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MAY/JUNE 2017
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Publisher + Founder
Kendra Chaplin kendra@chicago-woman.com
Director, Editorial & Brand Strategy
Jennifer Smith Tapp jennifer@chicago-woman.com
Director, Events & Engagement
Growth and Gratitude This June will mark two years since we launched Chicago Woman. We couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the incredible support we have received or for the fabulous women we have met and featured on our pages. To say that it has been a whirlwind is an understatement. Chicago Woman is growing in ways that will allow us to engage more deeply with our readers- through events that bring our editorial into real-time, honor female leaders in our city and have fun with our readers along the way. This month, come check out our “Toast To Summer” event at City Winery for wine tastings and summer travel inspiration. In June, we will host our first Brilliant Awards Luncheon, spotlighting women who are leading the way in business here in the city. We hope you will be able to join us for both! For this issue, we are excited to feature accomplished Chicago women in the world of STEM. It was fascinating to learn about their work and to hear their ideas on how to boost the ranks of women in this still maledominated field. We have also revealed the stunning results of our Mom Makeover, where we gave three deserving mothers a chance to hit the reset button and focus on themselves. We know you will love their new looks as much as we did! The best thing that mothers can do is to make time for themselves. We hope you take a moment this Mother’s Day (or any day, for that matter) to let the moms in your life know how much you appreciate them. Jennifer Smith Tapp Director, Editorial and Brand Strategy jennifer@chicago-woman.com
Andrea Metcalf andream@chicago-woman.com
Digital Editor
Rebecca Taras rebecca@chicago-woman.com
Associate Editors
Morgan Forst morgan@chicago-woman.com Jagie Daya jagie@chicago-woman.com
Contributing Style Editor
Katie Schuppler style@chicago-woman.com
Design Director
Travis Rothe travis@chicago-woman.com
Digital Manager
Molly Koeneman molly@chicago-woman.com
Account Executives
Kimmy Steinback kimmy@chicago-woman.com Diane Price diane@chicago-woman.com
Copy Editor Interns
Nikoleta Morales editor@chicago-woman.com Michele Behrens michelle@chicago-woman.com Courtney Mocklow courtney@chicago-woman.com Bailee Penski bailee@chicago-woman.com Marygrace Schumann marygrace@chicago-woman.com
Contributing Writers
Kate Barrata Catherine De Orio Lisa B. Frank Victoria Hilton Andrea Metcalf Whitney Reynolds K. Sujata Genevieve Thiers ON THE COVER: Katy Lynch, shot on location at Sine Qua Non salon in West Town by Jennifer Avello.
ADVERTISING sales@chicago-woman.com PR + EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS chicago-woman.com/editorial-submissions SOCIAL LIFE SUBMISSIONS chicago-woman.com/social-life EVENT POSTINGS chicago-woman.com/events/submit.html Copyright 2017 Chicago Woman, LLC. All rights reserved. Chicago Woman is published by Chicago Woman, LLC. Materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Chicago Woman.
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IN THIS ISSUE
30 WOMEN
IN STEM These Chicago women are making their marks in their respective STEM fields, but one thing is common amongst them all—the need for more women and the importance of empowering young girls to follow suit.
2017 48 THE MOM MAKEVER
26 MOVING PIECES 52 BRUNCH SPOTS FOR MOTHERS’ DAY Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
SUBSCRIBE! GET YOUR WEEKLY FIX VIA NEWSLETTER chicago-woman.com/ subscribe
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IN THIS ISSUE
GO | SEE | DO
13 15 16
CALENDAR CULTURE WATCH FIT PERFECT: WORKOUT BY PERSONALITY
17 18 25
5 BEST PLACES TO NETWORK SUMMER TRAVEL & STYLE RESTAURANTS FRESH & LOCAL
LIFE | STYLE
45 46 47
JEWELRY DESIGNER ALECIA TANK BERN OVERCOME NETWORKING ANXIETY
FAST TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
IN EACH ISSUE
4 10 12 28 38
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
8
LETTER FROM THE BOARD AMBASSADOR BOARD
CORRECTION In the Movers and Shakers feature in the last issue, Dominique Jordan Turner was misidentified in the photo caption. We regret the error.
SOCIAL | COMMUNITY
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WHITNEY REYNOLDS TALKS TO JENNIFER WISNIEWSKI, A LEG UP FOUNDATION SOCIAL LIFE BREAKING INTO THE BOYS CLUB: FEMINIST STARTUPS
MOVERS + SHAKERS: WOMEN TO WATCH VOICES Trifactive Dana Kurtz Laurie Barry, CFP Calamos Wealth Management Shauna Shaik Gemma Allen Reem Odeh Dr. Tiffany Jozwiak
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PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA PLECKO
FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD
EQUALING THE STEM FIELD by Genevieve Thiers
I
t’s 2017. Do we STILL need men in the boardroom to raise VC funding?
I will never forget when I did a roundtable of ten women CEOs to help 1871 launch a program for women in tech a few years ago. Among the more depressing things that were discussed was the fact that every single one of us had had to bring a man with us into VC meetings to get funded. It was not even an overt thing—it was just that we had all noticed that we were getting nowhere without a man at our side when we pitched VCs on the coasts. Ten powerful women CEOs, all in a circle, admitting overt bias and being powerless to stop it—it was infuriating. And even when we did bring a guy in, we were asked things like “Is he your boyfriend?” Apparently it was not enough he was simply there to satisfy their need for a male presence.
The overwhelming majority of VCs are men. And still most rooms of tech companies are overwhelmingly male. America is having trouble looking at female leaders— especially in tech—and giving us the reins. It appears hardwired in us to question women more around leadership, as the last election showed us. Beyond this, women slam into walls around the time of raising a series “A” because many men don’t understand the companies we might build for women. Who understands the need for a good nanny if you have someone else arranging care for the kids? How can you understand the need for a vintage fashion company when you wear khakis and the same T-shirt every day? The bubbling spring behind all these current issues is a broken pipeline. Traditionally, men have been given computers as presents while they grow up, while girls are given Barbies. Those Barbies taught us more than you might think: We learned that we’re supposed to please everyone, maintain an average body weight, run the house, feed the kids, tend to every detail, and smile a lot. Or…we can focus on STEM. The surge in STEM training for girls is the one lifeline we have to hang onto right now; in tech, science, math and engineering. How about we simply tell her that what matters is what she thinks about something? That what is really important is what she builds? That her brain matters more than a vapid smile. That her leadership will take the world forward and drowning her in details will waste her brain. Someday there will be a scenario where a woman walks into a room, shows the blueprints for something that she is building, and walks out without someone in the room once thinking that she might be better off if HE were helping her. In that scenario, at least half of the people she is pitching are women. What can get us there? A continued focus on STEM education for women, and an unrelenting fight against the stereotypes that continue to define us even in 2017. This issue of Chicago Woman highlights several women in STEM in Chicago, talking about their work and what it takes to attract more women and girls to these fields. cw
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EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL BOARD Laurel Bellows Principal, Bellows Law Group, and Past President, American Bar Association Kate Bensen CEO, The Chicago Network Terri Brax CEO, Women Tech Founders, and CEO, TeacherCare Emilia DiMenco CEO, Women’s Business Development Center Ana Dutra CEO, Executives’ Club of Chicago Luisa Echevarria Director, Community Relations, Univision Kathleen Henson CEO, Henson Consulting Kathy Herbert Business Consultant and Investor Erica Kane General Manager, Reserve Dorri McWhorter CEO, YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago Amanda Signorelli CEO, Techweek Julie Smolyansky CEO, Lifeway Foods Dr. Lauren Streicher Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Director Northwestern Center for Sexual Health and Menopause Joycelyn Winnecke President, JWinnecke Advisors LLC Genevieve Thiers Founder, Sittercity.com
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Meet Our Tribe On Chicago Woman’s journey to bring women together as “the voice” for Chicago women, we have gotten to know some amazing individuals that share our mission to empower, inform, support and inspire women. These are the visionaries, movers and shakers, trendsetters and leaders that Chicago Woman is honored to call our community. We are proud to have them serve as our Ambassador Board.
DASHA GUYTON RYAN BESHEL Principal/Creative Director for SIX4 Creative and Co-Founder/Photographer for DEKA Productions
Lifestyle blogger and stylist
JULIE HIGHTOWER Host, A Better Day with Julie
AMANDA BOLEYN Host of She Did It Her Way podcast
ANDREA METCALF Fitness expert
SHRUTHI REDDY
REBECCA BORGES Local president of FemCity and landscape designer
Founder and CEO, Reddy Set Yoga
KATIE SCHUPPLER
BECKY CARROLL President and CEO, C-Strategies.
Personal Style Consultant and Style Blogger
MARC J. SIEVERS LAUREN COHN Veteran TV News Anchor/ Reporter and Radio Host
LISA B. FRANK CEO, LBF Recruitment Strategies
BELA GANDHI President, Smart Dating Academy,
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Cookbook author and entertaining expert
MIKA STAMBAUGH Vice President, C-Strategies.
MAISHA WYNN Lifestyle specialist and inspirational author
GO | SEE | DO
CALENDAR May 18, 2017 A Toast to Summer
June 13, 2017 2017 Brilliant Awards
City Winery hosts an evening of wine tasting, travel inspiration, and summer style while networking and making valuable connections. Tickets are $20. City Winery, 1200 West Randolph
Chicago Woman magazine honorsseven remarkable female business leaders in Chicago women whose accomplishments and leadership are building Chicago. Tickets are $65. 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., chicago-woman.com/2017-brilliant-awards
Street, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., chicago-woman.com/ summer-toast
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY/JUNE 2017 CHICAGO BEER CLASSIC May 6, 2017—Enjoy a full day of beer from 80 participating local, national, and international breweries at the Chicago Beer Classic. Attendees will receive 48 two-ounce samples. The event will include interactive opportunities to understand the process of making beer. General admission is $80. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Soldier Field, 1410 South Museum Campus Drive, chicagobeerclassic.com.
LUNCHEON WITH KRISTIE PASKVAN May 10, 2017—The Professional Women’s Club of Chicago will be hosting a luncheon with Kristie Paskvan, Chief Financial Officer of Mesirow Financial, as the keynote speaker. Her discussion will be titled “Leveraging Your Network.” 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, pwcc.org.
THE WOMAN’S BOARD OF RUSH UNIVERSITY 23RD ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON May 11, 2017—The Annual Spring Luncheon will feature motivational speaker and popular CNN analyst Mel Robbins, whose TEDxTalks have been viewed over 10 million times across 37 countries. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, thewomansboard.org.
A LOST CHAPTER OF HOLOCAUST HISTORY: A UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM EVENT May 16, 2017–Sponsored by Chicago’s Next Generation board, this event features a discussion with Father Patrick Desbois who will be interviewed by Holocaust scholar, Suzanne Brown Fleming. The event supports education and anti-bullying organizations. Tickets are $125. 6:30 p.m., Venue One, 144 West Randolph Street.
CWIP PUBLISHING FAIR May 17, 2017—Chicago Women in Publishing will be hosting their annual publishing fair in The Loop. This is an opportunity to network with professional publishers, authors, editors and agents. 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Congress Lounge at Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, cwip.org.
ZOO-OLOGIE May 20, 2017—Lincoln Park’s annual fundraising event will feature cocktails, live music, and animal encounters. Proceeds go toward keeping the zoo free all year-round. Tickets start at $135. 8:00 p.m., Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark Street, zoo-ologie.org.
