WOMEN of INSPIRATION in 2013, These Lists of Intelligent, Powerful, Hardworking Women Generated a Big Buzz Around Town

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After a brief hiatus, TCW’s 100 Women feature was revived three years ago. Between 100 WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE in July 2011, 100 WOMEN TO WATCH in 2012 and 100INSPIRATION WOMEN OF INSPIRATION in 2013, these lists of intelligent, powerful, hardworking women generated a big buzz around town. We featured diverse groups from a variety of professions, including arts, education, finance, government, healthcare, philanthropy and more. This year, we’ve assembled a list of 100 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION – ladies from the Chicago area who’ve done incredible work in their personal and/or professional lives. You’ll recognize familiar faces from previous 100 Women lists and new women we haven’t yet featured. Due to space constraints, we’ve only printed portions of their bios, but their inspiring contributions go far beyond what’s listed here. And although we’ve omitted some women who are, indeed, inspirational, we limited our selection to 100.

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Sabina Abdul-Qadir Anita Alvarez Neeta Bhushan, MD Linda McGill Boasmond FOUNDING MEMBER/DIRECTOR OF COMMU- STATE’S ATTORNEY, COOK COUNTY COSMETIC DENTIST, LISLE DENTAL CENTER OWNER/PRESIDENT, CEDAR CONCEPTS NITY SERVICE, MUSLIM WOMEN’S ALLIANCE Since 2008, Anita Alvarez has led the second Dr. Neeta Bhushan has found success as a general In 1998, Linda McGill Boasmond left the corporate Sabina Abdul-Qadir is an experienced attorney largest prosecutor’s office in the nation, manag- cosmetic dentist. On the side, she founded Inde- environment for the relatively small Cedar Concepts. who specializes in land use and zoning, residen- ing an office of nearly 1,600 attorneys and ad- pendent Awakening to empower, educate and She soon became operations manager and a partner. tial and commercial real estate, non-profit de- ministrative employees. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- enlighten young women through self-love, self- Later, she acquired the company from one of the sur- velopment and immigration. WHY SHE’S IN- ING: Ms. Alvarez is the first female and first confidence and self-expression. WHY SHE’S IN- viving founders in 2004 and became the sole owner. SPIRING: Ms. Abdul-Qadir spearheads MWA’s Latina elected to Cook County State’s Attorney. SPIRING: Before age 20, Dr. Bhushan lost three WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Boasmond runs the Ramadan Rush for Rewards campaign, a month-long series of events She’s also the first career prosecutor elected to this important public immediate family members and was left sole caretaker for her younger country’s first and only African-American, woman-owned chemical manufac- including food drives for refugee families, talent shows for medically safety position. Under her leadership, the office enacted many impor- brother. Overcoming her fear of being alone, she now works tirelessly to turing plant, and just completed the process of constructing the first ground- fragile children and helping serve meals at various homeless shelters. tant public safety initiatives that have been signed into law. make sure young women find their own self-worth. up chemical manufacturing facility within Chicago in over 50 years. Ann Alvarez Stephanie Arnold Marca Bristo Bridget Brown PRESIDENT/CEO, CASA CENTRAL EMMY-NOMINATED TELEVISION EXECUTIVE CEO, ACCESS LIVING FOUNDER, BUTTERFLIES FOR CHANGE A pioneer of Chicago’s disability rights move- Ann Alvarez has served as president of Casa Stephanie Arnold spent 27 years in the televi- Bridget Brown has learned first-hand the im- ment and former patient of the Rehabilita- Central since 1989. A long-time resident of Chi- sion industry, from working in local news to portance of an inclusive community for people tion Institute of Chicago, Marca Bristo helped cago, she also served the Humboldt Park and directing and producing music videos, info- of all abilities. She also serves as the second vice launch Access Living, one of the country’s first West Town communities as a licensed certified mercials, educational documentaries and both president for the National Association for Down 10 centers for independent living, in 1980. WHY social worker in Chicago Public Schools. WHY syndicated and network shows. WHY SHE’S Syndrome and is a Global Messenger with Spe- SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Bristo helped draft and SHE’S INSPIRING: Throughout her tenure, Ms. INSPIRING: Ms. Arnold was clinically dead for cial Olympics. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: In ad- win passage of the Americans with Disabilities Alvarez has been a strong advocate for the needs of Latinos in Illinois, 37 seconds after giving birth to her second child, Jacob. She suffered dition to receiving numerous awards, Ms. Brown is also an actress Act of 1990 and currently serves as president of the United States In- leading Casa Central through agency-wide accreditation in 1997 and a catastrophic amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), and since surviving the who has appeared on stage, in movies and commercials and recently ternational Council on Disabilities. winning numerous awards for her work. rare condition has devoted her life as an advocate for AFE awareness. starred in the series Shameless.

