Meet the Team

Kristen Hodges – Executive Director

Kristen Hodges is the Executive Director of Career Development and Placement at National Louis University, where she leads the strategy, operations, and delivery of career services, employer relations, and alumni engagement, supporting more than 12,000+ students and graduates. She is responsible for strengthening employer partnerships, enhancing career readiness, and aligning career development with academic programs to ensure students are prepared for successful, sustainable careers.

With over 20 years of experience spanning higher education, workforce development, and industry partnerships, Kristen is a results-driven leader focused on service excellence, student success, and institutional impact. At NLU, she has led initiatives to integrate career development into the student experience, expand employer pipelines across key industries, and increase access to meaningful career opportunities for diverse student populations.

Prior to joining NLU, Kristen served as Executive Director of the Educational Foundation at the Illinois Restaurant Association, where she led statewide scholarship programs, built industry partnerships, and launched workforce initiatives supporting hospitality professionals.

Kristen is passionate about creating equitable access to career opportunities, building strong bridges between education and industry, and ensuring students are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Jenny Gonzalez Diaz – Associate Director of Career Advising

Appointments: https://retain.nl.edu/student/calendar/jgonzalezdiaz2

Jenny Gonzalez Diaz is the Associate Director of Career Advising and Career Advisor for Social Work and Nursing students.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology and a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at National Louis University.  She is a first-generation Latina leader with a decade of experience in higher education specifically Career Services. She is deeply passionate and committed to higher education equity. Jenny firmly believes all learners are capable of accomplishing their educational and professional goals when provided with opportunities and wrap-around support. Prior to NLU, Jenny was the Director of Career Services at Coyne College.

Aimee Galban – Associate Director of Employer Relations

Aimee Galban is an Associate Director of Employer Relations, with a focus on Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Criminal Justice. She is an organized and motivated professional with over 17 years of experience in managerial, teaching, and project and event management. She is dedicated to developing and maintaining employer relationships and expanding the range of employer recruitment activities on campus and online. Her focus is on the development of relationships with companies and organizations that match the interests of the National Louis University students and alumni. As an NLU alumnus, she understands the value of utilizing the Career Bridge services, both early on and frequently, to best support students in their growth and preparation for their future career after graduation.

Shalon Beerdeke – Associate Director of Career Development – Graduate Students and Alumni

Appointments (Graduate Students): https://nl.edu/retain/ext/appointments/sbeerdeke

Appointments (Alumni): https://calendly.com/sbeerdeke/career-advising-appointment

Shalon Beerdeke is the Associate Director of Career Development – Graduate Students and Alumni. She brings to the role an extensive background in marketing, non-profit leadership and counseling, and holds a M.A. in Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Shalon is passionate about education and particularly enjoys working with individuals in transition, helping to guide and motivate them through their journeys and onto their new paths toward success.  

Eddie Brewer – Career Advisor and Employer Relations Manager

Appointments: https://retain.nl.edu/student/calendar/ebrewer3

https://calendly.com/ebrewer3-nl

Eddie Brewer, a Career Advisor and Employer Relations Manager at the Chicago Campus, is dedicated to supporting others in their personal and professional goals. His services cover Human Services, Psychology, Criminology, and Criminal justice programs. With extensive experience as a residential treatment specialist, Eddie has worked with at-risk youth who have experienced trauma. He has also spent the past ten years in the downtown Chicago hospitality industry.

Eddie's academic qualifications, including a bachelor's degree in Criminology, a Minor in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, and a master's degree in Human Resources and Management from National Louis University, underscore his expertise and commitment to his field. Now, as an NLU Alumnus, it is essential to connect with students to help them tap into their true potential by utilizing services offered by the University.

Deborah Bosco – Manager of Career Development, Kendall College 

Deborah Bosco is the Manager of Career Development at Kendall College. Deborah has been at Kendall College since 2007 where she taught a variety of culinary and hospitality management courses. With over 25 years of hospitality industry experience in downtown Chicago hotels, including The Drake, Marriott, Sheraton and Radisson Hotels. Deborah has earned degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Kendall College, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Argosy University. Deborah is a Certified Hospitality Educator through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.

Gregory Budunov – Finance, Contracts, and Technology

Gregory splits his time between LITS and Career Bridge, helping manage finance, contracts, and various technology platforms for both departments. Gregory started at NLU as AmeriCorps VISTA, managing the Civic Engagement Center. 

In the past, he was a founder and President of the international academic employment platform Career.edu, growing its employer user base to over 600 universities in 38 countries. Career.edu was acquired by AcademicTransfer U.A. (Utrecht, Netherlands), which is owned by the consortium of Dutch research universities. Prior to Career.edu, Gregory managed international e-commerce for United Airlines. 

Gregory holds PhD in Psychology from RAE and B.A. in Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude, from New York University (NYU).

Marissa Dordick – Career Advisor: Education

Appointments: https://retain.nl.edu/student/calendar/mdordick

Marissa Dordick is the Career Advisor for Undergraduate Education majors for Chicago and online students. She has a passion for providing students with resources for professional and personal success. Marissa has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Northern Illinois University.