ONE MILLION DEGREES WINE TASTING BENEFIT June 2, 2017—One Million Degrees serves hundreds of low-income community college scholars across Chicago and propel them into the workforce. Celebrate a decade of impact with wine tasting and seated diner. Tickets start at $500. 6:00 p.m., Morgan Manufacturing, 401 North Morgan Street, onemilliondegrees.org.
57TH STREET ART FAIR PERFORMANCE AT 2016 RITA HAYWORTH GALA
THE 30TH ANNUAL ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CHICAGO RITA HAYWORTH GALA May 13, 2017—This annual spring black tie event attracts more than 800 guests and includes a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, program, auctions and live music by Orchestra 33. This year’s theme “The Big Picture” illustrates more than 210,000 residents from Illinois and the five million Americans who are living with the disease. 6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, alz.org/galas/Chicago.
SHARE YOUR EVENTS WITH US AT CHICAGO-WOMAN.COM/EVENTS
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June 3-4, 2017—The oldest craft fair in Hyde Park will feature paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry made by local and national artists available to buy. Attendees will be able to observe the creative process of artists in the artist work area. 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Hyde Park, 56th and 57th and Kimbark Streets, 57thstreetartfair.org.
LUNCHEON WITH KRISTI ROSS
SABRINA ZHOU, ARTIST AT 57TH STREET ART FAIR
June 14, 2017—The Professional Women’s Club of Chicago will be hosting a luncheon with Kristi Ross, CEO of Dough Inc., as the keynote speaker. Her discussion will be titled “Opportunity is All Around You…Pay Attention.” 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, pwcc.org.
GO | SEE | DO
CULTURE WATCH THE CHICAGO SINFONIETTA PRESENTS “RIGHTNESS IN THE RHYTHM” May 12 and May 16, 2017—The Chicago Sinfonietta will be ending its 2016-17 season with their final concert of the year, “Rightness in the Rhythm.” This program will celebrate 100 years of symphony and jazz from Ragtime to Broadway and will feature the Marcus Roberts jazz trio. Music will be led by Mei-Ann Chen. Tickets range from $18–$99 with discount tickets available for students. May 12 at 8p.m.–Wentz Concert Hall, 171 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville and May 13 at 7:30p.m.–Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, chicagosinfonietta.org.
KING LIZ
CHICAGO CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL
Begins May 24, 2017—In the fast-paced, cut-throat world of sports agents, Liz is not letting anyone discount her skill—and most certainly not because of her race or her sex. But when a volatile young client steps way out of line, “King Liz” may finally have met her match. Tickets start at $15. Windy City Playhouse, 3014 West Irving Park Road, windycityplayhouse.com.
May 12-18, 2017—The Chicago Critics Film Association will be throwing its 6th annual film festival allowing the public the chance to watch unreleased films. You can catch this year’s hottest movies before they are widely released. Individual screening tickets start at$12. Music Box Theater, 3733 North Southport Avenue, chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com.
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WORKOUTS BY PERSONALITY by Andrea Metcalf
Time to peel off the sweaters and leggings and show some skin! It’s that time of year to eat a bit healthier and start moving. Looking for ideas to shape up this season? Here are 5 picks to suit your fancy.
THE WINE AFICIONADO The perfect ending to the week is Friday Night Flow Yoga at Fly Girl Fitness but every 3rd Friday night is WINE-ilates which combines Pilates with Wine. flygirldance.com.
THE INTROVERT If classes don’t fit your schedule, hire a personal trainer. My picks? Chitown Trainer and Lisa Payne Fitness can help. Both provide convenient fitness instruction in your home or outdoors. It’s summer, get out there! info@chitowntrainer.com and lisapaynefitness.com.
THE ADVENTURE SEEKER Take a board out of water and float it on bubbles to create a unique Surfset workout as seen on Shark Tank. Hang 5 Fitness studio offers Surf Yoga, Surf Blend and Float Pilates classes now in Lincoln Park. Catch a wave and find your balance. hang5Fitness.com THE FIERCELY FIT Try Warrior classes. This circuit style workout will test the limit of your strength, endurance, balance, agility utilizing weights, battle ropes, sandbags, medicine balls, kettlebells and more. enrgifitness.com.
THE NATURE LOVER Check out the Rooftop Workout series at Mariano’s with a cast of your favorite instructors like Jen Hogg and Kym Raya and you won’t want to miss the Silent Yoga DJ Tour. Pumping beats, the best yoga gurus Chicago has to offer and neon headsets lighting up your mornings hitting Chicago’s wide open spaces and aboard yachts in the water. healthinspirdevents.com. 16
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GO | SEE | DO
Chicago Classics 5 N E T W O R K I N G M A I N S TAY S If you are like us, you never let a prime networking opportunity pass you by—and being in the right place at the right time is important. Here are five private clubs downtown that are perfect for making connections. UNION LEAGUE CLUB 65 West Jackson Boulevard THE METROPOLITAN CLUB 233 South Wacker Drive WOMAN’S ATHLETIC CLUB 626 North Michigan Avenue THE ARTS CLUB OF CHICAGO 201 East Ontario Street THE CLIFF DWELLERS CLUB 200 South Michigan Avenue
“The Union League Club of Chicago has been essential in my growth both personally and professionally. Not only have I expanded my professional network and developed lifelong relationships, but I met my husband at the Club, had my wedding there and continue to host milestone moments at what has become my home away from home.” — KIMBERLY PALMISANO, ULCC BOARD MEMBER AND PRESIDENT OF LUMINARTS CULTURAL FOUNDATION AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO
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SUMMER TRAVEL GO | SEE | DO
european escape Sometimes you need to go far away to unwind. Hop a plane and cross the pond. Whether its sipping an espresso in a piazza or exploring countryside castles, getting a dose of foreign culture can be the perfect way to enjoy your summer. TACKLE JET LAG Be sure to take an eye mask in your carry on. Plenty of rest and water will help you get to your destination ready to take on vacation and help you adjust to the time change on your return home to reality. F1 EYE MASKS, several prints to choose from, $16, flight101.com
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Chic and fabulous is what we think when traveling to Europe. Pair sassy heels with a sequin dress for a night out on the town for dinner and dancing. DRESS Monique Boutique, $290 SHOES Ann Taylor, $148 EARRINGS Kavador, $1,590 HANDBAG Jimmy Choo, $895
HOTEL AMIGO, BRUSSELS
Located in the heart of Brussels, the Hotel Amigo is next to the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Fans of cartoonist Hergés can book a room with his prints. For foodies there are many activities such as chocolate making classes, Michelin star restaurants and the Brussels Beer Project.
PORTO, PORTUGAL
Visit one of the world’s oldest wine regions. The belle époque Majestic Café and Lello bookshop are mustsees. Take the Linha do Douro train, which follows much of the river valley into the terraced vineyards. Stay at the Intercontinental Palacio Das Cardosas with its wellness center.
INTIMATE CROATIAN SAILING
Sail across the Adriatic to Croatia on board SeaDream’s intimate ships. Visit Split with its rich history, Hvar which is similar to Saint-Tropez and Dubrovnik with its walled city. Request the ship’s crew to prepare the Balinese Dream Beds on the top deck for sleeping under the stars.
For more ideas and complimentary amenities for your perfect trip, visit KathrynTheodoreTravel.com. 18
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SPONS OR ED C ONTE NT
INSPIRED TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS
SUMMER TRAVEL GO | SEE | DO
caribbean queen If the shores of Lake Michigan are not enough, jet off to paradise. Off-season pricing can be a steal!
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Living in the midwest we tend to daydream about a tropical paradise trip. A romper is super easy to throw on for a stroll on the beach or after a day in the sun over your suit. Accessorizing in the sunshine is the latest trend so slip on a comfy wedge and a simple necklace to complete your beachy look. ROMPER Suki & Solaine, $198 SHOES Sperry, $89.85 CLUTCH Jimmy Choo, $2,350 NECKLACE Kendra Scott, $120
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT! If you are traveling internationally, did you know that your passport must be valid for a full six months after your trip? Remember to check the expiration date well in advance!
SPONS OR ED C ONTE NT
INSPIRED TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer a ton to do. Among the most unique offerings are a visit to the Crystal Caves, diving to see bioluminescent coral, and a hike to a two million year old preserve. Eat at Calico Jack’s during a full moon party! Stay at Le Soleil d’Or on Cayman Brac.
FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA RESORTS
Among his resorts are three in Belize. Turtle Inn combines natural wonders with luxury amenities at this beachfront resort. Blancaneaux Lodge is a secluded mountain retreat perfect for visiting hidden Mayan cities. Coral Caye is a secluded island resort behind the Belize Barrier Reef. Enjoy one or all three!
PUERTO RICAN DINING
Culinary exploration is hot on this island. El Departamento is half produce market, half restaurant. Marmalade offers four to 15 course tasting menus. Eat at Vongerichten’s Fern located at St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort–a great place to stay as well. Don’t forget to visit the rain forest El Yunque!
For more Caribbean paradise ideas and complimentary amenities, visit KathrynTheodoreTravel.com. MAY /JUN E 2017
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SUMMER TRAVEL GO | SEE | DO
all-american road trip The quintessential summer vacation used to be packing the kids up in the station wagon and heading on an all-American road trip. Whether or not you choose to get behind the wheel or book a flight, visiting new-toyou parts of our country could be your big summer adventure!
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APP-SOLUTELY! Before you hit the road make sure to download a few handy apps for your trip. Roadtrippers not only serves as a trip planner, but it will also tell you interesting destinations along your route! As you traverse unknown highways, GasBuddy will show where the closest gas station is and compare prices. In case of an emergency, have RepairPal downloaded—it will help you find the nearest mechanic to get you moving again.
When you hit the road, you want be cute and comfy. We love this denim jumpsuit—just add a pop of color with a chic scarf and clutch. Finish it off with easy sneakers. CLUTCH Louise & Eleanor, $148 SCARF Diya, $39
JUMPSUIT Current Elliott, $278. SHOES Keds, $46.95 DITA SPACECRAFT GLASSES Halsted Eye Boutique, $525
AMERICAN SAFARI
Ted Turner Expeditions’ goal is ecotourism and conservation. Vermejo Park Ranch’s guides help guests learn about wildlife. Ladder Ranch has 520,000 acres to explore. Sierra Grande Lodge is built on a geothermal hot spring. Prospect for dinosaur bones, birdwatching or stargaze at these New Mexico properties.
VIRGINIA HORSE COUNTRY
Drive to Middleburg from Dulles stopping at historic Civil War sites. Visit Middleburg and 50 wineries within an hour’s drive. Pack a picnic and watch twilight polo. Stay at Salamander Resort with 340 rolling acres perfect for horseback riding. Also enjoy ziplining, cooking classes and exquisite dining in the area.
NAPA
Farmhouse Inn just south of Healdsburg is a perfect base to explore Napa. Their concierge will plan your visit to the Inn’s 12 winery partners who will offer complimentary VIP experiences. The hotel’s sommelier is even available for a day tour. The Inn has six concierges who will share their secret favorites.
