated the forum.
Attendees at the Women’s Empowerment Forum.
Some 40 participants including the Consul General of the Czech Republic, Jakub Uteseny and Sergejus Tichomirovas, Commercial Attache of the Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania, visiting Fulbright scholars, Fulbright alumni and students attended.
The panel featured Vera Komarova, CEO of Dermacol, a flagship makeup company in the Czech Republic. She traveled to Chicago to participate in the forum. Also part of the panel were Marketa Klicova, a PhD student, and a researcher in nano technology with an internship at Harvard University, and Nicole Robinson, CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
The forum coincided with the National Women-Owned Business Day, and also the National Do Something Nice Day. Those two concepts were woven into the topic and discussion of the day. The three panelists shared highlights of their background in the business, science, and community service fields. They related how the influence of mentors, their own experiences, and education lead to their current leadership roles.
Dr. Edel Jose, Marketa Klicova, Nicole Robinson,Vera Komarova and Vice Consul Veronika Boksova.
Nicole Robinson, who after spending many years at the corporate level, said she felt a strong need to take her experience and knowledge and apply it working with the community. She spoke with great enthusiasm about the many programs at the YWCA designed to empower women. She emphasized the importance of education for girls as she described the science and math focused programs. She relayed her own story of growing up on Chicago’s south side, as a young girl and how her grandmother instilled in her a love of books and learning. “ My grandmother who moved to Chicago from Arkansas worked hard, and she knew the importance of education. She always brought home books for me,” Nicole recalled.
Marketa Klicova, who is currently working on developing new approaches to postoperative intestinal healing using nano technology, credits her parents who were very supportive and influential in her becoming a scientist. She says there is a great future in the application of nano science technology in the medical field. She’s been working as a researcher at Harvard University in the field of nano technology and its application in medicine. She said it’s important for young girls to develop their interests early and focus on STEM studies for their future careers.
Vera Komarova, CEO of Dermacol, a Czech makeup company with a history dating to the early 1960’s when it became an integral part of the Czech movie industry providing make up to film starts of the silver screen and television. She mentioned how growing up, “I was a tomboy, not much interested in make up or dressing up” but all that changed when she grew up. She partly credits men for their advice that led to her becoming a business leader. “My first boyfriend wanted me to study languages, so that I could be a stay-at-home mom to our future six kids and work from home as a translator,” she said with a smile. That relationship did not last, but her interest in language and business studies did. She speaks five languages. While still a student, she obtained an internship at the Ferrero Rocher chocolate company in Italy. The owner of the company noticed her office skills and recommended she move up to the marketing department, where she learned valuable business skills.
As the CEO of Dermacon, Vera has been named for eight consecutive years, one of the most influential women in the Czech Republic by Forbes Magazine. Just as Nicole and Marketa, Vera highly values education. In addition to her CEO role, she founded the Leonardo da Vinci Academy in Prague. “Leonardo da Vinci said, ‘if you live a long life, you have to make yourself useful, ’ ” she said with a bright smile, explaining her reason for starting the international school.
Consul Gen. Jakub Uteseny, Chicago Chapter President Dr. Edel Jose,Vice Consul Veronika Boksova and Fulbright Chicago Board Member Mary Mares-Awe.
On a more serious note—as for the importance of promoting women in leadership, the panelists agreed that women sometimes are not as supportive of each other as thy ought to be. All acquiesced that women should make more of a consorted effort to help other women get ahead though mentoring, friendship, or just being “nice” in order to help other women get ahead in their careers. Petty jealousy doesn’t help anyone, it just creates problems,” one of the panelists added.
The forum was followed by a reception where the lively discussion continued in small groups.
The inaugural event of the 2023-24 Fulbright Chicago Chapter took place at the Cliff Dwellers Club in downtown Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan.
By Ellie Kallgren—THE FULBRIGHT CHICAGO CHAPTER kicked off the academic year with our inaugural Fall Celebration on Sept. 29 at the Cliff Dwellers Club in downtown Chicago. It was our biggest turnout ever, with 159 people attending.
Renowned pianist Elizabeth Doyle with Chicago board member Linda Spoletti.
Elizabeth Doyle graced the event with delightful piano throughout the evening as everyone mingled. It was the perfect way to meet Fulbrighters, both alums and new fellows, along with 22 consular corps members from a multitude of countries ranging from Japan to Argentina. It was a true testament to the power of the ” people-to-people” program that is Fulbright.
Attendees mingled on the patio overlooking Lake Michigan and Millennium Park.
Kim, a Fulbrighter from Myanmar, spoke eloquently about how the political crisis in Myanmar inspired her to pursue education in order to bring stability to her country and how Fulbright has given her the resources to pursue an education degree as well as the inspiration to strive for change in the world. The stories and backgrounds that made up the room gave life to an event that lasted well past closing time.
Fulbrighters enjoy an evening surrounded by camaraderie, networking and new friendships.Fulbright Chicago chapter Treasurer Adam Fuss and President Dr. Edel Jose with Dr. Bruce Douglas.
The highlight of the evening was a moving speech by none other than the Chicago Chapter’s co-founder, Dr. Bruce Douglas. Dr. Douglas is a retired maxillofacial surgeon and Navy veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. He spoke about first meeting Senator J. William Fulbright in 1944 while serving in the Navy: “We met in the dining room of the Senate where he was discussing an interest in promoting people to people contacts following the war,” Douglas said. This dining room conversation eventually led to the foundation of the Fulbright program in 1946.
Mary Mares-Awe, Dr. Bruce Douglas, Janet Douglas and Dr. Edel Jose.
