JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Meet the Staff

Meghan Chrum

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in Psychology from Aurora University and M.S.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Northern Illinois University

Meghan is a first-generation college student and currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Aurora University and a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Northern Illinois University. During her time at Aurora University, she worked in the Office of Admission and found her passion for working in higher education. Before joining the Professional Development staff, Meghan served as an ISACorps member in the Waubonsee Community College district. Meghan serves as a co-chair for the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling’s (IACAC) Professional Connections Committee and is a member of the Illinois College Fair Committee. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys reading, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with her cat, Finland.

Sara Espinosa

Manager, Professional Development
Education: B.A. in Communications with minors in Informatics and Latina/Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.S.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University

Sara is the Manager for Professional Development at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Sara has been with ISAC since 2011. Before joining the professional development team, Sara was a part of the ISACorps and served as a near-peer mentor for two years on the south side of Chicago assisting students and families with the college and financial aid processes. Sara graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and minors in Informatics and Latina/Latino Studies and obtained a Master of Science in Education in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University. Sara currently serves as a co-chair for the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling’s (IACAC) Inclusion, Access, and Success (IAS) Committee as well as the Sharing the Dream Conference planning committee. Sara currently resides in Bridgeview, IL and enjoys baking in her spare time.

Elizabeth “Beth” Groves

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in Spanish and International Studies from Greenville University and M.S. in Higher Education and Community College from Eastern Illinois University (expected 2024)

Beth graduated from Greenville University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Studies and is currently working on her Master of Science in Higher Education and Community College from Eastern Illinois University. She joined the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as an ISACorps member for the Rock Valley College district after teaching Spanish at a small school. At ISAC, she developed a passion for college access work and helping students achieve their goals, which led her to join the Professional Development team and continue her education. In her spare time, Beth enjoys playing board games, trying new restaurants, and reading while her cat, Ollie, sleeps on her lap.

Dada Ibrahimovic

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in History with a minor in Psychology from Saint Xavier University and M.S.Ed. in School Counseling from Northern Illinois University (expected 2024)

Dada is a first-generation college student and currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Psychology from Saint Xavier University. She is currently working on her Master of Science in Education in School Counseling from Northern Illinois University. Before joining the Professional Development staff, Dada served as an ISACorps member in the William Rainey Harper Community College district. Dada currently resides in Bloomingdale, IL and enjoys weightlifting, aerial fitness, and being out in nature. 

Ana Moya

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in Sociology and Criminology from Dominican University

Ana is a first-generation college student and currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology from Dominican University. She joined the Illinois Student Assistance Commission as an ISACorps member for the Triton Community College District, where she found her passion for working with first-generation college students and Spanish-speaking parents. Before joining the Professional Development staff at ISAC, Ana served as an ISACorps Regional Coordinator for the South and West suburbs. Ana currently resides in Elmwood Park, IL and enjoys the short commute to Chicago for the local coffee shops.

Thomas “Tommy” Semanic

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Conflict Resolution from North Central College and a Master of Public Administration – Local Government from Northern Illinois University (expected May 2023)

Tommy is a first-generation college student from the southwest side of Chicago. While attending North Central College he was a part of the award winning “Cardinal First” program helping mentor first-gen students to succeed in college. Prior to joining the Professional Development team, he was an ISACorps member and completed a fellowship with the Program Services & Compliance division. Tommy currently resides in Bridgeview, IL and enjoys weightlifting, sports, and singing for “No Limit”, a classic rock band.

Manuel Talavera

Professional Development Specialist
Education: B.A. in International Relations from Roosevelt University and Master of Public Administration (MPA) from University of Illinois Springfield

Manuel was born and raised in the southwest side of Chicago to immigrant parents from Mexico. Manuel, a first-generation college student, graduated from Roosevelt University with a B.A. in International Relations and holds a MPA from the University of Illinois Springfield. Manuel has been working for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for over five years. Prior to joining the Professional Development team, Manuel was a GEAR UP Specialist where he oversaw the implementation of 6th – 8th grade college access programming in middle schools throughout Illinois. Manuel a father of two, enjoys walking, biking, and volunteering.