Lake Forest College alumni will come together for an engaging 45-minute discussion, delving into the impact of a humanities education on the professional journey. Hear fresh insights into how the humanities can shape career exploration and professional success. Panelists will also discuss the future of work through the lens of the liberal arts and consider how the humanities have become even more crucial in an era of generative AI and technological advancement.

Meet our alumni panelists to discover how studying the humanities set them up for their future.

Presented by the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center and the Office of Admissions.

Conner Castleberry ’20
Communication and English double major

Castleberry double majored in communication and English with an emphasis in writing. Today, the Forester works in pharmacy sales as a Territory Business Manager for Advanced Diabetes Supply. Castleberry lives in the city and is more than happy to help any current student with career advancement. 

Sam Kaser ’15  
Psychology and theater double major

Kaser graduated with a double major in psychology and theater. At Lake Forest, Kaser was very involved in extracurriculars including Psi Chi, the Garrick Players, voice lessons, and theater and music productions. Her theater internships in college led to an early career in theater before transitioning to patient care. Currently, Kaser is the Patient Care Operations Manager for The Lactation Network where she mentors her team, implements and optimizes standard operating procedures, and works closely with other departments to provide accessible lactation care to all.

Kiana Porter ’19
African American studies major

Porter majored in African American studies with a self-designed concentration in social work. She recently obtained hermaster’s in social work and currently serves as a Family Support Specialist at Teen Parent Connection as well as a therapist at Peacefully Adjacent Therapy & Wellness PLLC. Porter enjoys using her clinical knowledge and personal experiences to support adolescents and young adults around navigating the unique mazes of life by addressing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, loss as well as other life concerns. She believes in meeting individuals where they are and partnering with them to take small steps toward achieving the mental health and life goals that they desire.

Frida Valdes ’21
Spanish language and literature major; transfer student

Valdes majored in Spanish and minored in international relations. After graduating, she began working as an Immigration Paralegal and later worked with unaccompanied children as a Reunification Case Manager. She is currently a Family Support Specialist at U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants where she provides post-release services for children and their families. While at Lake Forest, Valdes discovered her passion for languages, which has led her to pursue her master’s degree in linguistics at Northeastern Illinois University where she is researching linguistic violence in the Latinx community as a graduate assistant.