Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Rosa Salazar, Manager of Admissions, Recruitment and Operations, who shares how touring JJC and a staff member’s simple “hello” helped her feel welcomed as a first-generation student and inspired deep involvement in clubs, student government, and serving as student trustee. Rosa describes using student surveys, leadership work, and a Kellogg Foundation grant effort that helped launch what became Multicultural Student Affairs. After transferring to the University of St. Francis, she continued working at JJC and has served in multiple roles for 26 years. She discusses recruitment challenges, especially perceptions of community college, and emphasizes cost savings, transfer partnerships, and career programs.

Rosa outlines JJC’s high school outreach, application and Next Step Days, and encourages students to apply for scholarships at https://jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college/scholarships
 
She previews Discover JJC on April 11, 9–noon, featuring campus tours, program showcases, bilingual presentations, and on-the-spot help.

Creators and Guests

Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at Joliet Junior College. A former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education, supporting students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. In her leadership role, Jen oversees initiatives that strengthen connections between JJC and its alumni, fostering engagement and building lasting relationships. Her responsibilities include strategic planning for alumni outreach, organizing small and large-scale events, managing annual giving campaigns, and collaborating across departments to create meaningful opportunities for alumni involvement.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn serves as the Executive Director of the Joliet Junior College Foundation and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, a role she assumed in January 2026. Throughout her career at JJC, she has held several key positions including Grant Writer, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager, and Director of Institutional Advancement, giving her a deep understanding of the college’s philanthropic priorities and partnerships. With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda leads philanthropic engagement strategies that advance student success. Her strategic vision, strong donor relationships, and commitment to JJC’s mission continue to drive the college’s growth and impact.
Guest
Rosa Salazar
Rosa Salazar serves as the Manager of Admissions and Recruitment Operations at Joliet Junior College (JJC). In this role, she is dedicated to supporting and educating prospective students and their families on the value of higher education and helping them understand how JJC can be the best fit for their academic and career goals. A proud first-generation college student and JJC alumna, Rosa began her career in higher education as a student worker in the Financial Aid Department. She quickly discovered her passion for serving students and has since built a strong and diverse professional path within the college. Her experience includes roles in Records and Registration, serving as the Latino Advisor for ENLACE, and later joining the Admissions team as a Recruitment Specialist. Rosa holds a Bachelor's degree in marketing and a Master's degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. She is deeply committed to expanding access to higher education and remains passionate about empowering students—especially first-generation and underrepresented learners—as they navigate their journey toward college success.

What is Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast?

Welcome to the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

As the nation’s first community college, Joliet Junior College has played a key role in shaping America’s higher education system. Our rich and beautiful history reaches more than a century into the past, forever connecting generations of alumni.

In each episode, we sit down with different alumni to uncover their most cherished memories, hear their inspiring tales, and get their hard-earned wisdom for future Wolves.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the roots of our rich history and branch out into the stories that define us, hit that subscribe button and join us on the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast!

For more information, Foundation events, and ways to give or get involved, visit jjc.edu/alumni and follow us on social media.