Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight: Alicia Brannon-Canario 1988

Alicia Brannon-Canario (GHS Class of 1988)

What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?

It's tough to narrow down some of my favorite memories from GHS because there were many! A few that come to mind are having Mr. Devore as a teacher, mentor and confidant and the comradare that came with being a part of succesful basketball and track teams. Mr. Devore helped me fill out college/scholarship applications and he believed in me at a time when it mattered the most. Many of my teammates for Streaks basketball and track became great friends of mine. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention how close the class of 1988 were and resulting friendships that still endure today. 

What did you do after graduating from GHS?

 

Right after high school, I attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign majoring in psychology. Upon graduation, I moved to Chicago to pursue my Master's degree in Human Resources from Loyola University. 

What has been your career?

I've been in the great city of Chicago since graduating from Loyola University. I've been fortunate to have an amazing career as an HR professional. I've held global HR leadership roles that allowed me to travel to incredible destinations such as Singapore, Japan, Germany, and China. Today I'm an HR Director for a global pharmaceutical company that makes plasma derived biotherapies for rare diseases. It's always been important for me to work for a company that makes a difference in the world.

What are you up to now?

I'm married to a wonderful, handsome man from Dominican Republic. We travel back there often and we're currently building our retirement home there. I'm the very proud aunt of 6 nieces and nephews who mean the world to me. I also recently started the most important role of my life which is acting President for the Faythe Marie Brannon Foundation. My family and I started the Foundation in honor of my late sister Faythe Brannon. She was a pioneer in the Chicago Public School computer science field for many years and the Foundation continues her legacy of educating and empowering the youth. 

What advice do you have for present day Streaks athletes?

My advice for today's Silver Streak athletes is to believe in yourself and strive to live a life that makes you feel good when you look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day. You are stronger than you think and you can in fact handle everything that comes your way. One of my favorite quotes is "Every day is a good day, but some days are better than others". I don't recall where the quote came from but it's a good reminder that every day on this earth is a true blessing even the tough days. 

Here is an earlier story on Alicia- click to read…

Alicia Brannon: Start of 20 Wins

Streaks Basketball Alums….

If you earned a varsity letter in girls or boys basketball at GHS- I would really like to include you in “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight.”  If you want to be included in the “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight,” simply answer the questions below. (Note- if you are a female who played varsity basketball in the 1970’s before GHS gave females varsity letters- please jump in!!) Either text or email your responses and pictures to addresses below. 

1- What year did you graduate?

2- What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?

3- What are a few of your favorite memories from GHS?

4- What did you do right after high school?

5- Where and what did you do for a career?

6- Share as much as you want of what you are doing now- still working, where are you, family, etc. 

7- What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?

If you have pictures from high school, send them OR I will get some pictures from yearbooks from when you were in school. Could you send me a picture of yourself or your family now? 

Simple either text me at 309-368-0008, or email me at emass70@yahoo.com