Lindsay Avner Susan Axelrod Anne Burke Susan Carlins FOUNDER/CEO, BRIGHT PINK FOUNDER, CURE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, FIRST JUDICIAL HEALTH ENTHUSIAST DISTRICT, STATE OF ILLINOIS In 2007, Lindsay Avner founded the only na- Susan Axelrod’s life changed forever when her Growing up with simple, healthy food set Susan tional non-profit focusing on the prevention seven-month-old daughter was diagnosed with Justice Anne Burke has endeavored to provide Carlins on a path to a wholesome way of life. and early detection of breast and ovarian can- epilepsy in 1981. Since then, she’s been at the a voice to society’s most fragile citizens. WHY She inspires others to do the same by providing cer in young women. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: forefront of advocating for improved research SHE’S INSPIRING: Justice Burke was the first educational books and juicers, and linking them With a family history of breast and ovarian can- in understanding and curing epilepsy. WHY woman to serve the Illinois Court of Claims. with a nutritionist, physical therapist and body- cer, Ms. Avner was the youngest patient in the SHE’S INSPIRING: Always one to take matters She also co-founded Special Olympics Chicago work therapists. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. U.S. to opt for a risk-reducing double mastectomy with reconstruc- into her own hands, Ms. Axelrod has helped fund more than 160 proj- in 1968 and served as a director of that organization as it grew to be- Carlins has organized fashion shows and other events to help restore tion at age 23. Now 31, she continues to inspire women to assess their ects in 12 countries and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from come the International Special Olympics represented in more than Washington Square Park to its former glory. She also helped estab- risk and keep the conversation going. Colorado College for her tireless work. 160 countries. lished a scholarship program at Ogden International School.

