NSSLHA Chapter Spotlight: Elmhurst University: Empowering Voices, Building Community

By Alia El-hindi, member of Elmhurst NSSLHA Chapter

At Elmhurst University, our NSSLHA chapter is more than an academic organization. It is a vibrant, student-led community of aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Our members are committed to advocacy, service, and professional growth. Our mission is to support students in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) by fostering leadership, cultural competence, and inclusive practices that reflect the diverse populations we aim to serve!  We strive to create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and outreach that prepare our members to become compassionate and effective clinicians.

This year, our chapter organized several impactful events that brought our values to life and strengthened our connection to the broader community:

•  Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: We hosted a culturally enriching NSSLHA meeting that highlighted the contributions of Hispanic communities to the field of communication sciences. Members shared personal stories, explored bilingual service delivery, and discussed the importance of cultural humility in clinical practice! 
• Bernie’s Book Bank Drive: Our chapter led a campus-wide initiative to collect children’s books for underserved communities. The drive encouraged students to reflect on literacy access and the role of early language exposure in long-term academic success.
•  York Literacy Project Volunteering: Several members volunteered weekly to support young children’s literacy development through interactive reading and phonological awareness activities. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while making a meaningful impact.
•  Graduate School Panel & Professional Development Workshops: We invited faculty to share insights on graduate applications, clinical placements, and career paths. These events helped demystify the transition from undergraduate studies to professional practice and empowered students to take ownership of their future.
•  Community Engagement & Service Promotion: Throughout the year, we promote a variety of volunteer opportunities. From working with individuals with disabilities to supporting multilingual families. Our goal is to reinforce our commitment to accessible and equitable communication services.

Being involved in NSSLHA has given our members a sense of purpose, belonging, and direction. It’s a space where we connect theory to practice, support one another’s growth, and advocate for inclusive and accessible care. For many, especially first-generation students and those from multilingual backgrounds, NSSLHA is a launchpad for leadership. It also develops lifelong learning, and community impact. It’s where we find our voice and learn how to help others find theirs.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done and excited to share our story with the ISHA community. Thank you for considering Elmhurst University for this Spotlight!