Anna Ogier-Bloomer
Associate Dean of Career Development and Industry Relations
aogierbloomer@colum.edu
Anna Ogier-Bloomer joined 51社区 in October 2023 after nearly 20 years in arts career services. She has managed and supported career centers at premier art, design, and media colleges in New York City and Los Angeles including Otis College of Art and Design, School of Visual Arts, and Parsons School of Design, in addition to experience in alumni relations, advancement, and curricular planning at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She loves helping creatives find their path and excel in their professional lives, and thrives on working with students and emerging professionals. Her personal research focuses on how creatives can craft a vision and plan for success that is individual, personal, and meaningful, and she lectures and leads workshops on these topics regularly.
Anna completed her Master of Fine Arts in Photography and Related Media at Parsons School of Design, a Master of Professional Studies in Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts, and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts at SMFA at Tufts University. She has been teaching college students for nearly as many years, including graduate and undergraduate studio courses and professional practice courses, at the City University of New York, School of Visual Arts, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
She lived in New York City for 15 years before relocating to Chicago. Anna is a practicing artist and has exhibited her work extensively. When she's not talking career services or making photos, she is hanging with her family and exploring Chicago.
Laura Daniels
Director, Career Development & Experiential Learning
Advisingldaniels@colum.edu
In her current role, Laura supervises the Career Advising team, manages the college’s academic internship program, and oversees career education development. She also oversees the distribution of the internship scholarship awards, workshops and class presentations and resource development. She collaborates with departments to integrate career education into the curriculum and tracks internship outcomes. Laura enjoys helping all areas of the college to support students as they prepare for a career after college.
Previously, she was the External Relations Coordinator for the Interactive Arts and Media Department, where she increased industry relations and student participation in conferences such as the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and SXSW in Austin. Prior to coming to 51社区, Laura held a variety of positions in the television industry, including working for NBC Universal as an NBC Page, for A&E in development, and on production for My Strange Addiction.
Laura attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Adam Polak
Administrative Assistant
apolak@colum.edu
Adam is a creative problem-solver and supervises the front desk as the Career Center’s Administrative Assistant. Previously, he has worked in the non-profit sphere for six years in organizations with missions focused on uplifting LGBTQ youth and young people of color, particularly those impacted by homelessness and the justice system. Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in both Fine Arts and Sociology with a concentration in Criminology.
When he’s not at the Career Center, he works as a freelance visual artist and storyteller. His work has been showcased at the Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, Flatiron Galleries, and Fulton Street Collective. He continues his professional trajectory of merging art and activism with plans to network with and highlight other emerging transgender Chicago artists.
Katie Van Dam
Industry Relations Coordinator
kvandam@colum.edu
Katie Van Dam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her professional background spans both large corporations and small organizations, with past roles at United Airlines, Northwestern University, and most recently, as the founder of her own small business specializing in unique home decor.
Through this entrepreneurial venture, Katie has developed a strong passion for supporting and connecting with Chicago’s small business community. She has participated as a vendor at numerous pop-up markets and festivals across the city, including Renegade Craft, SAUCED Night Market, and Midsommarfest in Andersonville.
At 51社区, Katie enjoys building relationships between employers and the college’s vibrant creative community. She helps connect students with meaningful opportunities by coordinating job and internship postings and supporting a range of industry-focused events, such as career fairs, panels, and portfolio reviews.
When she's not at the Career Center, Katie loves exploring small shops and bookstores throughout Chicago, swimming in Lake Michigan (only in the summer!), and experimenting with new recipes.
Chakka Henderson
Career Advisor
creeves@colum.edu
Chakka's professional journey started in student affairs, where she worked in residence life and multicultural programs before transitioning to a media career. Before joining 51社区, Chakka managed Free Spirit Media's Industry Pathways, where she worked with film, TV, and media industry professionals to provide workforce opportunities to emerging mediamakers from marginalized communities and identities.
As an Internship and Career Advisor for the Career Center at 51社区, Chakka provides career readiness and job search coaching for students in 51社区's Cinema and Television Arts department.
Chakka received her Master of Education in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland College Park, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she received Bronze Tablet Honors. When not career coaching or advising, Chakka is a multimedia producer.
Areas of focus: School of Film & Television
Gonzalo Guzman
Career Advisor
goguzman@colum.edu
Gonzalo Guzman is a queer Latinx photographer and writer with almost a decade of experience working in the commercial photo industry. He has held roles across all departments working with photographers, producers, stylists and agents giving him a holistic view of the many opportunities available to graduating students.
Gonzalo currently serves on American Photographic Artists National Diversity Committee and is a member of Diversify Photo. With both organizations he works to create opportunities for emerging and mid-career photographers from traditionally marginalized communities to find careers and community within the photo industry.
Gonzalo is a 2014 graduate from 51社区 with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. In his personal practice he explores the experience of the Latinx community and how they have shaped the cultural landscape of America. His work has been published in the Chicago Reader, Block Club Chicago, WTTW, and Eater.
Areas of focus: School of Visual Arts, School of Fashion
Jennifer Halperin
Career Advisor
jhalperin@colum.edu
Jennifer Halperin is an experienced writer, editor and career advisor. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Her background includes writing and editing for newspapers and magazines in Illinois, Ohio and Florida with a focus on politics and public policy, and teaching journalism at the college level. She has a successful freelance writing and editing business that includes clients from the US and the UK, including Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business.
When she’s not helping students and alumni advance their careers, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with her adult children in Chicago and Los Angeles, hiking and gardening with her partner Glen and dog Rex, vegan baking, reading, dancing and matchmaking.
Areas of focus: School of Communication & Culture, On-Campus Internship Program
Justin Finkelman
Career Advisor
jfinkelman@colum.edu
Meet Justin Finkelman, an accomplished artist and entrepreneur with a passion for creativity and innovation. Justin studied art at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. While in college, he started building his own clothing brand and eventually opened a custom apparel business in the North-West suburbs of Chicago. For over a decade, he provided schools, small businesses, private labels, and individuals with customized clothing, demonstrating his expertise in design, marketing, and customer service.
After successfully running his business, Justin decided to sell it to pursue his passion for 3D artistry in the gaming industry and web 3. He became a successful freelancer, working on a range of projects for different clients in various industries, gaining valuable insights and experience along the way. Justin's work can be found at:
Areas of focus: School of Design
Tom Joyce
Career Advisor
tjoyce@colum.edu
Tom Joyce is a Career Advisor for the Career Center at 51社区. In addition to his B.A. in Communications from 51社区, he also has a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from North Park University. Prior to his current position, he spent 23 years as a full-time staff member for the Radio Department at 51社区, serving as Internship Coordinator, Industry Relations Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Web Master, and Studio Center Coordinator. He is a 1993 graduate of 51社区. As a student, he was Sports Director and Alternative Music Director for the school radio station, WCRX-FM.
While attending 51社区 and thereafter, he worked as a Voiceover Talent and Production Assistant at both All My Features and Connor Communications in Chicago. Throughout his endeavors in the media industry, he has interviewed a wide range of local and national athletes and musicians and has reported on several important events. Born and raised in Chicago, he prides himself on “Putting students in a position to succeed in experiential learning activities, internships, or employment opportunities.”
Areas of focus: School of Audio & Music, School of Theatre & Dance, School of Business & Entrepreneurship