For more great road trip ideas and complimentary amenities, visit KathrynTheodoreTravel.com. 20
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S PONSORE D CONTENT
INSPIRED TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS
SUMMER TRAVEL GO | SEE | DO
midwest weekend L E V A TR N STYLE I ER
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Quick getaways within a few hours of Chicago are likely to be on your summer itinerary. Whether it’s a lake or urban destination, there is no shortage of places to go. THE PERFECT BAG! They aren’t called “weekenders” for no reason. These small duffle bags are just the perfect size to pack up and go for a few days.
Pack up and head to the lake for a little R&R with this flowy dress accessorized with a gorgeous scarf and a picture perfect hat. This outfit is the perfect combination for a relaxing weekend at your favorite local vacation spot. SHOES Teva, $100 SCARF India Hicks, $58 HAT Bloomingdale’s, $190 DRESS M2057 by Maria Pinto, $385
‘CASSIDY’ FAUX LEATHER DUFFEL BAG, nordstrom.com, $70
S PONSORE D CONTENT
INSPIRED TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS BIG CEDAR LODGE, MISSOURI
“There’s so much to do or nothing to do, depending on how you like it.” Perched high in the Ozark Mountains and overlooking Table Rock Lake, this lodge has the feel of a wilderness retreat with luxurious amenities. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, biking, golf, fishing or nothing at all!
CANOE BAY, WISCONSIN
This romantic hideaway on the banks of a pristine lake offers a feel of being one with nature. Envision Prairie-style cottages designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright protégé, breakfast brought to your bedside or a private meal in the resort’s wine cellar.
DETROIT MICHIGAN
Once a symbol of urban ruin, Detroit is embarking on a resurgence. Take the People Mover for a one-way loop through the heart of the city then visit the Renaissance Center with its Wintergarden and Riverwalk. The Motown Museum, casinos and sports stadiums are within walking distance of Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.
For more getaways from Chicago and complimentary amenities, visit KathrynTheodoreTravel.com. MAY /JUN E 2017
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SUMMER TRAVEL GO | SEE | DO
spacation One of the hottest trends in travel are vacations that couple healthy activities with wellness and beauty treatments. Vacation should be spent relaxing so you return your hustle and bustle of every day life Keep your wardrobe relaxed completely renewed for your spa retreat. Go for and re-energized! natural fabrics like cotton
L E V A TR N STYLE I
ESSENTIAL MOOD MAKERS Be sure to throw a scented candle or essential oil spray in your bag. They will keep the relaxation aura going once you’ve left the treatment room in your hotel room.
and linen that breathe to keep your chill vibe all spa-cation long. BAZAAR WIDELEG PANT Anthropologie, $118 FRENCH SAILOR SHIRT L.L. Bean, $35 ROSE QUARTZ BEADED BRACELET Johnlewis.com, $82 DITA STORMY GLASSES Halsted Eye Boutique, $550
WILD ROSE SOY CANDLE IN VINTAGE CARNATION GLASS miltonandmargies.com, $22
VEGAN CORK TOTE Corkor, $211 FRYE MIRANDA GLADIATOR Zappos.com, $228
BODY HOLIDAY, SAINT LUCIA
This all-inclusive resort is personalized to each visitor. Design a program around yoga, a weight loss goal or overcoming limitations among others. It is set on a secluded white-sand cove with cuisine from its organic garden and a daily spa treatment. This is the ultimate getaway for body and mind.
RANCHO LA PUERTA, MEXICO
Stay in this gorgeously landscaped destination spa which started the wellness craze. Set in the shadow of Baja California’s Mt. Kuchumaa, enjoy guided hikes, yoga, fitness classes, lectures, cooking demos, all meals, local transportation, and a stay in a lovely casita.
LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT, TEXAS This resort offers the sanctuary of a world-class spa and the warmth of a best friend’s lake house with 40 thoughtfully appointed rooms. Enjoy 100+ spa treatments, water activities on Lake Austin, fitness classes and gourmet meals. Author talks and special guest instructor classes are also included.
For more great spa destinations and complimentary amenities, visit KathrynTheodoreTravel.com 22
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SPONS OR ED C ONTE NT
INSPIRED TRAVEL TIPS AND DESTINATIONS
l a c o L p o h S GOLD COAST
LONDO MONDO 1100 N. Dearborn Chicago, IL 60610 312-751-2794 www.londomondo.com
OLD TOWN
SARA JANE 1343 N. Wells Chicago, IL 60610 312-335-1962 www.shopsarajane.com
WEST LOOP
TRIBECA 1035 W. Madison Chicago, IL 60607 312-492-9373 www.shopattribeca.com
wine style travel
A TOAST TO SUMMER
THURSDAY, MAY 18 5:30–7:30 TICKETS $25 CITY WINERY 1200 WEST RANDOLPH CHICAGO-WOMAN.COM/TOAST-SUMMER
WOMAN chicago-woman.com
>>PUBLISHER’S GO || DO GO || SEE SEENOTE DO
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ith warmer weather taking hold and lighter fare on the menu, eating healthy, locally-sourced food is easy. More than just a fleeting trend, chefs are turning to area farmers to stock their kitchens. The more we eat locally, the more local food will be available in our favorite restaurants. There are over 150 restaurants in the area who support our regional food system by sourcing their ingredients from places like Green City Market. Take a look at our list of notable spots with female chefs or chef-owners. cw
LOCAL, FRESH & FEMALE HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN 3361 North Elston Avenue, honeybutter.com. STOCK CAFÉ 1427 West Willow Street #2, localfoods.com/cafe.com MONTEVERDE 1020 West Madison Street, monteverdechicago.com. PARACHUTE 3500 North Elston Avenue, parachuterestaurant.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chicago has over 800 growing sites dedicated to urban farming.
FLORIOLE 1220 West Webster Avenue, floriole.com. GIRL & THE GOAT 809 West Randolph Street, girlandthegoat.com.
SOURCE: CHICAGO URBAN AGRICULTURE MAPPING PROJECT
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INTERVIEW
MOVING PIECES ANNABELLE LOPEZ OCHOA
Ahead of the premiere of Global Visionaries at the Joffrey Ballet, the only female choreographer featured in the program, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, talks to Chicago Woman about her love of dance and channeling a Hitchcock classic for the stage. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN DANCE DEVELOP? When I was young GLOBAL VISIONARIES RUNS APRIL 26-MAY 7TH AT THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT JOFFREY.ORG. I was a tomboy so one day my mother decided to send me to ballet to work on my posture and femininity. As much as I despised all the exercising I couldn’t help your creativity. I have a lot of admiration for being fascinated by the power of movement and these women choreographers who found a way to how one could tell a story without words. Since balance both. Kudos to them. that day I was hooked and entered the Royal Ballet HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MAMMATUS, School of Flanders. I started choreographing at YOUR PIECE IN GLOBAL VISIONARIES? the age of 11 and never stopped. With each piece Mammatus is a surrealistic take on the Hitchcock I try to tell a story. movie The Birds. A few years ago I was myself attacked by a crow. It was a scary and surreal CONSIDERING THE HIGH PERCENTAGE experience. I learned later that the crows were OF FEMALE DANCERS, WHY DO YOU THINK hatching and therefore protecting their offspring. SO FEW OF THEM HAVE CAREERS AS It made me realize that the instinct of animals CHOREOGRAPHERS? Female classical dancers is at times a powerful and violent energy. For are trained to enter a company and fit right into Mammatus I imagined a crop of black birds living the corps de ballet. Their focus is to climb the on a tree that rises above the clouds. ranks to one day become a principal dancer, which is ultimately the muse of a choreographer. Once at WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INSPIRED that point and with the big question of motherhood, YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER? Pina Bausch the timing of following the path of creativity delves into the psychology of human beings with doesn’t seem a possible or even sensible path. all its flaws and beauty. Her work is so honest and Choreography is basically the opposite of fitting straightforward. I love the fact that her art is not in, and it is the opposite of a secure base and life. merely decorative but a tool to portray society and You constantly go where the adventures titillate its inhabitants.cw
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VOICES MOVERS + SHAKERS
KATHRYN PISCO FOUNDER, UNEARTH THE WORLD After Kathryn Pisco spent nine months volunteering in 20 countries, the idea for Unearth the World was born. As a voluntourism organization, Unearth the World helps plan high-impact international exchange and volunteer opportunities with nonprofit partners in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Zambia. Each organization addresses a different issue within their community, from education to food security to sustainable housing.
KATHRYN PISCO
Where did you discover your passion for the volunteer travel industry? During our nine-month trip, the volunteer projects were the most impactful part. But we learned that some organizations do it better than others—some had no financial transparency, very little training for volunteers, and very little consideration for the local community. We wanted to change all of that. Also, many of the communities we work with have different mindsets or value systems around gender roles and identities, so it’s been powerful to work in Latin America as a woman founder of a business. Almost all of our nonprofit partners are founded and run by women. What inspires you? I love the personal interaction and community that volunteering builds. I get so much inspiration from working with awesome, open-minded, adventurous people every day. Especially in today’s political climate where stripping each other down in a negative way is so prevalent.
ERIKA GILCHRIST
ERIKA GILCHRIST FOUNDER, WOMEN THRIVING FEARLESSLY Women Thriving Fearlessly! (WTF) is the perfect blend of Erika Gilchrist’s serious passion and lighthearted, down-to-earth spirit. Starting as web show featuring women with incredible stories, WTF is taking it to the next level in 2017 with a book series that will feature more than 100 female authors sharing the stories of their lives. She published Volume 1 in 2016. Then, the WTF Expo in May 2018 will feature all of the authors as well as their businesses or social causes.
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Publishing more than 100 authors is no small feat—what inspired this huge undertaking? It’s multi-faceted: the election, my observation of the oppression of women globally. Also, I needed a response to the women who approach me after I speak and say, “Your story really touched me; I have a story, too.” I needed to be able to tell them, “What you just said is going to help a whole bunch of people, and here’s how you’re going to do it.”
MOVERS + SHAKERS VOICES
FLORENCE ANN ROMANO CEO, ORIGINAL SIX MEDIA
FLORENCE ANN ROMANO
What do Windy City Nanny and Original Six have in common? Their common thread is that both are creative, educational, thematic and relevant to today. I feel that’s how I live my life—I like to communicate whatever is the most authentic thing.
BEST ADVICE FLORENCE ANN ROMANO
How to differentiate between a weakness and something that just doesn’t come natural.
Just because I don’t instinctively know how to do something, that doesn’t mean I’m not capable of doing it. What is the significance of a project like this? We’ve been through a tumultuous season in our country. It was an awakening for many people. There’s been a huge gap in communication and cultural understanding, and I think that if more people decided to be vulnerable and share their stories, it would close the gap and build the bridge. .
About three years ago, Florence Ann Romano took Original Six Media, a struggling amateur video production company, and transformed it into the thriving digital content media company by connecting with viewers through high-quality storytelling and video production. Florence also published her first children’s book, Nanny and Me, around the same time she started Original Six to help little ones understand the transition of care from parents to a nanny.
