Student

Brandon Macak is a Parkland College Respiratory Care student, Class of 2026, and a standout emerging leader in the profession. He was honored as the 2025 Student of the Year and has represented Illinois as a student delegate to the AARC. Brandon is also featured in The Shift YouTube series, sharing real-world insight into the RT journey. Driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to patient care, he brings both passion and professionalism to every role he takes on.

Jason Ruiz is a respiratory care student at Malcolm X College, Class of 2026, where he serves as Senior Class President and brings steady leadership to his cohort. He is also the Vice President of the Jane Reynolds Respiratory Foundation, supporting initiatives that strengthen student success and community engagement. As an Illinois Student Delegate to the AARC House of Delegates, Jason represents Illinois with professionalism and passion, advocating for student involvement, career development, and the future of respiratory therapy.

Skylar Mackiewicz is a Parkland College Respiratory Care student, Class of 2026, and an active advocate for the future of the profession. As a student delegate to the AARC, she has represented Illinois with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong dedication to elevating student engagement. Skylar is known for her thoughtful leadership, positive energy, and commitment to growing as a clinician while uplifting her peers along the way.