Three Northeastern Illinois University alumni — Daniel Correa Jr. (MBA ’22), Melanny Buitron Loor (B.S. ’19 General Business Administration, current student M.A. Educational Leadership: Higher Education) and Alicia Manzanares (B.S. ’16 Marketing, MBA ’17) — were named to Negocios Now’s 2024 “Latinos 40 Under 40” list.
The list celebrates high-achieving Latinx leaders in and around Chicago. A ceremony was held on April 30, 2025 to celebrate the honorees.
“A special congratulations to the Northeastern Illinois University alumni recognized in Negocios Now’s exclusive list,” Northeastern Director of Alumni Relations Michael Zarobe said. “This prestigious honor highlights the important achievements of our alumni and the positive impact on their communities, industries and beyond.”
Correa Jr. serves as the director of workforce development at the Chicago Department of Aviation. He said he felt being named to the list was an unexpected honor and was grateful to Northeastern for the positive impact it had on his career.
"NEIU is a great place to grow, both personally and professionally," Correa Jr. said. "The classrooms are diverse and engaging. The professors are encouraging and bring real world experience to the classroom. If you're balancing school and work like I was, NEIU is an excellent choice because the program is flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals. If you're considering NEIU, I'd say this: NEIU helped me take off, and I'd recommend the school to anyone ready to elevate their career. So get onboard, fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the flight!"
Buitron Loor works at Morton College as a student activities assistant and undocumented student liaison. She now works to ensure other students have access to opportunities, like she did at Northeastern.
"Being named to the ‘40 Under 40’ list is a full-circle moment for me,” Buitron Loor said. “As a first-generation, DACAmented Latina and NEIU alum, this recognition represents not just my personal journey, but the power of access, education and community. My time at Northeastern helped shape my commitment to advocacy and student support, and I’m incredibly proud to carry that mission forward in my career."
Manzanares is a project manager at Citi. Her Negocios Now profile notes that she has successfully led and implemented hundreds of technology projects at Citi and uses her platform to inspire others.
"When people underestimate you, they unknowingly free you from the weight of their expectations,” Manzaneres said in her Negocios Now profile. “Instead of proving them wrong, you get to prove to yourself just how far you can make it. Your worth and success aren’t tied to what others think about you — so do your best to let it go, rise above and continue to shine bright like you always have."
Founded in 1867, Northeastern is the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. Northeastern ranked No. 1 in Illinois — and No. 19 nationally — for Student Experience in the Wall Street Journal’s “2025 Best Colleges” publication.
Daniel Correa Jr.
Melanny Buitron Loor
Alicia Manzanares
