Education advocate

Many people face roadblocks when seeking to obtain a quality education, including financial challenges, insufficient support and lack of resources. Northeastern Illinois University student Jaqueline “Jackie” Ortiz-Basave understands these things and is dedicating herself to find ways to make education more accessible.

“I think sometimes people don’t take the time to listen or understand students and are quick to judge and/or dismiss them,” Ortiz-Basave said. “I believe that every student deserves to be heard and my hope is that I can help create spaces for students to feel seen, valued and capable.”

Ortiz-Basave came to Northeastern after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Learning from the University of Illinois Chicago. She chose Northeastern because of its affordability compared to other universities in Chicago and because it gives her the flexibility she needs to balance school, work and her personal life. In addition to working on her master’s degree in School Counseling, Ortiz-Basave is a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Counselor Education and is a full-time school counseling assistant at her high school alma mater on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

“I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in Brighton Park,” Ortiz-Basave said. “Continuing my education and being at Northeastern as a graduate student is something I am very proud of. It serves as my way of honoring the support of my family and the resilience of my community, which I carry with me always.”

Ortiz-Basave said that students often feel pressured to “blend in” and “assimilate.” As a first-generation Mexican-American, she said she’s experienced that pressure firsthand and has seen it be true for many Latinx and Hispanic students. Through her work, she wants to be a part of the change that allows everyone to feel fully seen in any space they’re in.

“I ultimately hope that future generations can move through not only higher education but every space they enter with confidence and pride,” Ortiz-Basave said. “I want to create spaces where people can see themselves reflected and know that they belong.”

Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Kirsis A. Dipre, Ph.D., feels Ortiz-Basave is well on her way to achieving her goals.

“Jackie is dedicated, intentional and a model student,” Dr. Dipre said. “She demonstrates strong leadership abilities through her calm and collected demeanor. When she speaks, others listen.”

Ortiz-Basave is already contemplating her future, which includes working as a high school counselor and possibly pursuing a doctoral degree. For now, she’s appreciating her time as a Northeastern student and applying the lessons she’s learning to her career.

“I think Northeastern really takes into account that education is something that should be accessible to all,” Ortiz-Basave said. “The Department of Counselor Education has a very strong commitment to advocacy and preparing its students to not only help others, but also help the world that we live in today. I appreciate having very supportive professors who genuinely care about their students’ success, learning and well-being. Their support is what helps me feel valued and motivated to do my best. I hope, as a school counselor, I can help more students feel that same way in the future.” 

Top photo: Jaqueline “Jackie” Ortiz-Basave