What was the first step to transforming Original Six, which was originally owned by your father? I saw that there was a problem here with leadership and identity. Coming into a business like this without a business background, I tend to excel more in emotional intelligence. I needed to know what I didn’t know and that meant getting an education that was going to help me be more confident in my position. First, I hired a business coach, and we went through a business bootcamp. I will be 100 percent honest—I think I cried every day, but I knew we needed to figure out who we were and how we were going to best serve our customer. It took me getting comfortable with being uncomfortable to run this company successfully. cw
You must have an amazing network. What is your best piece of advice for those looking to expand theirs? First, I decide what I want the network to do for me, and what I can do for that network. Then, I show up. Be proactive and tell people what you’re looking for. Ask people what they want and give it to them. cw
Kate Baratta is a Chicago wrtier and blogger. Read the full stories about movers and shakers at peoplewithpanache.com
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THE LIST WOMEN IN STEM
WOMEN IN
STEM
Whether through the hard sciences, technology or medicine, Chicago women have made their mark in the world of STEM. We talked to some notable names in the field about their work and why the industry needs to do a better job attracting and retaining women in this important space. by Jennifer Smith Tapp
women STEM FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Cayla Weisberg, InvestHer Ventures; Feyi Olopade Ayodele, CancerIQ; Katy Lynch, CodeVerse. Wardrobe provided by Maria Pinto. Shot by on location at Sine Qua Non in West Town by Jennifer Avello. 30
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WOMEN IN STEM THE LIST
katy lynch ENTREPRENEUR, CO-FOUNDER, CODEVERSE CAN YOU TALK A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOUR TECH CAREER DEVELOPED?
I was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland and moved to America when I was 12 years old. I went back to the UK when I was 18 to attend university, and then moved back stateside in 2007. Although I was fascinated by gadgets as a young girl, I never thought I’d end up in tech. I serendipitously stumbled into it when I took a job at travel startup Where I’ve Been, where I managed the company’s marketing efforts for a couple years. This was also when I met my husband, Craig Ulliott. He’s the best and brightest businessman and technologist I know. When he sold Where I’ve Been to TripAdvisor in 2010, he encouraged me to start my own marketing agency, SocialKaty, where I helped other tech companies with their marketing campaigns. WHAT IS IT ABOUT CHICAGO THAT MAKES IT SUCH AN IMPORTANT CITY FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AND FOR TECH STARTUPS, SPECIFICALLY?
Chicago is a wonderful place to start a company. We are so fortunate to live in a city where there are so many resources for all entrepreneurs. We have incubators and accelerators, great VC firms, beautiful co-working spaces, a strong tech media presence, notable women-in-tech initiatives, large technology conferences and plentiful award shows–and that’s just to name a few! Chicago is also a very diverse, friendly and welcoming city. Everyone is willing to help each other out, which I’ve found to be incredibly heartening, motivating and encouraging. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A FEMALE EXECUTIVE IN THE TECH SPACE, AN ARENA THAT IS FAMOUSLY DOMINATED BY MEN?
I’ve had nothing but fantastic experiences. Sure, when I first moved here a decade ago, there were not many women-owned startups, initiatives, or even events specifically for women. However, there were enough resources for entrepreneurs—such as the ITA, Social Media Club, and BuiltIn Chicago— that it wasn’t difficult to gain a stronghold in the space by taking advantage of them all. The truth is, regardless of gender, entrepreneurship is extremely hard. You have to work tirelessly, do your research and utilize the tools and resources that exist, as well as continuously network with individuals who will help you achieve your business goals.
DESCRIBE THE STORY BEHIND THE LAUNCH OF YOUR NEW PROJECT, CODEVERSE. WITH EXISTING PROGRAMS THAT ARE TEACHING CHILDREN TO CODE, HOW WILL YOUR NEW COMPANY STAND OUT AND REACH MORE CHILDREN?
While I was the CEO of Techweek, I hosted and moderated a panel at Techweek LA geared towards getting more girls into STEM. After the event, I felt inspired, and my husband and I spent months researching educational tools and sites that exist to get kids into coding. Although there are a lot of toys, games and sites that get kids excited about programming, there is nothing specifically designed for young children that truly teaches them how to easily build apps and games by typing real code. What our team has built is a vertically integrated education technology platform and coding school for kids ages 6-12, called Codeverse. There are a few things that make Codeverse very different from what exists already. First and foremost, we’ve designed and developed a programming language called KidScript that is exclusively for children. We took the core concepts of all other programming languages and invented a super kid-friendly syntax that gets children excited. They forget what they’re doing is challenging their thinking and preparing them for their future careers in an increasingly technologically advanced society. With Codeverse, we’re also building coding schools—stunning, state-of-the-art facilities where children will not only learn to code, but interact with tech gadgets and other objects within the space through the power (and fun!) of coding. Because of the way KidScript is designed, the Codeverse schools become interactive studios for children to program the objects within them such as robotic arms, drones, lights, speakers, fog machines, and more. The first Codeverse studio is opening in Lincoln Park this July. WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INSPIRED YOU, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
There is really only one woman who has inspired me to do great things with my life. That person is my mum. She passed away in 2011 from pancreatic cancer, the same deadly disease that took Steve Jobs. She was a big believer in me and always my #1 fan. She is the woman who encouraged me to always be myself and pursue what makes me truly happy.
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THE LIST WOMEN IN STEM
cayla weisberg & gerry kahnweiler PARTNERS, INVESTHER VENTURES WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND INVESTHER VENTURES?
With a mutual passion for supporting strong female leaders, and a love for innovative technology solutions, InvestHER was born with my partner Gerry Kahnweiler. Our mission was ignited due to the massive funding disparity between female founders and their male counterparts. Instead of talking about the barriers women face, our mission was to take action by breaking them down, providing female entrepreneurs with a non-threatening destination to seek business feedback and capital. DESCRIBE THE CLIMATE FOR TECH STARTUPS AT THE MOMENT. WHY IS CHICAGO AN IDEAL PLACE FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS? Female tech founders are no longer an anomaly in Chicago, and neither is women in venture capital. Since April 2016, InvestHER Ventures has connected with 163 (and counting) women-led companies based in Chicagoland and we are noticing prominent funds diversifying their investment teams. Expanding to include women on both sides of the startup spectrum is crucial, providing greater access to capital for founders while helping remove funders’ unconscious gender bias. WHY IS THERE A DISPARITY OF FUNDING FOR WOMEN-LED STARTUPS WHEN IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT COMPANIES BENEFIT FROM WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES?
Without connections to investors or tech leaders with a track record of exits, it’s much harder for women to break into the right network—especially when the startup community is still predominantly male-dominated. At InvestHER, we equip founders with “table stakes:” the knowledge, counsel and acumen to enter the startup game prepared to win. WHAT SHOULD AN ASPIRING FEMALE FOUNDER KEEP IN MIND AHEAD OF A MEETING WITH A POTENTIAL INVESTOR?
Be prepared and show confidence, because female founders ARE the pacesetters! Remember that investors are looking for companies that will generate a return, and research shows that female founders generate over six percent higher revenues, and more likely to achieve profitability or exit than their male run counterparts. It’s also important to ask about how the investor interacts with their portfolio to get a better idea of what the future partnership looks like. cw
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feyi olopade ayodele CEO, CANCERIQ, INC WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE LAUNCH OF CANCER IQ?
While talking with my mother, Dr. Funmi Olopade, who happens to be a renowned oncologist at the University of Chicago (This past March, Dr. Olopade was honored at Chicago Woman’s International Women Leaders luncheon), I realized at my position at McKinsey & Company that I was judging and investing in companies without any real healthcare or entrepreneur experience myself. A few months later I decided to take a sabbatical and work as a project manager working to expand the University of Chicago’s community-based hospital services and saw the disparity of care levels. While the community hospitals see a lot more patients, they simply can’t offer the same quality of care, especially when it came to predictable hereditary cancers. In 2013, instead of going back to McKinsey, I started CancerIQ with my co-founder Haibo Lu, to make it easier for all practices to predict their patient’s risk of getting cancer, based on their genetics. CANCER SEEMS TO TOUCH EVERYONE IN SOME WAY— WHAT WILL CANCERIQ IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES? Many doctors are unaware of the risk factors for cancer and don’t have the time or resources to screen their patients properly. Just calculating someone’s risk requires the doctor to collect multiple data points and math that physicians simply cannot do on the fly. Because it’s so time-consuming and data intensive, your typical doctor would need to hire a fulltime staff member to offer this service. Most doctors skip the process altogether or refer patients away to a specialist with long waiting lists. Because of this, people are being diagnosed with cancer that could
WOMEN IN STEM THE LIST have been predicted, often at a younger age and later stage than normal. CancerIQ makes it faster and cheaper for your doctors to offer these services in-house. We run complex calculations and provide clinical decision support to help doctors intervene with the right care at the right time. By giving doctors a higher “Cancer IQ,” we can improve patient awareness. CANCERIQ WAS PART OF MATTER AND WAS ALSO A RESIDENT AT 1871. WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF AS AN ENTREPRENEUR WHILE BEING A PART OF THESE PROGRAMS? I’ve learned that I’m not alone. For every challenge I face, there are other startups in the Chicago startup ecosystem that have the same challenges. That’s a good lesson to learn for two reasons: It motivates you to keep going when you’re in the trenches, and you always know that there’s a community of people you can turn to when you need help solving any challenge your facing. From fundraising to hiring to even finding our new office, I always consult others in my position.
I also had to learn to seek out those communities. In Chicago, there are such diverse industries here and it’s not all focused on tech. You really need to seek out the environment and communities that have been fostered and take advantage of what they have to offer. There are so many people who have helped me along the way, and I make a point to go back to 1871 and MATTER to offer support and advice to others. In the startup world, relationships are huge. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LAUNCHING THEIR OWN COMPANY?
Never underestimate the value of your personal brand. Because before people buy into the concept of your company, they buy into you. How you promote yourself and carry yourself is crucial, especially in the beginning. I’ve learned to brag about everything because as an entrepreneur, I have to do a lot to gain credibility. First with customers, who need to be impressed by me and my product. Second with employees, who are going to work harder and get paid less than they would somewhere else. As a startup, you don’t have a lot of credibility beyond how you promote yourself, and it’s important to be thinking about that constantly to get to where you want to be. Also, remember to promote yourself as a female leader. In every encounter with a woman, I try to build her confidence in me so she knows that she can also succeed in the tech space. cw
dr. angela kent VISITING SCIENTIST, SHEDD AQUARIUM MICROBIOME LAB TALK ABOUT HOW YOUR INTEREST IN MICROBIOLOGY DEVELOPED.
I wanted to be a scientist ever since I was young. I was an insatiable reader, and grew up absolutely devouring all the science and science fiction books in my local library. These books presented science as an adventure, and I wanted to be part of that! Although the books available to me did not feature female scientists, I never felt that science careers were inaccessible to me. While being a girl who liked math and science wasn’t really a recipe for popularity in middle school and high school, I found that my passion for science and competitive nature outweighed the cultural stereotypes. I started at Grinnell College and was drawn to genetics and microbiology. My enthusiasm for these topics was in large part due to some excellent professors who shared their passion for biology, and who were very supportive mentors, both in the classroom and in independent research projects. My path through microbiology has included a lot of different experiences, but the overarching theme has been a desire to solve problems that are addressing a real-world problem. WHAT ARE MICROBIOMES AND WHY ARE THEY AN IMPORTANT AREA OF RESEARCH?
The microbiome is the collection of microbes that lives in and around us (and plants and animals). We can also study the microbiome of a habitat or an environment. Microbiomes are important because they contribute to health in a lot of ways. Bacteria (germs) have a reputation for making us sick, but the majority of microbes are harmless or even helpful. We have trillions of microbes living in our guts or colonizing our skin, and these microbes help us digest food, produce vitamins
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THE LIST WOMEN IN STEM
The environment around us also contains a microbiome, which also can affect health. It’s important to learn about the ecology of these microbes so that we can manage the microbiome in the environment in ways that best contribute to health. WHAT DOES THE STUDY OF MICROBIOMES TELL US ABOUT THE HEALTH OF THE ENVIRONMENT?