Jodi Bahl Barbara Bates Kathleen Casey Stacey Feeley Cavanagh PARTNER/PRINCIPAL, ERNST & YOUNG FOUNDER, THE BARBARA BATES FOUNDATION FOUNDER, BEAR NECESSITIES PARTNER, CAVANAGH LAW GROUP In her position, Jodi Bahl focuses on helping For over 25 years, Barbara Bates has been known Kathleen Casey worked as a graphic artist, vice As a partner at one of Chicago’s premier person- companies anticipate and mitigate human re- nationwide as a leader in creating fashionable president and executive vice president, but she al injury law firms, Stacey Feeley Canvanagh has source risks that have a direct impact on financial styles for celebrities and the everyday man and left the corporate world after her eight-year-old been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers by results/reporting, business strategy, governance woman. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Since Ms. son ‘Bear’ was diagnosed with pediatric cancer The National Trial Lawyers organization. WHY effectiveness, operations and other compliance Bates won her battle with breast cancer in 2009, 21 years ago. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: After los- SHE’S INSPIRING: After struggling with infer- requirements. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. she has dedicated her time to advocacy and coming her son to the disease, Ms. Casey turned her tility, Ms. Cavanagh is the proud mother of two Bahl co-chairs Camp CEO for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and munity involvement. Each year, she holds the “Knocking Out Breast grief into action. Bear Necessities (named after her son) aims to find a sets of triplets and continues to run a successful law firm while parent- Northwest Indiana, matching high-school aged women with female ex- Cancer” fashion show, which features cancer survivors modeling her cure for pediatric cancer and provide support for families affected by it. ing six children with her husband (and business partner), Tim. ecutives to build courage, confidence and character. clothes and supports outreach/education programs. Jennifer Bazan Nely Bergsma Julie Chavez Mei-Ann Chen FIREFIGHTER, CITY OF WILMETTE CO-FOUNDER, PENEDO CHARITABLE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/CORPORATE MUSIC DIRECTOR, CHICAGO SINFONIETTA ORGANIZATION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MARKET Jennifer Bazan originally pursued a career with Maestra Mei-Ann Chen earned her master’s in MANAGER, BANK OF AMERICA animals, swimming with dolphins during a five- In 1967, Nely Bergsma and her family left Cuba violin and conducting at the New England Con- Julie Chavez is responsible for managing a vari- year stint at the Shedd Aquarium, before join- for the U.S. Her family’s own experiences and servatory and a doctorate in conducting at the ety of programs in areas like philanthropy and ing the Fire Department in Wilmette over 13 challenges as immigrants helped shape her ca- University of Michigan. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- volunteerism for the Chicago area. WHY SHE’S years ago. She is also a vital part of the city’s reer and influenced her decision to co-found ING: Ms. Chen has been the music director of INSPIRING: Ms. Chavez sits on the boards of Dive Rescue Team. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Penedo Charitable Organization (PCO) with her the Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011. In 2005, she multiple organizations, including Metropolitan Family Services, Na- Ms. Bazan is the only female firefighter in the city of Wilmette. She sister Sunny. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Through PCO, Ms. Bergsma became the first woman to win the Malko Competition in Copenhagen tional Museum of Mexican Art, National Veterans Art Museum and may be part of a boys club, but she doesn’t let it stop her from doing helps at-risk teens reach their potential by teaching them to be men- and in 2012 received the Helen M. Thompson Award from the League Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. what she loves and being a true hero day in and day out. tors to other girls with similar backgrounds. of American Orchestras.

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Sunny P. Chico Kendall Ciesemier Ann Drake Katie Arends Driscoll PRESIDENT/FOUNDER, FOUNDER, KIDS CARING 4 KIDS CHAIRMAN/CEO, DSC LOGISTICS PHOTOGRAPHER, 5 BOYS + 1 GIRL = 6 SPC EDUCATIONAL SOLUTIONS PHOTOGRAPHY After watching a feature on AIDS orphans in Ann Drake heads a supply chain management A former special education teacher and school prin- Africa, Kendall Ciesemier founded Kids Caring company that, under her guidance, has become Katie Arends Driscoll is a mother to six children cipal, Sunny P. Chico founded SPC Educational 4 Kids in 2004 to support children in sub-Sa- a leader in transforming logistics and sup- who spends her time homeschooling the kids Solutions and authored YOU: Your Child’s First haran Africa. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Despite ply chain management into a critical business while blogging and running a freelance photog- Teacher. She owes her success to supportive parents undergoing two liver transplants due to a rare strategy. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Drake raphy business. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. who always encouraged education. WHY SHE’S disease, Ms. Ciesemier has helped raise nearly started the AWESOME (Achieving Women’s Driscoll advocates for the inclusion of individu- INSPIRING: Ms. Chico is a prominent figure in the Latino community and $1 million, is a junior at Georgetown University and is working to Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Educa- als of different abilities in advertising and mainstream media through serves on various boards such as the Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Harris The- build a high school for students in Kitwe, Zambia. tion) initiative in 2013, and she recently launched a new website for her photography campaign “Changing the Face of Beauty,” which has ater, Goodman Theatre, LifeSource and Illinois Literacy Foundation. the network. received global recognition. Margi Cole Julia Collins Amara Enyia, PhD Michelle Ernsdorff FOUNDER, THE DANCE COLECTIVE 20-TIME JEOPARDY! WINNER FOUNDER/CEO, ACE MUNICIPAL PARTNERS LLC FOUNDER, COMPASS TO CARE Margi Cole is also the artistic director and Julia Collins fulfilled a lifelong dream when she Dr. Amara Enyia was born to Nigerian parents Becoming a cancer survivor before age three choreographer at The Dance COLEctive. Her appeared on Jeopardy!, finally meeting Alex who taught her the importance of helping chil- was no small feat for Michelle Ernsdorff. Now, contemporary dance company, now in its 19th Trebek and winning an impressive 12 times. dren reach their potential. She earned a PhD and she is living to make a difference through the season, puts on an incredible annual showcase. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Prior to taping the law degree from the University of Illinois. WHY Compass to Care organization. WHY SHE’S IN- WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Cole is the sole first show, Ms. Collins prepared for five weeks SHE’S INSPIRING: After working in City Hall, Dr. SPIRING: After years of working in healthcare, staff person at The Dance COLEctive. She in- by brushing up on topics like opera and Shake- Enyia is now challenging incumbent Rahm Em- Ms. Ernsdorff walked away from the lifestyle spires young professional dancers and dance students every day with speare and it clearly paid off – she’s one of the show’s Top 10 winners manuel for the 2015 Chicago municipal elections. She’s also an Iron Man that being a vice president of marketing afforded her to ensure all her example as well as her instruction and mentorship. and walked away with $428,100. enthusiast and speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese and Igbo. children who battle cancer can access life-saving treatment.

