Staff Spotlight: Malenis Holloway
Malenis is a Program Assistant who supports the Graduate Student Program. With an open-door policy and a listening ear, she's passionate about guiding graduate students in adjusting to the Department. Along with supporting graduates in the admissions process, Malenis facilitates events such as student orientation and visit weekends.
Tell us about what you do in your current position in the Department.
As the Program Assistant for the Graduate Chemistry Program, I help guide students along their journey, from start to finish. I, along with Jonathan Maendel, plan and gather information on new applicants for admissions meetings, plan and execute visit weekends, new student orientation, serve as staff liaisons in student group meetings, discuss academic challenges, plans, group joining, etc. with students and a bunch of other stuff surrounding grad student academic careers.
Before working at Northwestern, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?
The most interesting job I had was working for Chicago Public Libraries at the Harold Washington Branch. I started as a Library Page, which does a lot of the background work like sorting and filing books. The word about my personality, smile, and ability to speak 3 languages got around and I was recruited to work the Book Mobile. A couple of days out of the week I got the amazing opportunity to ride around the city of Chicago in a mobile library and bring the joy of reading and the experience of a library to senior citizens, families, and individuals from underrepresented communities. Many of these people had never had a library card or set foot in a library before and it was such an honor to have been a part of that.
Where are you from, and where did you grow up?
I was born on the Northside of Chicago and raised between Chicago and Corozal, Puerto Rico. However, I spent my teenage years in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where I graduated from Highschool before returning to Chicago.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
My answer is completely biased, but my favorite vacation spot is back home in Puerto Rico. There is this beach cove in Isabela, called Playa Montones and you can rent cabins right on the beach that are owned and run by locals.
What is a hobby or activity you do outside of work?
My favorite things to do are cooking and baking.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet the author, Esmeralda Santiago. Her feminist writings have paved the way for more women-centered Latine literature. Her autobiographical style has really connected me with her story and I would love to ask her about her experience growing up in a bicultural society as a Latine-identified woman and let her know how much her books have resonated with me and my story.