Microbes carry out a lot of activities that help nutrients and energy cycle through ecosystems. We depend on the functions of microbiomes to grow plants, purify water, and support all other organisms. By learning about the microorganisms, we learn how we can manage the microbiome and its functions to keep the environment healthy. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE FEMALE ROLE MODELS IN STEM CAREERS?
I feel that it is important for both boys and girls to see women in STEM careers, so that we can start to reduce and eliminate unconscious biases about women in science and technology. Supportive mentors and role models can help to make sure that women feel that they “belong” in STEM careers. Helping women find goals that keep them passionate about STEM subjects is also important for keeping women engaged. Providing information on a range of careers in STEM can help with that. Beyond just education, effective mentoring and support for early career scientists can support retention. Women in STEM careers are differentially impacted by work-life balance, which creates a retention issue. This is a huge cultural and economic issue, but this retention issue will persist until we as a society can improve the support system for women scientists who are also mothers, and stop penalizing women who are balancing family choices at critical career times. cw
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vicky kalogera NY
E. O. HAVEN PROFESSOR AND ASSOCIATE CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
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DIRECTOR OF CIERA, THE CENTER FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPLORATION AND RESEARCH IN ASTROPHYSICS
CR O OT PH
for us, help to train our immune system, and keep out disease-causing pathogens. We’re still discovering all of the ways that humans, plants, and animals benefit from microbiomes, and how we can influence our microbiomes to optimize health.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR UPBRINGING AND YOUR INTEREST IN A CAREER IN SCIENCE?
I grew up in Greece in a lower-middle class family. My mother had only been through elementary school because her father believed women did not need more education. My father taught me to love math and never lose sight of one life goal: going to college. In high school I fell in love with physics mainly because of an amazing teacher. In college I realized that doing research could actually be a profession in addition to teaching. I came across Astronomy in college and was drawn to it like a magnet. Can’t explain it, just loved reading about stars and galaxies. YOU WERE PART OF A GLOBAL TEAM THAT DISCOVERED EVIDENCE OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THIS WAS SUCH AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT FUTURE ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH?
Up until the direct detection of gravitational waves, everything we knew about the universe was based on the detection of electromagnetic waves, from radio to the optical and gamma rays. Gravitational waves were predicted by Einstein almost exactly a century prior to their detection, he never thought they could be detected because they are very weak. However, the LIGO detectors achieved the seemingly impossible and opened up a brand new way of observing and studying the universe, especially dark objects like black holes which do not emit electromagnetic and they generate only gravitational waves. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD?
It is sometimes a lonely existence, too many times of being the only woman in the room, especially among senior scientists. However, before I became conscious of the situation, I learned subconsciously to be oblivious to this imbalance. For me, it was always about the ideas and the hard work. I do not let any stereotypes stop me, and in fact often, they drive me even more. cw
WOMEN IN STEM THE LIST
dr. lateefah ying liu, ph.d. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR stanford OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, SENIOR SCIENTISTSEPARATIONS AND MASS SPECTROMETRY, BP WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC BACKGROUND? DID YOU ALWAYS INTEND TO PURSUE A CAREER IN SCIENCE?
I am a research chemist—I attained a B.S. in forensic chemistry from Ohio University and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Florida State University. I had an affinity for science and math as a young child. I always knew that I would make a contribution to the scientific community. Luckily, I had great mentors from school and outreach programs that supported my career goals. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE SCOPE OF YOUR WORK.
I provide analytical chemistry support to BP refining operations in the specific area of mass spectrometry. I develop mass spectrometry testing methods for refinery feedstocks (i.e., crude oils), intermediates, and final products (i.e., gasoline) in support of safe and reliable refinery operation. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WOMAN IN STEM?
My experience as a woman in STEM is both exciting and rewarding. I’m blessed to have started my STEM career during an era where diversity and inclusion is celebrated. YOU WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE ACCESS TO MENTORS AND PROGRAMS— WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO TAP INTO ACADEMICALLY TALENTED GIRLS INTERESTED IN STEM?
The rise of STEM women representation is a testament to the effectiveness of STEM outreach programs for girls. I volunteer my time to STEM outreach programs that support junior and senior high school-aged children. Introducing STEM careers to girls at a younger age may be more effective in setting them on a path to pursue a STEM career. cw
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO HOW DID YOUR INTEREST IN SCIENCE DEVELOP?
I was interested in math, physics, and chemistry at a very young age. My parents always supported and encouraged me to explore. WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC AREA OF RESEARCH AND WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON CURRENTLY?
My research is in the area of soft-matter nanotechnologies and microfluidics. More specifically, we investigate the competitive kinetics during self-assembly of nanostructures, which is essential for the design and control their material properties. We focus on biomedical and biological applications of nanomaterials, such as delivery of therapeutic agents, including small molecular drugs, biologics, and cells. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WOMAN IN THE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FIELD?
I don’t consider myself very different from male chemical engineers, except that I am a mother of two young boys and kids have more needs from their mothers. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN MORE WOMEN IN STEM CAREERS?
The first step is getting young girls interested in STEM education and careers at an early age by presenting them interesting STEM subjects, diverse and exciting career opportunities, and more importantly, appealing, positive role models. Along the way as I became more mature in academic fields, I was inspired by my role models (Dr. Emily Carter at Princeton University and Dr. Ka Yee Lee at the University of Chicago) for academic development and life balance. I am a mentor for Girls’ Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering and Technology (GEM-SET) and I encourage young girls to contact me about STEM education and careers.cw
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THE LIST WOMEN IN STEM
nancy harvey MANAGING DIRECTOR, POLSKY CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND? HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN SCIENCE? Not
until man went into space. An article I read mentioned a “theoretical nuclear physicist.” As a kid graduating from a now-gone grade school in the then-impoverished Haight Ashbury, I had a goal. I’d become one of them. I had no idea what a theoretical nuclear physicist did. I was just certain that they weren’t struggling, and that some of them were going into space. So I told everyone that someday I would be a theoretical nuclear physicist. In high school, I got very lucky. A teacher helped me discover a real love of science — through hiking, tide pooling and chemistry — and set me on a track that included a National Science Foundation (NSF) summer program with other high school students participating in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. (Editor’s note: Harvey went on to earn a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business).
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE MISSION OF THE POLSKY CENTER. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN?
The Polsky Center drives the creation of new businesses at the University of Chicago and on Chicago’s South Side. The Polsky Center has helped jump-start more than 250 successful companies, including Grubhub, Braintree and
Simple Mills. Started at the University’s Booth School of Business, we now work across all university departments, from philosophy to physics, and all divisions including Argonne, Fermi and the Marine Biological Lab. We are home to the No. 1 university accelerator program in the nation— the Edward L. Kaplan, ‘71, New Venture Challenge (NVC). Our startups are developing life-saving cancer therapeutics, improving disease diagnostics, increasing the quality of education, creating clean energy solutions, and more. We help women entrepreneurs in a variety of ways. We were recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to empower female STEM researchers on how to apply innovation to their work. The grant will partially be used to host an event, “Insight to Innovation: Women in STEM Leadership,” which will educate female faculty, researchers and students in STEM fields to learn about innovation. We offer a fellowship called the Herman Family Fellowship, which provides tuition support for women’s MBA education in entrepreneurship
BWISE BLACK WOMEN IN ENGINEERING Founded in 2015 by Erika Jefferson (who also serves as President), BWISE (Black Women in Engineering) has a mission to bridge the gap for black women in STEM fields. Jefferson received her MBA from Georgia Tech and her BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU and has held a variety of executive roles with companies such as Amoco and Chevron. BWISE supports career advancement for black women in STEM through networking, mentorship and career development. Currently headquartered in Houston, BWISE will make Chicago its new home base this summer. Learn more at bwiseusa.org.
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and grants access to the larger network of Herman fellows online and at the annual meet-ups. We also host a fellowship for women pursuing private equity careers, which provides MBA tuition support to two female students. Finally, we hold monthly meetings of our female founders at the Polsky Exchange, our 34,000 square foot incubator on 53rd Street.
>>PUBLISHER’S NOTE JOIN US THIS SUMMER AT ALLSTATE ARENA
WHAT ARE THREE THINGS THAT PROSPECTIVE ENTREPRENEURS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND WHEN SEEKING VENTURE FUNDING?
• Be careful what you wish for. Be sure this is what you want, not just the seduction of hearing that the measure of your talent is your ability to raise capital. • The deal is your best way to attract people who will really care about you and your venture. Choose people who will invest not just their money, but invest in you. • When you suspect you might have such an investor, don’t let them escape. Invest heavily in building your relationship. WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN MORE WOMEN AND GIRLS IN STEM FIELDS?
While there are still fewer women than there should be in STEM, we have to do a better job of sharing their stories so that others can imagine creating their own paths. Since it is still far too tough to be a young woman in many of these classrooms, labs and workplaces, I’d like to see us build more organizations just for girls and women. cw
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Brave Initiatives Through its Brave Initiative Camps, young women are learning the back end of coding and technology to increase their chances of educational and professional placement in STEM programs and careers. The goal of the camps is to challenge girls to step outside of their comfort zones to explore the greater purpose of technology and to empower them to set the course for their own lives by participating in hands-on learning, games, mentorship and leadership activities. Learn more at braveinitiatives.com.
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VOICES LEADING CHICAGO WOMEN & IDEAS SPONSORED CONTENT
At My Worst Moment, I Found My Voice Dana Kurtz
My freshman year in college I was sexually assaulted in my dorm room. At the worst moment of my life, I made the best decision of my life. I decided I would not be quiet and I would demand justice. Back in 1989 when this happened to me, most victims remained silent and for good reason. There was little support from the college and universities or the justice system. People didn’t want to hear about it and they usually blamed the female victim. Like most schools at the time, my college had no programs in place to deal with sexual violence on campus. I started a student organization and hotline for victims. Officials at my college were shocked to learn how prevalent the sexual violence was. This prompted the school to develop new policies and programs as well. The local district attorney had not prosecuted a case of sexual assault in many years. I offered to help with the prosecution and finally he agreed to prosecute the case. I actively participated in the trial. I remember sitting in the courtroom watching the DA and thinking I could do better. My rapist was found not guilty. I was very disappointed but determined not to let this demoralize me. It was then that I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and help other victims. Now 25 years later, I am a civil rights lawyer who has successfully represented hundreds of victims of sexual assault, harassment and discrimination. My decision to break the silence about the violence against me gave me a career I am passionate about. The first thing I tell my clients is what happened to you is not your fault.
At my worst moment, I found my voice and said “no”, I will not tolerate this. I urge all other victims to do the same. Dana Kurtz is a civil rights attorney and founder of Kurtz Law Offices, Ltd. Learn more at www.kurtzlaw.us.
RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS Sexual assault is still a serious problem on our college campuses and elsewhere. Our culture does not take sexual violence seriously. Too many cases are not prosecuted. If offenders knew there would be grave consequences, there would be more of a deterrence. However, today there are more laws that allow for the civil prosecution of offenders which is also a good way to get justice. If you are a victim, here are four steps you need to take:
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1. Go to the hospital and get a rape kit done. 2. Make the police file a report and cooperate with investigators. 3. Talk to an attorney about what your rights are. 4. Talk to a counselor or join a support group. Do not be silent. Sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination thrive in situations in which they are tolerated. Standing up for yourself is hard but also healing and empowering..
LEADING CHICAGO WOMEN & IDEAS VOICES SPONSORED CONTENT
WEALTH MANAGEMENT CAREER PATHS Wealth management can be a rewarding career path for women, highlighting their natural talents and tendencies. Mohini McCormick, CFP® and Christina Castrejon, CFP® are wealth advisors at Calamos Wealth Management who specialize in working with women and families. Anita Knotts is Calamos Wealth Management’s Senior Vice President and Director of Client Relationship Management. Here are their comments on why more women should consider careers in wealth advisory roles.
MOHINI MCCORMICK: Many women who excel at math and science know they can apply those skills in the financial industry, yet they are hesitant to join male-dominated, frontline roles in areas such as investment banking, portfolio management and trading. However, women can apply those same financial and criticalthinking skills learned through math and sciences as wealth advisors, where women—by nature—tend to excel. I started college as an engineering major, switched to finance, and then went to work for an internationally known investment bank. It was exciting, but as my career progressed, I realized I wanted a path more focused on personal relationships and less about business transactions. I moved to private banking and wealth management, whereby I studied for and obtained my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, which prepared me for my focus on holistic wealth planning. When I compare my work now with my early experiences, I’m gratified to be where I am today—helping families,
seeing their appreciation for the solutions we build, and building my own business founded on relationships.
ANITA KNOTTS: My work, both as an advisor and manager, has always been about educating and engaging—skills many women naturally possess. I’ve seen many times how female wealth advisors have a natural propensity to stress goals-based financial planning to help their clients, including women, fulfill their financial objectives. That’s one reason why women are so vital on the front lines working with clients. There are many women who choose behind-the-scenes, operational roles in the financial industry. While these roles are important, the women may be missing out on opportunities to combine their skills with their innate abilities to build relationships, teach and problem solve directly with clients. I have found that women want their work to have a purpose. Women in the U.S. will inherit trillions of dollars over the next two generations. I want to see more women in my industry in clientfacing roles so they can help other women understand and navigate the complexities that come with wealth.
CHRISTINA CASTREJON: Women want a sense of fulfillment from the careers they choose, and for wealth advisors that can come from helping
clients define and then achieve their goals. For example, in helping clients plan for retirement then seeing them thrive after reaching that milestone years later. Or, in seeing women and children step up to manage family finances after the passing of a loved one. Every client relationship is personal, and there is so much room to bring value to clients beyond just through their investment portfolios. For me, everything clicked during CFP® training, as investments came together with financial planning. Combining my technical knowledge with my ability to truly listen and understand clients’ personal stories allows me to provide them with financial plans to help them reach their goals. The wealth management industry needs more women on the front lines—where technical skills are complemented by relationship-building abilities.
Anita Knotts, Mohini McCormick, CFP® and Christina Castrejon, CFP® each bring years of experience in providing comprehensive wealth management services to affluent individuals and families. Calamos Wealth Management, headquartered in Naperville, IL, can be contacted at 888-857-7604 or CalamosWealthManagement@calamos.com. Website: www.CalamosWealthManagement.com.
Opinions and estimates offered constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. We believe the information provided here is reliable, but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Calamos Wealth Management LLC is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.
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VOICES LEADING CHICAGO WOMEN & IDEAS SPONSORED CONTENT
ASK THE DENTIST
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DESTRUCTIVE The Collaborative approach to divorce allows spouses to work with specially trained professionals in a non-destructive manner to reach an agreement tailored to the priorities of the family. Our mission is to help couples resolve their issues through a Collaborative Process, rather than fighting in court.
Veneers are an excellent way to brighten and even straighten teeth, but also more invasive and costly. There are a few things I try first to improve the appearance of a smile. First, whitening teeth can make a huge difference in how your smile is perceived and looks in photos. Even if you still get veneers, the teeth underneath will be lighter so the veneers can be thinner and more translucent, giving a more natural appearance. After whitening, enamel shaping can be done to even the length of the teeth, provide more symmetry to your smile, smooth small chips, and round the corners of your teeth so they don’t look worn. These all combine to give your smile a more youthful appearance.
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Caring for the Elderly by Laurie P. Barry, CFP® Many adults are finding that their aging parents are in need of health care assistance. Luckily, there are many options available today to help your parents grow old gracefully, either in their own home or in a facility, and several ways that you can finance the costs of the care.
Assisted living If your parents are healthy seniors who can look after themselves, they may want to enter a continuing-care retirement community that allows them to buy or rent an apartment and ensures them lifetime nursing care when it is necessary. Another option for healthy seniors is private long-term care insurance, which can help cover nursing home costs or the cost of an in-home aide. Living with family Many families opt for moving an aging parent into their own home. If you are able to coexist peacefully with your parent, this may be a good idea because the arrangement frees you from worry about the upkeep of a second home. For parents who need assistance or supervision, adult day care is also an option and can be a good way to get your parent to socialize with other adults. Living alone When living together is not a workable plan, maintaining your parent in his or her own home is also an option. There are, however, several fairly expensive things that may be required to make a home environment safe and suitable for an aging person. Various safety
care, living arrangements, and social, mental, and legal issues. There are other online support services, publications, and resources available that may meet your needs. Check your local library or senior services agency for information. Financing long-term care One of the biggest worries of those caring for an aging parent is how to pay for the care needed.
features may be necessary, including first-floor bathrooms, grab bars in hallways and bathrooms, and a personal emergency response system in case your parent needs assistance while alone. If your parent is in need of daily assistance with meals or chores, he or she can apply for several services, such as Meals on Wheels, which may be free for anyone over 60. If your parent needs more personal assistance, you may want to look into hiring an in-home aide at a skill level appropriate for the amount of help needed.
Nursing home If sending your parent to a nursing home is inevitable, make sure you research the potential homes extensively. Reservations at the home selected should be made at least a year ahead of the time that you expect your parent will need it, as waiting lists are typically long at well-respected facilities. Keep in mind, too, that the government offers limited financial help for those families paying for nursing home care. Authored and used with permission by Wealth Management Systems Inc. and provided as a courtesy by UBS Financial Services Inc. Online support for eldercare The federal government’s Administration on Aging offers a variety of print and online materials for elders, their families, and professionals regarding housing, medical, caregiving, and services for seniors. ElderWeb has a rich collection of resources for the elderly and their caregivers on financial matters, health
Medicare Medicare will only pay the full cost of professional help if a physician certifies that your parent requires nursing care and if these services are provided by a Medicare certified home health care agency. Medicare will only pay for nursing home care on a short-term basis, and only under fairly specific circumstances. Medicaid, on the other hand, will cover care beyond skilled nursing care, and will do so on a longterm basis, but benefits are restricted to low income individuals with very limited assets. Tax considerations
If you provide more than half of a parent’s support and his or her gross income is less than $4,000 (for 2015), you can claim your parent as your dependent, giving you a tax exemption for each parent so cared for and allowing you to write off much of the medical expense. (Note: The dependent exemption phases out at higher income levels. Check with your tax advisor.) You may also be able to claim a federal tax credit that will enable you to take up to $3,000 off the cost of in-home care or day care. Another option is the flexible spending account (FSA), which lets you pay for a certain amount of care each year with pretax dollars. With elder care costs continually on the rise, financial planning has become ever more crucial to the economic well-being of adult children responsible for the care of their elderly parents. Don’t wait until the last minute— start planning now to ensure the future care of your parents. Laurie P. Barry, CFP®, Wealth Advisor, Vice PresidentWealth Management
This article was produced solely by Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UBS Financial Services Inc. or any of its affiliates (together, “UBS”). Neither UBS nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents accepts any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this article or reliance upon any information contained herein. No relationship, association, sponsorship, endorsement or affiliation is made, suggested or implied between Wealth Management Systems Inc. and its employees and UBS and/or our products or services. Wealth Management Systems Inc. and its employees are not affiliated with UBS Financial Services Inc. or its affiliates. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2016 Wealth Management Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
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VOICES LEADING VOICES: LEADING CHICAGO CHICAGO WOMEN WOMEN & & IDEAS IDEAS SPONSORED CONTENT
Pre-nups are Today’s Love Deals
A Revolutionary Way To School
By Gemma Allen Whether you’re marrying or just moving in, a partnership agreement is a wise investment in your future together. If you reach a point where you must move on, you’ll have a legal document that spells out the division of assets and liabilities, making the separation or divorce less prolonged and painful. Pre-nuptial agreements used to get a bad rap. Today, they’re considered smart. If a new-style pre-nup is in your future, here are some tips.
Plan for a complete disclosure of each other’s debts and assets. Everything from credit card debts to obligations from previous relationships should be on the list. Vow to have “the” discussion in a loving way. Pour a glass of wine and light that candle!
Hire a lawyer. A pre-nup is a legally-binding contract. Each party needs their own lawyer to help them negotiate the terms. Far from being a battle, this step should be viewed as a savvy coming together of lovers to create a financial blueprint for their lives as a couple. Start it and sign it as long before the wedding as possible.
Know that pre-nups can be modified. As you grow older together, financial circumstances change, and you may need to re-up the pre-nup. Agree to review it periodically, and make updates if they are in order. Today’s pre-nups are a move towards financial fairness and transparency. Creating one may make you feel vulnerable, but they can be a beautiful way to seal the new love deal. Gemma Allen is an experienced divorce attorney dedicated to providing the best results for families. Learn more at laddenallen.com.
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Fusion Academy is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. We are a non-traditional community of learning with the smallest class size possible: one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows us to personalize and customize curriculum for each student’s unique strengths and learning style. Our supportive staff and campus environment provide a safe space for students to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. It includes a state-of-the-art recording studio and a mixed-media art studio for students to express their creativity. Our Homework Café® is where students complete all their homework before they leave for the day with supervision and help from a teacher. Classes are offered at three levels: essential, college prep, and honors. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have a wide variety of classes to choose from. Students can enroll full-time, take classes for credit, or utilize our tutoring services. In addition to academics, we partner with outside therapeutic professionals to support students’ emotional health and help foster a balanced life. While it’s impossible to put our students into categories, we generally serve students with the following backgrounds: ADHD, accelerated/gifted learners, dyslexia, dysgraphia and learning differences, social challenges and social anxiety, or students with challenging schedules. Students who attend Fusion have one thing in common: traditional school isn’t working. Julia Berle, one of our Dallas, TX parents, said: “Never have we had such a powerful, loving, caring, incredible educational experience. [Our son] has learned so much, excelled so much and grown exponentially in the Fusion environment. Thank you all for loving and teaching my boy with dignity, honor, and respect.”