Rosemary Connelly, RSM Maura Daly Paula Fasseas Lisa Faust, PhD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MISERICORDIA CHIEF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, FOUNDER, PAWS CHICAGO VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSERVATION FEEDING AMERICA AND SCIENCE, LINCOLN PARK ZOO A member of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Rosemary With her business background, Paula Fasseas Connelly was appointed to administrator of Mi- Maura Daly oversees divisions that build in- founded PAWS Chicago in 1997 and since then Dr. Lisa Faust presides over the zoo’s research sericordia in 1969. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Sr. novative partnerships with philanthropic foun- has built a no-kill national model for animal centers that focus on the study of local and Rosemary’s leadership has been integral to Mi- dations, conduct extensive research on hunger welfare. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Only 17 years global wildlife health, population and behavior. sericordia growing into a loving, challenging and and promote public education and awareness ago, PAWS was an all-volunteer, grassroots or- WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Dr. Faust brings biol- dignified environment for more than 600 children about the issue. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. ganization. Today, thanks to Ms. Fasseas, its ogy and technology together, having spearhead- and adults with developmental disabilities. She has been a mother figure Daly is leading a transformational initiative to help clients achieve mounting impact reflects PAWS’ reputation as a dynamic and inno- ed the development of software programs such as PopLink, which to thousands of residents, never once asking for anything in return. self-sufficiency and household stability and build long-term food se- vative non-profit. helps experts monitor and assess the welfare of zoo populations. curity in communities across the country.

