Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast

Jen Davis currently serves as the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at Joliet Junior College. As a former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education serving students at various points in their educational and professional careers. In her current role, Jen works to foster meaningful relationships with JJC alumni, bridging past experiences with present opportunities. Her outreach efforts include planning small and large-scale events, designing and executing yearly social media, direct mail and e-campaigns, and collaborating with other departments on campus to keep alumni engaged and connected. On occasion, Jen will also expand her role to that of JJC’s mascot, Wiley Wolf, for on-campus events and print media.

Amanda Quinn currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Joliet Junior College, where she leads the college's fundraising efforts with a focus on major gifts and corporate support. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda aligns fundraising strategies with the college’s priorities to ensure growth and success. She has a proven track record of enhancing annual fund programs, organizing key events, and cultivating valuable relationships with donors. Amanda's strategic vision and dedication have significantly contributed to the advancement of Joliet Junior College.

Michael Taylor is a Masters prepared Registered Nurse, with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Education. Passionately committed to co-creating a brighter future and better world, Taylor believes in the power of collaboration and connected purpose. Currently, Taylor serves as a faculty member at an associate degree nursing program in Illinois and is co-founder and Vice-President of the American Association of Men in Nursing Chapter at Joliet Junior College.  Taylor maintains specialty certifications in Emergency Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Nurse Coaching. He has focused experience in emergency and trauma care and additional experience in surgical nursing, endoscopy, aesthetics, and public health. Taylor has also served in dynamic leadership, supporting the activities over 80 RNs and CNAs in ortho-surgical and medical-surgical units in the acute care setting. While serving on multiple committees and councils, Taylor has furthered innovation, safety, and effectiveness in care practices; serving as a high-reliability organization trainer, he collaborated with partners throughout the health system to enhance situational awareness and working relationships to cultivate a culture of safety.   As an instructor of nursing, Taylor focuses on fostering meaningful connections to support the development of nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and promotes the importance of relationship-rich education to make the college experience a transformative one! Taylor remains committed to facilitating the development of transformative, compassionate care practices, while concurrently pursing doctoral studies to continue the advancement of the nursing profession.

Sarah Taylor is a JJC alumna and a retired registered nurse with over 30 years of experience. During her career Sarah had a deep passion for medical-surgical and home health nursing, having served at both Silver Cross and Presence St. Joseph Hospitals. Sarah also spent a year and a half as a travel nurse in California, broadening her expertise and enriching her professional journey. In her retirement, Sarah loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, gardening, sewing, and singing in her church choir, finding joy and fulfillment in these activities.