Protecting Data, Growing Networks
UIC alumna and cybersecurity expert is committed to community
By Citlali Dominguez
What would you say to alumni who want to make an impact at UIC?
Start by coming back to campus. That’s number one. It’s beautiful and designed to be a welcoming space to connect with students. Then, think about your “secret sauce,” the unique experiences and lessons you’ve learned that could help students. Every UIC graduate has a story, and we’ve all made mistakes along the way. Sharing those nuggets of wisdom can make a huge difference for someone just starting out.
What do you tell the UIC students you mentor?
I tell students it’s okay not to have all the answers. Be open, be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn.
I also stress the importance of internships. I’m often surprised when students don’t see them as a priority. Internships are the best time to learn, make mistakes and figure out what you really want. Living the experience helps you make more informed decisions about your future.
What inspired you to take on the president-elect role?
I was inspired by the vision for how the UIC Alumni Association can continue evolving and making an impact. We’re deeply committed to supporting the chancellor’s priorities, and this year we took an important step by mapping every committee goal back to those priorities. That alignment ensures everything we do truly supports the university’s mission. I wanted to be part of driving that forward.
What has been the most rewarding part of giving back through the UIC Alumni Association?
I would love people to know that even though you're moving and shaking in your career and trying to do things, UIC is there to support you in any way. And by giving back to the students, you also get rewarded. For me, to see someone evolve and to see them really expand in their career is super rewarding. And I'm at that point in my career where, yes, I still want to move myself forward, but I get a lot of joy from seeing my team evolve.
When I had a conversation about the UICAA president-elect role and the vision that the current president-elect has for how we're going to continue evolving, I had no reservations. I was like, ‘sign me up.’ I'm very excited to continue with this alumni association being a catalyst for change and to help the students at the end of the day because that's what we're here for.
Why does a global cybersecurity leader volunteer to help UIC students succeed?
As an undergrad, I had an incredible experience with a UIC alum who went above and beyond to help me. She answered my questions about school and career and even taught me how to dress for an interview. That exposure was invaluable, and it inspired me to pay it forward on the UICAA board.
Today, as chair of the Alumni Career Services Committee, I create tools that help students and alumni build intentional careers. For students, we develop a timeline for every stage, from first year through post-graduation, to help students have meaningful conversations with advisors, mentors and alumni instead of leaving their future to chance.
Patricia Ballesteros BS ’97 remembers receiving her scholarship to the University of Illinois Chicago. It was the key that unlocked her dream of getting a business degree at a big university close to home. Today, as director of global cybersecurity services at Aon and president-elect of the UIC Alumni Association Board, Ballesteros is paying that opportunity forward. She is on a mission to help students and alumni build intentional, successful careers through mentorship and networking. From creating a career roadmap for every stage of the UIC journey, to championing the chancellor’s student success initiative, Ballesteros is proving that alumni leadership can transform lives and strengthen UIC’s future.
Protecting Data, Growing Networks
UIC alumna and cybersecurity expert is committed to community
What would you say to alumni who want to make an impact at UIC?
Start by coming back to campus. That’s number one. It’s beautiful and designed to be a welcoming space to connect with students. Then, think about your “secret sauce,” the unique experiences and lessons you’ve learned that could help students. Every UIC graduate has a story, and we’ve all made mistakes along the way. Sharing those nuggets of wisdom can make a huge difference for someone just starting out.
What do you tell the UIC students you mentor?
I tell students it’s okay not to have all the answers. Be open, be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you learn.
I also stress the importance of internships. I’m often surprised when students don’t see them as a priority. Internships are the best time to learn, make mistakes and figure out what you really want. Living the experience helps you make more informed decisions about your future.
What has been the most rewarding part of giving back through the UIC Alumni Association?
I would love people to know that even though you're moving and shaking in your career and trying to do things, UIC is there to support you in any way. And by giving back to the students, you also get rewarded. For me, to see someone evolve and to see them really expand in their career is super rewarding. And I'm at that point in my career where, yes, I still want to move myself forward, but I get a lot of joy from seeing my team evolve.
When I had a conversation about the UICAA president-elect role and the vision that the current president-elect has for how we're going to continue evolving, I had no reservations. I was like, ‘sign me up.’ I'm very excited to continue with this alumni association being a catalyst for change and to help the students at the end of the day because that's what we're here for.
Why does a global cybersecurity leader volunteer to help UIC students succeed?
As an undergrad, I had an incredible experience with a UIC alum who went above and beyond to help me. She answered my questions about school and career and even taught me how to dress for an interview. That exposure was invaluable, and it inspired me to pay it forward on the UICAA board.
Today, as chair of the Alumni Career Services Committee, I create tools that help students and alumni build intentional careers. For students, we develop a timeline for every stage, from first year through post-graduation, to help students have meaningful conversations with advisors, mentors and alumni instead of leaving their future to chance.
Patricia Ballesteros BS ’97 remembers receiving her scholarship to the University of Illinois Chicago. It was the key that unlocked her dream of getting a business degree at a big university close to home. Today, as director of global cybersecurity services at Aon and president-elect of the UIC Alumni Association Board, Ballesteros is paying that opportunity forward. She is on a mission to help students and alumni build intentional, successful careers through mentorship and networking. From creating a career roadmap for every stage of the UIC journey, to championing the chancellor’s student success initiative, Ballesteros is proving that alumni leadership can transform lives and strengthen UIC’s future.
By Citlali Dominguez
What inspired you to take on the president-elect role?
I was inspired by the vision for how the UIC Alumni Association can continue evolving and making an impact. We’re deeply committed to supporting the chancellor’s priorities, and this year we took an important step by mapping every committee goal back to those priorities. That alignment ensures everything we do truly supports the university’s mission. I wanted to be part of driving that forward.