Karen Darch Rebecca Darr Karen Freeman-Wilson Jodi Fyfe MAYOR, CITY OF BARRINGTON CEO, WINGS PROGRAM, INC. MAYOR, CITY OF GARY, INDIANA PRINCIPAL, PARAMOUNT EVENTS Mayor of Barrington for 10 years, Karen Darch is Rebecca Darr joined WINGS Program, Inc. in 1999 Karen Freeman-Wilson has made a concerted With 20 years of experience in the food and also chairing the Economic Development Com- as executive director and was named Executive Di- effort to tackle Gary, Indiana’s drug issues. A beverage industry, Jodi Fyfe launched a suc- mittee, having single-handedly led the fight on rector of the Year by United Way in her first year. graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law cessful catering company with business partner making the transport of flammable liquids and She became CEO last year. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- School, she has consulted with the White House Tony Pontillo in 2011. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: chemicals by rail safer. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- ING: Ms. Darr’s dynamic and decisive leadership on drug control policy. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- Ms. Fyfe founded Tickled Pink in 2004 in honor ING: Mayor Darch has stood up to or won over has resulted in the growth of the small agency into ING: Ms. Freeman-Wilson was instrumental of her cousin, Carrie, who lost her battle with the bullies in the male-dominated world of suburban politics, and in one of the largest regional providers of housing and services to victims of in developing the drug court movement in Indiana. She was twice breast cancer. In the last three years, her fundraising efforts have her spare time has taken on pension reform and the firemen’s union. domestic violence and their children. elected as the city’s judge and, in 2011, became its first female mayor. helped raise $1 million for Bright Pink’s life-saving mission.

Patrice DeCorrevont Merri Dee Barbara Gaines Jeanne Gang, FAIA HEAD, GOVERNMENT, NOT-FOR-PROFIT AND BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, BROADCAST FOUNDER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, FOUNDER/PRINCIPAL, HEALTHCARE BANKING, JP MORGAN CHASE LEGEND & AARP-IL PRESIDENT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE STUDIO GANG ARCHITECTS With over 25 years of financial services expe- Merri Dee’s 40-year career has involved many Through Barbara Gaines’ vision and guidance, Jeanne Gang founded Studio Gang Architects rience, Patrice DeCorrevont heads a depart- roles: talk show host, staff announcer, edito- a small troupe that performed on the rooftop in 1997. She explores the role of design in revi- ment that serves approximately 6,000 clients rial spokesperson and community affairs. WHY of Lincoln Park’s Red Lion Pub in 1986 later talizing cities, and her work ranges from com- through a dedicated national team of over 500 SHE’S INSPIRING: After being kidnapped and became the internationally acclaimed Chicago munity anchors and cultural institutions to tall, finance professionals.WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: nearly murdered by a stalker, Ms. Dee over- Shakespeare Theatre. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: mixed-use buildings and urban design. WHY Ms. DeCorrevont consistently gives back to the community as a board came her injuries and went on to an award-winning career in media The theatre received a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre SHE’S INSPIRING: Architect of the acclaimed Aqua Tower, Nature member of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and philanthropy. Last year, she released her memoir Life Lessons on in 2008, and Ms. Gaines received an honorary OBE (Officer of the Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo and University of Chicago’s Campus Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Junior Achievement of Chicago. Faith, Forgiveness & Grace. Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2006. North project, Ms. Gang is internationally recognized for her visually striking work and environmentally sensitive approach.

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Judie García Judith Kegan Gardiner, PhD Toni Irving, PhD Lisa Janek ANCHOR/REPORTER, WGN-TV CO-FOUNDER/PROFESSOR, GENDER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GET IN CHICAGO PARTNER, BDO & WOMEN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF A proud Mexican-American, Judie García never Dr. Toni Irving is the former deputy chief of With nearly 25 years of experience in account- ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO envisioned a career as a reporter. At the encour- staff and senior advisor to Illinois Governor Pat ing and business consulting, Lisa Janek is an in- agement of a CBS news executive, she applied for Growing up with a mother who was an attor- Quinn, where she oversaw policy and planning dustry expert who has been instrumental with a freelance position and was surprised by how she ney during a time that was rife with gender and for public safety and human services agencies. mergers and acquisitions as well as coordinat- took to reporting. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Over- class bias, it seemed only natural for Dr. Judith WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Dr. Irving received ing clients’ international financial audits and coming a tough childhood, Ms. García worked at Kegan Gardiner to continue her mother’s lega- the MacArthur Foundation’s “Champion for compliance services. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: ABC-7 and has been at WGN-TV for the past 11 years. She also supports cy. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: In addition to publishing many books Change” award in 2011 and continues her mission to improve life for Ms. Janek leads BDO’s Initiative and Flex strategies, which focus on Erie Neighborhood House, which she greatly credits for her success. and papers, Dr. Gardiner is co-founder and past Director of the UIC at-risk youth in Chicago’s violence-stricken communities. women’s networking and career development. Women’s Studies Program.

