Jenita P. Julian Chicago, Illinois "Innovator and Compassionate Educator!"
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Jenita P. Julian was born in Telegrafo, San Jose in
Camarines del Sur to Mr. Dominador Pilapil and
Asuncion Rodriguez. She was one of eight children.
She graduated high school from V. Mapa High School
in 1960 and finished college at the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines in 1970. She served as
Vice President in the Student Government during her
school days.
Jenny’s career in being an educator in the Philippines
was a fulfillment for her. In her early thirties, Jenny
completed her Masters in Business Administration
from the University of the East (Manila, Philippines.)
After completing her MBA, she advocated for the
establishment of a housing project in Malabon. Jenita’
s advocacy resulted in the creation of shelters for
more than 3,000 families that were living in shanty
squatters along the Navotas River. Years later in her
activist’s life, she embarked on a teaching career,
servicing three colleges across Manila. She did all of
these while raising a huge family.
Jenny is happily married to Elpidio Julian, Jr. This
union resulted with three blessings namely Elenita, a

nurse at Resurrection Hospital; Jenrek, a paralegal; and Athena, who presently works for the Federal
Government in Washington, DC. Academic excellence runs in the family, as can be proven by her
children’s present professional situations. Likewise, her first marriage to the now deceased Ambrosio
Oliveros brought forth successful professionals. Amy is a Senior Accountant of a prestigious jewelry
chain in Texas, Jon is the President of the American Institute which is also a healthcare school, Arman
has decided to quit his job as a Senior Programmer at Chase Manhattan Bank to help his mom run the
school and is currently the Executive Vice President of Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology,
Arthur is a registered nurse and is working on his Masters degree at the Governor State University, and
Allen is an computer professional.
Back in the Philippines, while her family was getting larger, Jenita’s salary was getting smaller. In her
forties, to ensure that her children receive quality education, she took advantage of a Worker’s program
that supplemented a need in America. Participating in this program separated her from her children. So
for several years, she slowly built a professional portfolio while her children waited for her in the
Philippines.
Driven by the dream of seeking greener pastures, Jenny arrived here in the U.S. in November of 1982.
Being an educator by heart, she continued being one here in the U.S. and taught at the Chicago
Community colleges.
Teaching at the college was rewarding on the part of Jenny as it was not only a profession but is also a
course for her in helping aspiring individuals who were unsure of pursuing their academic goals due to
meager means. She would encourage them by explaining that several funding options or scholarships
are available. Or that there are programs which will fit the individual’s situation so pursuing a career won’
t be a financial burden but a privilege.
With all sincerity, she would listen to every applicant, and at times her memory would race back taking
her to the past. Without a doubt, these applicants’ presence mirrors what her own life could have been-
if not for education. With words of encouragement, she would see eyes light up suddenly, as the future
does not look that bleak anymore. They are given a second chance for a better life.
Her lips pursed, Maria (not her real name) twiddles her fingers and uncomfortably scans the office,
looking for answers on a wall. Sitting on the chair, she feels the air-conditioner’s slow humming adding
to her discomfort. Maria, a single mother, is tired of her low-paying jobs and is searching for ways to
provide a better life for her child. In her search, she decides the unthinkable. She decides to go back to
school.
A gentle lady seating across the table asks Maria questions about Maria’s meager income and general
interests. “We can enroll you into the Nursing Aide program, Maria,” the lady says. “We can get you
funding from the WIA, so that you can concentrate on completing the program instead of worrying about
how to pay the tuition. Relax, we’ll take care of you.”
This scenario happens frequently at the Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology (NWHIT-
pronounced as “new-it.”) At its helm as President, Mrs. Jenita Julian drove the school with a servant’s
heart and an unwavering commitment to ensure that others receive that second chance.
After ten years of teaching at Chicago’s community Colleges another ten years engaging in venture
projects made Jenita realize that the community would benefit more from her by establishing a school of
her own.
Five years ago, Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology opened its doors to the underprivileged
community of Chicago’s north and west side. Today, NWIHT has graduated more than 3,500 students.
The school continues to produce more skilled allied health professionals. Its newest programs under
inception (Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and more) have been specifically designed to provide
better quality-of-work-life environments for the under privileged.
For the work she has done, Jenita has received numerous appreciations from Chicago’s civic leaders
and organizations. The recently concluded “City Colleges, Nursing Excellence Leadership” took notice of
NWIHT, as one the promising providers of allied health training in Chicago land. Her children, now in
their twenties and thirties, all have college education: and are very proud of their mother’s
accomplishments. One of them has established his own school, and another two are closely following
their mother’s footsteps.
Now in her sixties, Jenita keeps an “open-door” policy for her students. As president of the NWHIT, she
refuses to take the back seat in operating the school. She takes her mission “providing education with
compassion” very seriously. Nothing too small escapes her watchful eye. She notices the students who
have genuine desires to do better, be better and live better. Regardless of how small the students’
concerns are, she caters to their needs. Everyday, she reminds the "Colleges, Nursing Excellence
Leadership” took notice of NWIHT, as one the promising providers of allied health training in Chicago
land. Her children, now in their twenties and thirties, all have college education: and are very proud of
their mother’s accomplishments. One of them has established his own school, and another two are
closely following their mother’s footsteps.
Jenita is a mentor to all her students. She advises them to commit to the program as “Life will not wait for
you. You have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself.”
