Health Programs
The Health Programs Student Leadership Council (SLC) is a collaborative effort that brings together students and alumni from four SPS graduate programs: the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, the Master of Science in Health Analytics, the Master of Science in Health Informatics, and the Master of Science in Global Health. Our SLC exists to create networking opportunities and to enhance the student experience through professional and social development. With strong leaders, a growing alumni base, and a diverse student body, the board empowers students to become the next generation of health industry innovators. All Healthcare Administration, Health Analytics, Health Informatics, and Global Health students and alumni are welcome to participate.
Students and alumni of Northwestern University’s Master of Science Healthcare Administration, Master of Science in Health Analytics, Master of Science in Health Informatics, and Master of Science in Global Health programs will feel a sense of comradery with fellow students and a deep understanding of the health administration, analytics, informatics, and global health fields in practice.
The Northwestern University Health Programs Student Leadership Council (SLC) is dedicated to supporting and connecting with current students and alumni in the MS of Healthcare Administration, MS Health Analytics, MS of Health Informatics and MS in Global Health programs. The SLC aims to inspire and support the next generation of health leaders by promoting knowledge of both the health field and programs at Northwestern University.
Stay in touch with the Student Leadership Council! Please join our LinkedIn group and Facebook group to learn about upcoming events and opportunities.
STUDENT LINKEDIN X (formerly Twitter)INSTAGRAM
Health Programs SLC events will be posted on the SPS Grad Programs Events website. Full contact information is in development and will be posted soon.
CO-PRESIDENT
Healthcare Administration
Omar Hakim graduated from Purdue University with a PharmD degree and a minor in Management. He started his career at CVS as a Floater/Staff Pharmacist before moving into a clinical role as an Inpatient Pharmacist at Insight Hospital and Medical Center (formerly Mercy Hospital) in Chicago. Outside of work, Omar enjoys traveling and sports, regularly playing at the Chicago Fire Pitch.
CO-PRESIDENT
Global Health
Ellie Tjelmeland, an MSGH alumna, possesses a deep-seated passion for promoting health equity and narrowing healthcare disparities. She is actively engaged in improving accessibility to healthcare and services for patients with disabilities, with a specific focus on those who are deaf and/or have hearing loss. Ellie's aspirations include advancing her education and pursuing a career in clinical research. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in mentoring college students, volunteering in communities that are underserved, and staying active as a former collegiate cross country and track and field athlete. Ellie is driven by a strong sense of commitment towards improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities through both her professional pursuits and volunteer endeavors.
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Healthcare Administration
Thomas Sherrier is an MHA student and experienced supervisor with leadership skills built on training diverse teams in the medicine and business sectors. He is dedicated to growing community and driving connections in and out of the classroom. He holds a bachelors degree from Virginia Tech in Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise with a minor in psychology. He currently works for Northwestern University, advising prospective graduate students in various fields. Outside of Northwestern, he leads the Chicago chapter of a nationwide running organization and enjoys taking in live sports, music, and spending time on the lakefront.
COUNCIL CHAIR
Healthcare Administration
Manuel Morales is a bilingual Clinical Exercise Physiologist working within the BLUHM Cardiovascular department, as part of the non-invasive diagnostic cardiac testing team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is also currently a student acquiring his MHA degree. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan he came to Chicago, Illinois to receive further education, and obtain a M.S in Integrative Physiology. During his free time he enjoys cooking, going to baseball games, spending time with friends, and being active outdoors as often as he can.
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Global Health
Ibukun Fowe is a Population Health Scientist with expertise in health tech, biotechnology and medical device research. She leads scientific communication consulting as a medical writer and content strategist, supporting U.S. biotech and pharmaceutical clients. Ibukun is committed to supporting programs that impact diverse populations through systems and innovations that promote health equity. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from Obafemi Awolowo University Nigeria, a Masters degree in Global Health from Northwestern University, and a PhD in Public Health (Health Systems and Policy) from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Beyond her professional work, she enjoys reading fiction and nonfiction books and traveling.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Healthcare Administration
Erin is a dynamic leader currently working as a leader in rehabilitation services at Northwestern Medicine. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Spanish Linguistics from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Erin is passionate about healthcare and is dedicated to fostering growth and excellence within her team. Beyond her professional career, Erin enjoys traveling with her family, new restaurant experiences, and bike rides along the Chicago lakefront.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Healthcare Administration
Ingrid Fowler is a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration student at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies and the Senior Community Engagement Coordinator at the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease. She leads outreach across Chicago’s South and West Sides with a goal of bringing more representation to Alzheimer’s research. Ingrid serves on the planning committees for Alzheimer Day. She’s also a member of NAHSE, the New Moms associate board, and the Chicago Urban League’s Metro Board. At her core, Ingrid believes in creating spaces where everyone feels seen.
DIGITAL CONTENT AND MARKETING LEAD
Healthcare Administration
Edgar Vargas is an MHA student with several years of experience as a supportive administrator for C-suite executives. A Chicago native, he was born and raised in the McKinley Park/Brighton Park neighborhoods and earned his B.S. in Healthcare Management from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. He currently works at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where he assists and leads projects related to internal communications to better inform staff, organizes large-scale conferences that bring together staff and faculty from across the country, and supports both the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Clinical Officer in their initiatives.
ALUMNI LIAISON
Health Informatics
Allan is an MHI candidate with a deep interest in utilizing data to drive transformative change. He currently works in product management and has extensive experience developing and delivering artificial intelligence and analytics solutions to a wide range of customers in the healthcare market. Allan is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of informatics and data science professionals and works with students and mentees to define development pathways to help them achieve their professional objectives. In his free time, Allan enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and soccer.
ALUMNI LIAISON
Global Health
Jackie Horton, a recent MSGH graduate, is committed to connecting people with the resources that will help them thrive—whether through health advocacy or connecting alumni and current students. For her MSGH capstone project, she developed a grant and project proposal aimed at reducing the burden of childhood malnutrition in Accra, Ghana. Jackie engaged with every resource presented to her, and she is excited to help others do the same. When she is not volunteering in STEAM education or working on research, she loves to travel, bake macarons, and spend time with her family and dogs.