Sue Ling Gin Kristina Gluth Justine D. Jentes Lin Batsheva Kahn FOUNDER/CEO, FLYING FOOD GROUP GRAD STUDENT, INDIANA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANGAER, EXELON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER, TIKVAH COMPANY OF ARTISTS In 1983, Sue Ling Gin founded a privately held, At 15, Kristina Gluth was diagnosed with the rare Justine D. Jentes manages Exelon’s employee An award-winning dance artist and educator, large-scale catering company providing excep- condition of spinal scoliosis. She had a delicate giving and volunteer program, provides coun- Lin Batsheva Kahn is an adjunct professor at tional passenger meals for commercial airlines. spinal fusion surgery at Shriners Hospital for sel on community relations activities and par- DePaul University who has created and teaches WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Gin founded Fly- Children in Chicago and made a full recovery. ticipates in the company’s grantmaking. WHY several courses in dance. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- ing Food Group with just one domestic airline WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Today, Ms. Gluth vol- SHE’S INSPIRING: In addition to her day job, ING: Ms. Kahn has received numerous honors, customer and one catering kitchen. Today, the unteers for the hospital. She also runs fundrais- Ms. Jentes found time to join the Woman’s including the 2014 Jewish Chicagoan of the Year. But for her it’s all company produces airline passenger and private label meals from a ing marathons and recently modeled in a fashion show to help Shriners Board of The Art Institute of Chicago and sit on the boards of The about the students. She makes them feel as if what they contribute to network of 18 U.S. production kitchens for over 70 of the world’s lead- raise money for an E250 Extended Ford Van with a rear wheelchair lift. Arts Club of Chicago and Hyde Park Art Center. ing airlines (primarily international). class is important and remarkable.

Sami Grisafe Francia Harrington Bonnie Krueger-Spurlock Shermin Kruse QUARTERBACK, CHICAGO FORCE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PARTNER, BARACK FERRAZZANO CIVIC AFFAIRS, JP MORGAN CHASE ASSOCIATED PUBLICATIONS, INC. Sami Grisafe defies convention. When she’s not Shermin Kruse wears many hats: attorney, in the studio recording an album, she’s in her jer- Francee Harrington develops strategies, sets Bonnie Krueger-Spurlock recently celebrated major mother, poet, painter, model, photographer sey on the football field with the rest of her team- priorities and leverages opportunities for civic anniversaries of the publications she co-founded and human rights advocate. WHY SHE’S IN- mates as quarterback with either Team USA or engagement, focusing on public private partner- with her husband, James: Sophisticate’s Black SPIRING: Having grown up in Iran, Ms. Kruse the Chicago Force. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: ships, non-profit sponsorships, client relation- Hair Styles and Care Guide (30) and Sophisticate’s is a passionate advocate for women’s issues Her album, ATLANTIS, has received six Gram- ships and employee voluntarism. WHY SHE’S Hairstyle Guide (35). WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. both in the U.S. and abroad. Her debut novel, my pre-nominations and she’s the subject of last year’s documentary, INSPIRING: Ms. Harrington is very active in organizations like the Krueger-Spurlock is a devoted supporter of PAWS Chicago, single-handedly Butterfly Stitching, is a gripping tale of oppression and redemption, Tackle Girls, which follows the lives of the women of Team USA. Chicago Child Care Society, Illinois Mentoring Partnership, Women On raising thousands of dollars for the no-kill shelter, volunteering her time at obsession and love, and loss and authenticity. Call and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to name a few. many events and making countless shelter visits to care for the animals.