Ahmed Eltanbouli – Data Systems and Operations Manager

Ahmed is a Data Systems and Operations Manager at National Louis University with an interest in using data to support informed decision-making. He works on developing dashboards and reporting tools that help make complex information clearer and more accessible, and supports Career Services operations through data and process improvements. He also keeps up with emerging trends in AI and data analytics, with a focus on continuously improving how data can be used in practical and meaningful ways.

Meagan Esposito – Career Advisor

Appointments: https://retain.nl.edu/student/calendar/mesposito4

Meagan Esposito is a Career Advisor for undergraduate Business Administration, Computer Science & Information Systems, Communications students and degree completers in the Management program. She has an energetic and thoughtful personality which allows her to connect well with the students she serves. Meagan has been involved with students pursing Higher Ed for 10 years in roles as an Admissions Counselor, Student Advisor, Scholarship Program Coordinator and now as a Career Advisor. She is passionate about providing opportunities for students and being a resource for education advancement.  Meagan holds a B.A. in Education.

Joe Godinez – Senior Employer Relations Manager

Joe Godinez is passionate about NLU / Kendall mission, having served at both institutions for over 10 years. He plans, implements, and evaluates employer relations and recruitment programs for NLU Kendall College to expand internship and employment opportunities for students and alumni. He also coordinates and manages career events, including overseeing communications between departments and participates and evaluating feedback regarding the effectiveness of the events.

Joe has over 15 years of experience working within the higher education industry. He holds a B.S. in Media Studies (with a focus on Psychology) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and MBA from National Louis University. 

Sevtap Guldur – Career Advisor and Employer Relations Manager: Wheeling Campus

Appointments: https://retain.nl.edu/student/calendar/sguldur

Sevtap Guldur is a Career Advisor and Employer Relations Manager, who serves the Wheeling Campus population of students.  She brings decades of global experience to NLU Career Bridge and is also very active in the community relative to social issues.

Her true passion and ongoing commitment are to bridge and empower students to prosper in rewarding employment opportunities. She dedicates herself to facilitating employer partnerships that fit the talents of students and graduates in the surrounding suburbs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Northeastern Illinois University.

Sevtap is enthusiastic about supporting the education and professional development of young adults, people of color, and underrepresented populations.

Noah Kraulidis – Employer Relations Manager 

Noah Kraulidis is the Employer Relations Manager for Business, Marketing, and Communications/Media Programs at National Louis University, where he combines his passion for education with his previous experience in the private sector in client engagement and partnership development. With a background in EdTech, Noah has experience working closely with educational institutions to implement innovative solutions that support student success initiatives. His expertise in building meaningful relationships and fostering strategic collaborations allows him to connect NLU students and alumni with impactful career opportunities.

Felicia Mayden – Career Advisor • Educator • Pastry Chef

Appointments: https://nl.edu/retain/ext/appointments/fmayden

Felicia Mayden’s passion for pastry began in childhood, baking alongside her aunt—a love that was later nurtured by an influential high school advisor. Encouraged to pursue her dreams, she enrolled at Chicago’s Kendall College, earning degrees in Baking & Pastry and Hospitality Management, later advancing her leadership skills with a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from NLU.

Her professional journey took off under the mentorship of award-winning Pastry Chef Sarah Jordan at GT Fish & Oyster and Cicchetti. Mayden honed her craft at The Betty, Cherry Circle Room, and eventually led the pastry programs at Formento’s, Nonna’s, and The Bristol. She later took charge of the pastry program at the former Ace Hotel, skillfully guiding its transition to The Emily. Her expertise then led her to Lettuce Entertain You RPM Restaurants brand as Executive Pastry Sous.

Driven by a deep passion for pastry education, Mayden now wears multiple hats as an Adjunct Chef Instructor, Professor, and Career Advisor at Kendall College. She showcases a diverse repertoire of sweet creations—from laminated pastries and artisan breads to intricate cakes and chocolate work. Her talents have been featured on Food Network’s Best Baker in America (Season 4) and WGN Chicago.

A proud Chicago native, Mayden’s relentless drive stems not only from her love for the craft, but also from her commitment to being a role model for her young son and other working mothers navigating the culinary world.

Sandra Schwarz Conley – Clinical Experiences and Internship Manager

Sandra Schwarz Conley is the Clinical Experiences and Internship Manager at National Louis University. Sandra leads strategic initiatives to enhance internship programs, ensuring meaningful and successful experiences for students and employer partners alike.

With a strong background in project management, Sandra excels at driving efficiency, fostering accountability, and delivering results that align with organizational objectives. Her expertise includes managing cross-functional teams, streamlining processes, and implementing best practices to improve operational outcomes. Sandra is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that empower students to develop practical skills and achieve their career goals.

Prior to her role in higher education, Sandra contributed to impactful projects in the private and public sectors, where she honed her ability to navigate complex organizational structures and deliver innovative solutions. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and measurable results. Sandra holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.