From Blueprint to Greenprint: A JJC Alum’s Lasting Impact

In this episode of the JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes JJC alum Maria Anna Rafac, Professor of Architectural Studies and Program Coordinator, who shares her journey from a childhood passion for "boy toys" like Legos and Erector sets to becoming a leader in a male-dominated field. Maria describes how her mother’s insistence on taking high school drafting classes led her to the University of Illinois, where she earned a Master’s in Architecture with a focus on structures as one of the few women in the program. After working for local firms, she returned to JJC in 1997 as an adjunct, eventually becoming a full-time faculty member and launching the Architecture program in 2008.

Maria discusses the challenges of growing the program, her "hands-on" teaching philosophy, and the success of the JJC Summer Camps, which help junior high and high school students discover their path early. She also outlines her leadership in campus sustainability, highlighting the "Circular Economy" and the success of the Repair Cafe, which has fixed hundreds of items through community volunteerism. Maria announces the Future Architects Scholarship, a $15,000 initiative she started to help final-semester students cross the finish line, and encourages donors to help endow the fund at jjc.edu/givetojjc. She concludes by inviting the community to the next Repair Cafe on October 17 and encourages all "Future Wolves" to follow their hearts and join the JJC community whenever they are ready.

To find out more about the Romeoville Repair Cafe visit: Romeoville Repair Café | Joliet Junior College 

To sign up for one of our fantastic summer camps or programs, visit: Continuing Education | Joliet Junior College  

To support the Future Architects Scholarship or make a gift to the JJC Foundation, visit: jjc.edu/givetojjc 

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

Maria Anna Rafac

Maria Anna Rafac is an architect, educator, activist, wife, and mother of five. Since 1997, Maria has been dedicated to her students with a focus on helping them fulfill their education and career goals. She is currently a professor of Architecture and Sustainability, Academic Advisor for the Architectural Studies Program, and club advisor for the American Institute of Architecture Students at Joliet Junior College. Maria attended the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign, receiving both a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture – Structures Option. Maria has been a registered Architect in the State of Illinois since 1992 and has worked for several architectural firms and in private practice over the past 30 years. In 2008, Maria became Joliet Junior College’s first Sustainability Coordinator working with students, faculty, staff, administration, and the community on sustainability initiatives and related issues. She serves as the co-affiliate for the Illinois Green Economy Network IGEN, and as the chair of the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium’s SMHEC Sustainability Initiatives Committee. She has additionally served as a member of the Environmental Commission for the City of Joliet, and as the chair of the city’s Water Conservation Subcommittee. Her past accolades include the 2016 Will County Land Use Department’s Amicus Terrae – Friend of the Land Award, the 2017 Illinois Green Economy Network Sustainable Champion Award, the 2024 JJC Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award, the 2025 AACC Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award, the 2025 All Core Values Award, and the 2026 Student Employee Advisory of the Year. Additionally, Maria was honored to receive Club Advisor of the year in 2023, nominated by the students in the American Institute of Architecture Students club here at JJC. In 2024, the AIAS received Club of the Year and in 2026 we received Event of the Year from the Office of Student Activities.

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.