NOW OPEN IN EVANSTON + LINCOLN PARK! Fusion has campuses across the country in California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois! Learn more at www.FusionEvanston.com and www.FusionLincolnPark.com
LEADING CHICAGO WOMEN & IDEAS VOICES SPONSORED CONTENT
Portion Control: Maintaining Your Healthy Weight The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight are plentiful: More energy, higher self-esteem, Reduced wear-and-tear on your joints, and improved organ function over the course of your life. If you’re like me, then you’ve tried doing this in 100 different ways over the years. Fad diets seemed like the answer…until they so clearly were not. Eating simply (AKA boiled chicken and steamed broccoli) showed some great results, but it’s just so BORING! How are we supposed to do any of this long-term? That’s one of the reasons I created The Fit Foodie Kitchen. What if you could get high-quality prepared meals, ready to reheat-andeat, delivered right to your door on a weekly basis? What if you didn’t have to sacrifice the experience of eating to lose or maintain weight? Well guess what… It’s here. My foodie-inspired recipes are made weekly with love and portioned properly so that you don’t have to worry about overeating. Each meal is one proper serving, and it’s packed with vibrant colors and satisfying textures so that you look forward to each hand-crafted bite. The best part is that you’ll feel completely satisfied after you eat, helping you avoid the most common pitfall of your day: Snacking on Sweets and Carbs! There’s no better time for you to commit to healthy and balanced eating habits that taste so good, you’ll swear they are bad for you. Whether you are a bustling stay-at-home mom, on-the-go business woman, or fitness-obsessed FlyGirl, it’s time to do this for you and all who depend on you. You need to be your best, so fuel your body with great food!
All orders from www.thefitfoodiekitchen.com are delivered to your door so that you can focus on keeping up with your busy life and getting it all done. I look forward to serving you soon! – Chef Shauna, Owner & Executive Chef The Fit Foodie Kitchen
OVERTRAINING:
THE GROUP FITNESS EPIDEMIC Over the last few years, I have seen an enormous increase in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes, which combine cardio, weight training, and body weight exercises in rapid succession. People come to these classes for a variety of reasons: lose weight, increase overall fitness, or feed their adrenaline rush. These classes generally follow a one-size-fits-all format that encourages all participants to push themselves as hard and fast as they can for the duration of the class. Does this sound familiar? One of the biggest problems I see in clinical practice is that many participants are unfamiliar with proper form and often compensate for lack of strength or muscle fatigue by using the wrong muscles. Eventually, they break down under the repetitive stress and intensity. As it turns out, not all people are capable of doing the same activities at the same level, and by continually pushing themselves to perform
the assigned number of reps or the requested length of time set forth by the instructors, they create injuries instead of results. Even the instructors themselves are often injured in their pursuit of these arbitrary goals. There is a solution to the problem, however. In fact, you can actually get twice the impact of your exercise by doing half the work. By teaching our clients correct body positioning, optimal core engagement, and full range-ofmotion, along with the necessary self care to prevent overuse injuries, we help them feel better during workouts and actually see the results they are looking for. It all comes down to strong posture and muscle balance. The TRIFACTIVE Method was created to improve function in the joints and muscles, making our clients more efficient during movement. Start getting more from your workouts! Learn how Chicago celebrities and professional athletes look and play their best at www.trifactive.com. MAY /JUN E 2017
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>>PUBLISHER’S NOTE INTERVIEW
JEWELRY DESIGNER
ALECIA TANK BERN
OF AMT JEWELRY In the daily mad dash out the door, we may forget our keys or our phone, but we will always have on at least one piece of jewelry. We caught up with AMT Jewelry designer Alecia Tank Bern to chat about why jewelry is so important to us and about her new collection. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN DESIGN? My background combines my lifelong passions—art and gemology. Growing up, my mom had a huge influence- she’s an interior designer and I find myself drawn to design. Early on, I developed an eye for how color, texture and function mingle. THE RELATIONSHIP THAT WOMEN HAVE WITH THEIR JEWELRY IS INTIMATE AND SPECIFIC. WHAT MAKES A PIECE OF JEWELRY SPECIAL? Jewelry evokes memories and joy, as at its core, it’s a wearable piece of art. Like nothing else. I feel so grateful every day bringing women oneof-a kind creations.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PIECES IN YOUR NEW COLLECTION? Our new Terra Firm Collection is earthier and larger-in-scale than prior collections with pops of color that leave an impression. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT? My wedding rings, of course! Next would be ‘Chicago Classic Grande Hoops’— my signature earrings with diamonds on the perimeter that make for a dazzling profile, and day-to-night wearability perfection. cw To see the latest AMT collection, visit amtjewelry.com.
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LIFE + WORK NETWORKING
HOW TO OVERCOME NETWORKING ANXIETY by Lisa Frank What would I do in a room full of strangers? How would I meet anyone? What if nobody talks to me? If they do, what would I say? What if they aren’t interested and they walk away? Then I’ll be standing all by myself. How awkward. I don’t have a lot of free time. Maybe it’s easier to just email people in my network—they already know me and I’m sure they will help. Sounds familiar? Everyone is telling you to get out there and network. You know you have to do it, but, just the thought of it gives you heart palpitations and sweaty palms. According to former Wall Street CEO, Sallie Krawcheck, “Networking is the No. 1 unwritten rule of success in business.” And, if you’re looking to make a career change, the statistics still say that finding a new job is highly dependent on “who you know.” If the whole idea of “networking” makes you anxious, you are not alone. But, you are likely missing out on a lot of career and business opportunity. While there are tons of resources and “how to’s” available to help you become a more effective networker, here are some tips to help you feel more prepared and confident walking in the door! RECRUIT A WINGPERSON:
No need to go at it alone! Bring a friend or colleague, ideally someone who has experience in (and enjoys!) a networking
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setting, but who won’t overshadow you. A person who knows about your goals, and is there to support and encourage you. While it can be tempting to hang back in the corner to chat with your buddy, remember you are on a mission! You can always grab a drink afterwards.
be corny (and unfashionable), but it’s a natural ice breaker. It’s so much easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger when you’re already on a “first name basis.” Note: You only have to wear one if offered—no need to bring you own from home. MAKE A GAME OF IT: Challenge
yourself to meet five new people at every networking outing you attend. Yes, five! Find out their names, exchange pleasantries, find out what they are doing there, what they do for a living,
FRANKLY SPEAKING Taking time to meet new people and cultivate real relationships—live, and in real time—is invaluable to your career. Put your phone down. Stop tweeting, snapping, ‘gramming, and just talk. Of course it might feel unnatural or awkward, but don’t get in your own way. Nothing extraordinary ever came from inside a comfort. zone.
STRIKE A POWER POSE: Hop into the bathroom before you go in, and stand like a superhero for two minutes. Not kidding– this one is scientifically proven! According to Amy Cuddy, author of Presence, Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, posing like a superhero can actually make us feel more confident, present and less anxious. “If you feel like you shouldn’t be somewhere: Fake it. Do it not until you make it—but until you become it,” she says. WEAR THE NAMETAG: Consider
it a conversation piece. It might
exchange cards or maybe even plan a future coffee date! Don’t forget to follow up with your new contacts when you get home! ASK, ASK, ASK! A wise woman (my mom) once told me that if you’re feeling shy or nervous about being in a new social setting, come prepared with questions. She’s right. People love to talk about themselves! When you’re the one asking the questions, it takes the spotlight off of you, and you get to learn about someone new! Just don’t forget to actually listen too! cw
Lisa B. Frank is the CEO of LBF Recruitment Strategies, a woman-owned executive search and career coaching firm that helps local and national companies achieve their goals by hiring the right top talent. As a recruiter, connector and coach, Lisa offers a relatable and “Frank” approach to all aspects of her work and life.
SMALL BUSINESS LIFE + WORK
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FAST TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
By Victoria Hilton
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aunching and growing a business is no easy feat, but it’s worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a first-time entrepreneur, there’s often a learning curve when it comes to forging your own path. Though I had been in the childcare business for years, I learned to anticipate the unexpected when I opened Stepping Stones Nursery in 2012. Here are a few of the lessons I learned along the way:
LEARN WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP
I’ve always tried to be independent in business, but I quickly realized I can’t do it all on my own. One
thing I found helpful is looking for community resources, like the workshops for business owners hosted by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). When it came time to overcome initial challenges, they steered me in a positive direction. They also helped me obtain a WBDC microloan. GET FACE TIME WITH YOUR BANKER
Now online banking is increasingly popular, but owning a business requires more interaction than the average checking account. My decision to transition from online to building an in-person relationship with the staff at
my local branch proved helpful when it came to answering my financial questions. MEET YOUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS
Working with the WBDC helped me connect with my local alderman, Milagros ‘Milly” Santiago. With her help, I was able to work out permitting issues specific to my business and avoid missteps. LEARN THE REGULATIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS
Connections are valuable, but it’s important to get smart on the rules and regulations of your community and business operations on your own. Look carefully at local zoning laws and building requirements to avoid costly delays and to keep things moving smoothly. cw Victoria Hilton, is the owner of Stepping Stones Nursery School and a certified primary school teacher with over 15 years teaching experience in the private and public sector.
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE >> Each mom was treated to participate in a Chicago Woman photo shoot, complete with a full look courtesy of Fashion Outlets Chicago, hair and makeup by Sine Qua Non salon, teeth whitening by Dr. Tiffany Jozwiak, of Oz Park Family Dental, a skincare treatments by Dr. Stacie McClane, and a health and fitness consultation by fitness expert Andrea Metcalf.
THE 2017
MOM MAKEOVER
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Mothers do a lot of things— often depending on what is needed from her at any given moment of the day. One thing you are likely not to find a mom doing? Taking care of herself. To celebrate Mother’s Day, Chicago Woman honored and pampered three spectacular moms, nominated by special people in their lives.
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2017 MOM MAKEOVER
LOURDES NIETO CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER nominated by her 17 year-old daughter, Victoria Perez
Her daughter says: “My mom is a police officer, a tireless anti-human trafficking advocate and until recently, was a fashion-forward fashionista! She always believed that since she spent 8+ hours a day in uniform, that she should make time for her appearance on her off-days. Well, in the last two years, gorgeous dresses turned into gym clothes and stilettos turned into gym shoes. It seems more often than not, she’s given up on what she used to refer to as “her time to pamper and look good for herself ” routine. She does so much—from mentoring and being a source of community for victims of human trafficking, raising awareness about human trafficking in our neighborhood of Pilsen, teaching human trafficking classes at the Academy on her days off to recently joining Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Fashion Show committee to helping organize a fundraising fashion show to help kids living with cancer, that I’d love to see her take a moment to invest time in herself like before.” What she says about the makeover: “Well, there were two things I loved loved loved....the fact that I was able to meet with Andrea, who counseled me on my workout and eating habits. Thanks to her I’ve gotten back on track with taking care of my health and because of that I feel confident I’ll be able to complete the NYC marathon in November without a problem. This experience also reminded me of how much more I need to be mindful of my skincare needs—I’ve always loved dressing up and when I really have to I do, but I really have to be conscientious about my skincare needs as I get older.”
JANETTE JARA ALLIUM HOST, FOUR SEASONS CHICAGO nominated by her co-worker, Charlotte Berlin
Her co-worker says: Janette Jara is the hostess at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s restaurant, Allium. She has held this position for four years. In addition to working full-time, she has three children (ages 6, 8 & 12), who she raises alone. She manages
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. On Janette Jara: Bell sleeve floral dress, New York & Company, $37.97 Dolce Vita blush lace-up booties, Nordstrom Rack,$59.97 On Lourdes Nieto: From Neiman Marcus Last Call Chetta B fit and flare dress, $62.00 Striped Neiman Marcus brand pumps, $129.00 Necklace, $21.00 Earrings, $17.50 Clutch, $45 On Tameka Lawson: From Karl Lagerfeld Paris. Blush trench coat, $144 Pearl Embellished Dress, $66 Black Chain Bootie, $112 Office chic tote, $101
STYLE TIP to get them to all of their activities, including taekwondo, basketball, reading club, gymnastics, and the list goes on. Just like her kids, Janette likes to stay fit herself by doing Zumba and MixxedFit classes. While managing all of this, Janette finds time to volunteer and stay involved in the community as well!