Dr. Douglas spoke to the continuing importance of the Fulbright program today in a world and country that have become deeply divided, and he expressed optimism at seeing name tags in the room from countries that a few decades ago “only existed in the realm of bullets and guns.” Though today it might feel as though connections have been lost, Fulbright is keeping the people-to-people connections alive in Chicago and around the world.
We also heard from the Chicago Chapter President, Dr. Edel Jose, as well as other board members about upcoming events, including the kick-off to the Fulbright Chicago Mentorship Program and upcoming Women’s Empowerment event.
The Fulbright Chicago Board across generations, including our new board members alongside the Chicago Chapter co-founder, Dr. Bruce Douglas.
It was a fabulous evening full of networking, friendship, and people-to-people conversation. Thanks to the Cliff Dwellers Club for the spectacular, historic venue and supplying us with delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
As usual, Fullbrighters from around the world come together to share and enjoy the Fulbright spirit.A group photo towards the end of a wonderful evening.
COME JOIN US FOR THE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FORUM! The Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association along with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago invite you to a speaker forum followed by a reception at the University Club of Chicago.
DATE Thursday Oct. 5, 2023 TIME 2:00 pm < WHERE University Club of Chicago 76 E. Monroe St. Chicago, IL 60601 COST Free
SPEAKERS Věra Komárová, CEO Dermacol & Founder of Leonardo da Vinci Academy Nicole Robinson, CEO YWCA Metropolitan Chicago & Founder of Southside Giving Circle Markéta Klíčová, Nanoscientist, Young Innovator of the Year Audience Choice Award 2018
VĚRA KOMÁROVÁ She was born in Prague. At the age of 14, she stood on Prague’s Wenceslas Square and participated in the Velvet Revolution. At a time when freedom of speech was only an illusion in Czechoslovakia, she actively transcribed information on a typewriter and distributed it to mailboxes. She studied foreign trade and then languages (she speaks 7 languages) and pedagogy at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague. During her studies, she got the opportunity to spend 3 years in Italy at the universities of Siena, Ferrara and Milan. After graduating from university, she worked in the marketing department of large international companies Ferrero and Colgate-Palmolive. When she learned about the Dermacol brand— its amazing history, great products – she immediately fell in love with it and fell in love with her work. During her more than 20 years tenure, Dermacol has increased its turnover more than twentyfold, and the brand ranks among the best-selling cosmetics in the Czech Republic. Dermacol is now distributed in 60 countries around the world. Věra Komárová presented the brand in, among others, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, the USA, Poland and Brazil. In 2016, Věra was on the cover of Forbes magazine and ranked among the 75 most important women in the Czech Republic. She supports the Zdenka Žadníková foundation fund, which beautifies hospitals and social facilities with paintings and poetry. It is associated with the support of the Happy Hearts Foundation, which builds safe schools in countries affected by natural disasters. She herself participated in volunteer work during the construction of a school in Nepal. In 2020, she became the author of the Help beauty project for the Be Charity foundation, which helps children with disabilities. Věra Komárová is a mother of 3 daughters. And in 2021, it opened the Czech-British School Leonardo da Vinci Academy.
NICOLE ROBINSON Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Nicole R. Robinson has spent her career building bridges between communities, individuals, government and business leaders. Today Nicole serves as the Chief Executive Officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, a human centered organization dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism. As a fierce advocate for women, girls and justice, Nicole is inspired by the resilience of the families who turn to YWCA for family supports, economic opportunities and collective healing. Prior to joining YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Nicole was the Chief Partnership and Program Officer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository where she designed strategies to expand food access while tackling the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and racial inequity. Her food justice advocacy resulted in a $10MM investment in the emergency food system and she inspired the reimagination of Chicago’s entire food system as one the of the co-creators of Chicago’s first ever Food Equity Council. Before joining the social sector, Nicole began her career in corporate finance supporting various business units and would go on to lead the corporate foundation for Kraft Foods and Mondelez International. Nicole resides in Bronzeville on Chicago’s South Side and is the founding leader of Chicago’s first ever South Side Giving Circle focused on reducing inequities faced by Black women and girls.
MARKÉTA KLÍČOVÁMarkéta is working on the development of novel nanofibrous patches for covering the intestine after operations and thus preventing serious postoperative complications. Challenging research is conducted in close collaboration with clinicians, who lack such material on the market. Together, they believe that the newly developed material will save the lives of patients after surgery. Markéta has won numerous awards for her research, e.g. during the international finals of the Falling Walls Lab 2018 breakthrough ideas competition in Berlin, she won the prize “Young Innovator of the Year – Audience Award”. She was recently awarded by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi in cooperation with the French Embassy in the Czech Republic; Markéta won the first place for the best pharmaceutical research in 2023. In 2020, Professor Donald E. Ingber from Harvard Medical School accepted Markéta as an internship student, thus she participated in the unique development of the organs-on-chip. Based on these and previous scientific results, Forbes magazine placed her in the prestigious ranking of successful young people (30 under 30). Markéta is dedicated to supporting and supervising other students who participate in the field of tissue engineering and biomedical research at the Technical University of Liberec. She regularly publishes her results in international scientific journals. Markéta is also involved in the business environment, collaborating on the development of biotechnological products with the Czech company IQS Group. It is important for her to transfer the results of scientific research into commercial products. At the beginning of 2023, she was also selected for the unofficial advisory team of the Minister for Science and Research, Ms. Helena Langšádlová. Together with the whole team, she is dedicated to improving the conditions of Czech science and to motivate young people into starting research.
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 