Tag Archives: Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program

Mentoring Program orientation and pizza party! 

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.

Illustration partially made with AI

Mentorship made a difference within my Fulbright experience

At Kopi Café in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, Diana Giambona enjoys the last days of her Fulbright experience days prior to returning to Spain.

LAST AUGUST 2023, I bid farewell to Chicago after a year studying at Northwestern University, where I earned my Master of Science in Journalism from Medill. It was a unique opportunity to learn from top journalism experts, connect with incredibly talented individuals, and gain invaluable experiences.

It marked my first trip to the United States. I felt thrilled yet also apprehensive about the challenges ahead.

The shift was significant, traveling from Tenerife, a beautiful Spanish island across from Africa with close to a million residents, to bustling Chicago, among the United States most populous cities.

The Fulbright Chicago Chapter offered tremendous support during my time there, with their mentorship program easing my integration into the local community.

Attending with two other Fulbright students the “Cintas de Seda” play by Aguijón Theater. Next to her Flavia Martins from Portugal and Olivia Walliser from Switzerland.

My mentor, who is also a journalist, guided me through the intricacies of higher education, shared insights into American society, and provided assistance whenever I had questions, even support when applying to internships.

Through the Fulbright Chicago Chapter activities, I connected with fellow Fulbrighters who joined me on this incredible journey. Some of them became friends, and I thank them for making this experience even better.

With Flavia Martins, a Fulbrighter from Portugal, Diana Giambona shares a Christmas celebration at her mentor’s home.

To future Fulbrighters, I recommend engaging in Chicago Chapter activities and connecting with other members. To those beginning their program this year, embrace every moment and savor your time because it passes swiftly. Also, participate in its Mentoring Program that will help you navigate American society.

It was an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to Fulbright Program and the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association for making it happen.

Celebrating friendship and mentorship, Fulbright style

JOIN THE CHICAGO CHAPTER OF THE FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION for an enchanting evening as we celebrate the second successful year of the Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program! This special event, brimming with camaraderie, achievement, and inspiration, will highlight the enriching experiences of our mentees throughout their stay in the Chicagoland area.

Enjoy a spring evening of live music, delightful food, and fine wine, mingling with fellow mentors, mentees, and alumni.


WHEN Friday May 10, 2024
TIME 6:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE The Alliance Française
ADDRESS 54 West Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
COST FREE (But consider donations and contributing to our clothing drive. Details below)
RSVP NOW HERE


Evening highlights include:

Community Support Initiative: In the spirit of giving, we are also organizing a clothing drive to support immigrant families in need. Please bring gently used clothing suitable for spring and summer to help make a difference.

We are gathering together to honor this year’s mentoring achievements, foster new connections, and positively impact our community.

Mentoring through a holistic approach

CONTINUING WITH our Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program webinars, this time we have Dr. Sylvia Atsalis, Fulbright Scholar in Suriname.

WHAT Mentoring Program Webinar 3

WHO Dr. Sylvia Atsalis

WHEN Tuesday March 26, 2024

TIME 6:00 pm.

REGISTER HERE.

Sylvia Atsalis is the founder of Professional Development for Good, a consulting practice dedicated to nurturing the talents of emerging conservation leadership across developing countries globally. Initially, Atsalis’s consulting efforts were directed towards mission-driven individuals, including students, early career professionals, and even those in mid-career seeking a pivotal change. To achieve a greater impact, her focus has shifted towards NGO teams, aiming to enhance their talents, communication, and leadership skills. As a scientist and conservationist, Atsalis’s mission is closely aligned with those she supports, understanding the specific demands of their careers from a place of shared experience and commitment.

The Fulbright spirit in the immigration crisis

CONTINUING WITH our Fulbright Chicago Mentoring Program webinars, this time we have two local Fulbright Chicago alumni sharing their work with the immigrant community. Participate in this opportunity to meet fellow Fulbrighters!

WHAT Mentoring Program Webinar 2

WHO Dr. Ana Gil García and Carlos Rivas

WHEN Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024

TIME 6:00 pm.

REGISTER Click here

Following the box from Chicago to India. You are invited!

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 HIGHLIGHT A 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:

🔗 Zoom Meeting Link

  • Meeting ID: 824 8396 5802
  • Passcode: F7bG0EWg

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

The 2023-24 Mentoring Program kickoff event: Mentoring and pizza!

THE MENTORING PROGRAM of the Chicago Chapter of the Fulbright Association enters its third year. We start a new cycle this month and you are invited! All new and continuing mentors and mentees will gather for an orientation and pizza party (Chicago deep dish pizza, anyone?), overlooking the Chicago River.

WHEN Friday, October 13, 2023
TIME 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 325 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL

ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED
Please contact Marilyn Susman at marilynsusman@me.com if you cannot attend.

Dr. Marilyn Susman presenting to mentors and mentees during the 2022-23 Mentoring Program kickoff last year.

Prior to the event, the mentor-mentee matches will be announced.

Plan to meet your match and learn about:

  • The mission and goals of the mentoring program
  • How to get the most from the Mentoring Program
  • Tips for mentors
  • Tips for mentees
  • How to access university and community resources

Enjoy deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s Restaurant! Meet the Chicago Fulbright community! Have fun!