For Janette’s beachy waves, alternate the direction of your curler to get that look of the right amount of undone.. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Park Ave Blow Out Balm R+Co For her smoky eye, layer four shades of brown to achieve the perfect smoky eye using the darkers colors for the outer corners of the eyes and lots of mascara. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
What she says about the makeover: “I’ve learned to take a little extra minute in the morning to prep myself for my day, whether it be with my diet or how I look. It really just changes the way I feel throughout the day, carrying on with a little more confidence. I felt excited and happy at the photo shoot today—to have all eyes on me and feel like other people respect what a hard worker each of us is made me feel happy.”
STYLE TIP
STYLE TIP
For Lourdes’ romantic curls, make sure to curl your hair in the same direction. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Full Form Thickening Mouse Bumble & Bumble For her make-up look, know the limits of your lids to get that area of brightness in the middle of the lid. Don’t bring the dark shadow too far in and always use the lighter shadow post blending and go over the inner eye to really make the eye pop. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Derailed by Urban Vices
TAMEKA WALTON
For Tameka’s smooth look, flat iron before you curl but make sure to use a heat primer to protect your hair. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Invisible Oil UV/Heat Primer by Bumble & Bumble For a healthy glow, apply a cream based blush on the apple of your cheeks and blend into the cheekbone. Go over it with your foundation brush to soften the look. MUST HAVE PRODUCT: Chosungah 22, Real Cheek Smoother Blush in Berry Ade
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RESTORED HOPE AND YOGA INSTRUCTOR nominated by Angeline Thompson
Her friend says:”Tameka is a selfless woman who gives hugs to others although she’s often in need of one. She founded an organization, Restored Hope, whose primary focus is to take pressure off of other single mothers who are struggling while providing after-school programs to young girls on the south and west sides of the city. She’s a single mom of three, but that does not stop her. She says that motherhood is her ministry and as long as she has breath (she’s also a yoga teacher) she will support other moms and help them to be present in the lives of their children and their communities.”
What she says about the makeover: “I’m overwhelmed in a good way. I literally never take time for myself and I teach yoga and encourage others to do that and I don’t always practice what I preach. This has helped me slow down and appreciate me, appreciate who I am. I’m going to remember this day because I feel amazingly beautiful, and also because other women care enough to help other women feel special. I have to say I really liked Dr. Tiffany Jowziak, she was amazing. I didn’t have all my normal fears that I normally carry—everyone was so caring and compassionate.”cw
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE >>
CELEBRATING
mom
by Catherine De Orio
Global or glamorous, dining destinations for Mother’s Day should reflect mom’s taste.
HAMPTON SOCIAL
MOTT ST & RUXBIN
THE PENINSULA
RM CHAMPAGNE
The Instagram-worthy patio room provides stylish mommies a picture-perfect backdrop, while halfoff bottles of rosè will tempt them to stay all day.
Equally photogenic Mott St gives global grub to the cool mom. Whereas, the hip—but haute—should visit newly redone sister restaurant Ruxbin for a one-day only, prixfixe byob brunch.
Those more Chanel than Shinola, may prefer The Lobby at the Peninsula for a lavish buffet where posh tots can toast their mums with gummy bear garnished sparkling juice.
1401 NORTH ASHLAND AVENUE, MOTTSTREETCHICAGO.COM AND 851 NORTH ASHLAND AVENUE, RUXBINCHICAGO.COM
108 EAST SUPERIOR,
For a premiere selection of adult ‘juice’, RM champagne is perfection. Complete with swoonworthy patio and an impressive bubbles list served alongside a sweet and savory-filled brunch menu. Strawberry champagne donuts are a must— because mom knows there’s no such thing as too much champagne. Mother knows best.
353 WEST HUBBARD STREET, THEHAMPTONSOCIAL.COM
CHICAGO.PENINSULA.COM
116 NORTH Catherine De Orio is a celebrated chef, culinary consultant, “recovering attorney,” pug mother, lifestyle expert, and journalist from Chicago. Executive Director of Kendall College Trust and Host of the Emmy award-winning “Check, Please!” Cat hones her culinary and creative energy to serve as one of the city’s foremost experts on all things food! Follow her on Instagram (@catdeorio) and Twitter (@CatCalls) to track her culinary pursuits.
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GREEN STREET, RMCHAMPAGNESALON.COM
WHITNEY’S WOMEN | PAYING IT FORWARD PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA PLECKO
JENNIFER WISNIEWSKI IN HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY, I WANTED TO FEATURE A MOM WHOSE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES INSPIRED HER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. A LEG UP FOUNDATION, WAS The clerk behind BUILT TO HELP SINGLE MOMS IN the grocery store THEIR TIME OF NEED. Interview by Whitney Reynolds WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START THIS NON-PROFIT? I founded A Leg Up Foundation with my business partner, Ryan Beshel, after finding myself in a month of financial loss. I am an entrepreneur and a single mom, which means I fly without a net. I own and run and few small businesses and they all hit a couple slow months simultaneously. I found myself scared, anxiety-ridden and unable to pay my bills. At a very frightening moment, my brother-in-law stepped in and paid my rent for that month—without question or judgement. The next day I called my business partner, Ryan Beshel, and told him I wanted to help others in the same way that I had beenhelped. Ryan is the son of a single Mom (he’s one of four!) and this hit him just as hard. Once I told him my idea we immediately began planning. WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION? The people that inspire me are the people I meet throughout the day. Women just trying to do the best they can—sometimes with very little.
to a single mother who simply needs a break.
counter who smiles upon greeting me or the young woman who manages to hold the door, with a baby in her arm. I know there’s a story behind that smile —and I know that mother’s arm is aching. Those are my heroes.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER SINGLE MOMS? To support each other and reach out to one another and share stories, so you know you’re not alone. When one finds themselves as the sole provider, while raising a child—it’s easy to
WHY SINGLE MOMS? Because many simply don’t have a partner to turn to, when they find themselves in hard times. You are alone, with the extra responsibility of raising a child, which can hinder progress in landing more work, since all mothers are already running a full-time job at home. A Leg Up wants to be that short term relief in alleviating worry and stress. Beyond financial relief - we want to create a community of women in support of one another. We wish to culminate a culture of women helping women, mothers helping mothers - and for anyone touched by our cause to be able to give a leg up
IN SPIRIN G WORDS
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -J OSEPH C AM PBELL
slip into depression and to feel anger. It is these emotions that get in that way of finding the clarity to think beyond your current state, brainstorm a solution. and plan the way out. cw Learn more about A Leg Up Foundation at alegupfoundation.com.
Whitney Reynolds, owner and host of The Whitney Reynolds Show on PBS Chicago and The Quad Cities, tackles tough topics weekly. Her new season debuts April 10, 2017 at 6:30 on LAKE PBS or whitneyreynolds.com.
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SOCIAL SCENE LEFT
CHICAGO WOMAN MARCH/APRIL ISSUE LAUNCH February 28, 2017, Artspace 8
BELOW
CHICAGO WOMAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN LEADERS LUNCHEON March 6, 2017, Union League Club of Chicago
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SOCIAL SCENE TOP ROW
WORLD CHICAGO’S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY March 8, 2017, Union League Club of Chicago
MIDDLE 2 ROWS, RIGHT
GIRL SCOUTS TRIBUTE TO ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS March 16, 2017, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
BELOW, BOTTOM ROW
CHICAGO FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN 2017 IMPACT AWARDS March 23, 2017, Venue SIX10
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SOCIAL SCENE YWCA OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO 5TH ANNUAL NEW LOOK OF LEADERSHIP FASHION EVENT March 26, 2017, Macy’s on State Street
SHARE YOUR EVENTS WITH US! List your event online for free at chicago-woman.com/events Submit your event for inclusion in our next issue at chicago-woman.com/submission
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SOCIAL SCENE
VISIT US ONLINE
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OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER CODE: CHICAGOWOMAN
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VOICES | REAL TALK
BREAKING INTO THE BOYS CLUB B U I L D I N G F E M I N I S T S TA R T U P S by K. Sujata, CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women
S
ilicon Valley has long had a reputation as a ‘boys club.’ With recent allegations that companies like Uber ignored ongoing sexual harassment and hostility towards women employees, we are finally talking about the impact this boys club has on women in tech and startups. A 2016 report found 60 percent of women in tech report experiencing unwanted sexual advances, with 65 percent of those advances coming from superiors. In addition to more robust HR policies addressing sexual harassment, one proposed solution is to increase the number of women in tech. Women make up between 30 and 36 percent of employees at tech powerhouses like Uber, Google and Apple. The numbers at less established or new companies are lower. Only 10 percent of startups obtaining initial funding have women founders; between 2012 and 2014 0.2 percent of those receiving funding were black women. But merely having a woman founder does not guarantee a workplace that works for women. THINX, a woman-led startup selling period-proof underwear, seemed like a truly feminist company, making headlines for inclusive, feminist
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marketing featuring trans women and frank talk about periods. The company even created a foundation to provide educational programming for girls, including entrepreneurship. THINX now finds itself criticized by employees as a “company that disempowers and undervalues its (majority woman) staff,” with low pay and limited benefits, including only three weeks of
“CEOs must demonstrate a commitment to creating a culture in which women are respected and given opportunity to grow and succeed. paid maternity leave, and caught up in allegations of sexual harassment against its former CEO. THINX raises the question— what does it mean to be a feminist business? Clearly, a woman founder and empowerment-focused marketing aimed at women is not enough to claim the title of feminist workplace. On the other hand, we are seeing great strides by a few male founders at their companies.
Companies like Techstars and Salesforce have demonstrated how companies can take meaningful action to create equitable workplaces. Techstars has publicly committed to doubling the number of women founders in its accelerator program, as well as training staff to address unconscious gender bias. In 2015, Salesforce reviewed salaries for gender disparities, and committed 3 million dollars in raises to create pay equity. Generous paid parental leave has become increasingly popular, with companies like Facebook providing 16 weeks of paid parental leave for all birth and adoptive parents. Consumers increasingly look for businesses and brands that share their values and give back to the community, while employees seek out companies that offer fair workplace and policies that support work-family balance for all employees. CEOs must demonstrate a commitment to creating a culture in which women are respected and given opportunity to grow and succeed, in which families, work-life balance, and employees’ caregiving responsibilities are acknowledged and accommodated, where pay and benefit practices are fair and transparent, in order to call themselves a truly feminist company. cw
INNOVATE. At GEMS World Academy Chicago, we prepare today’s students for next-generation challenges. Our accredited International Baccalaureate curriculum, innovative approach to technology and commitment to service learning give students the insight, passion and skills they need to transform the world. Visit GEMS to learn more about our new Upper School program and our expanded world language offerings. See how we collaborate with our sister school, GEMS World Academy Early Years, to create a cohesive international education experience from early childhood to college, preparing students to become tomorrow’s global leaders.
Schedule a Tour Tod Call 312-809-8910 or email admissions@gemschi cago.org
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