Noor Raheemullah Hasan Karen Hawkins Dana Kurtz Diane Latiker FOUNDING MEMBER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, ILLINOIS PRESIDENT/OWNER, KURTZ LAW OFFICE FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MUSLIM WOMEN’S ALLIANCE KIDS OFF THE BLOCK DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY Dana Kurtz used her own personal tragedy of Volunteering has always been an important SERVICES (DCFS) being sexually assaulted in college to chart her In 2003, Roseland native Diane Latiker opened part of Noor Raheemullah Hasan’s life, and she Prior to joining DCFS, Karen Hawkins was a gen- career course as a fighter for victims of abuse, an award-winning non-profit that supports fulfills her innate sense of duty by helping Mus- eral assignment reporter with the Associated Press, sexual harassment, discrimination and violence, youth in underserved communities by focusing lim women reach their potential and strength- as well as a copy editor, proofreader and indepen- founding an all-female law firm in Chicago. WHY on academics, recreation, health, violence pre- ening community bonds by uniting women of dent publishing organizer. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Kurtz not only works vention, family planning and career education. all faiths. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Hasan has played a key role ING: Ms. Hawkins’ desire to find a work-life balance led her to establish tirelessly for her firm, but she does pro bono work on behalf of battered WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Latiker was named one of CNN’s Top in organizing one of the largest annual Muslim women luncheons to Rebellious Magazine for Women, which examined feminism in and out women, Native Americans and female police officers. 10 Heroes in 2011, and she received this year’s Chicago Defender recognize leaders in Chicago. of the workplace. Women of Excellence Award.

Mellody Hobson Roz Iasillo, PhD Missy Lavender Martha Lavey PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN, ARIEL STEM COORDINATOR, MOTHER FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, STEPPENWOLF INVESTMENTS MCAULEY LIBERAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION THEATRE COMPANY Mellody Hobson is responsible for firm-wide man- An educator for over 25 years, Dr. Roz Iasillo Missy Lavender is a former executive in invest- Martha Lavey earned a doctorate in perfor- agement and strategic planning, overseeing all teaches at the country’s largest, all-girls Catho- ment management, investor relations and real mance studies from Northwestern University operations outside of research and portfolio man- lic high school, which is based in Chicago. WHY estate banking. In addition to earning an MBA and has been an ensemble member and artistic agement. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Hobson is SHE’S INSPIRING: Dr. Roz moderates the from Kellogg School of Management at North- director at Steppenwolf since 1995, appearing a nationally recognized voice for financial literacy EcoMacs club. In 2010, they built a biodiesel western University, she is also a yoga instruc- in many productions. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: and investor education, and she’s chairman of After School Matters, a non- processor for a school in Pichon, Haiti, after the devastating earth- tor. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: In an effort to improve pelvic health An advocate for the arts, Ms. Lavey has served on grants panels for the profit founded by former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley that provides quake. The club continues to do amazing work with biodiesel fuel un- and wellness for women and girls, Ms. Lavender founded the Wom- National Endowment for the Arts, Theatre Communications Group, Chicago teens with high quality, out-of-school time programs. der Dr. Roz’s guidance. en’s Health Foundation in 2004. 3Arts, The Duke Endowment, USA Artists and the CityArts program.

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Josephine Lee Sylvie Légère Goldie Wolfe Miller Elana Dikaitis Morgan ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT, CO-OWNER, HIGHER GEAR PRESIDENT, MILLBROOK CORPORATE CO-FOUNDER, WAR DOGS MAKING IT HOME CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR REAL ESTATE SERVICES Sylvie Légère and her husband, Todd Ricketts, Elana Dikaitis Morgan opened her namesake Through her vision and leadership, Josephine are avid cyclists. She shares her passion for cy- Goldie Wolfe Miller is known as one of the top dog training and boarding facility, Morgan’s Lee has transformed the Chicago Children’s cling with other Chicago area women by orga- commercial real estate brokers, having sold Dogs, nearly 30 years ago in the Roscoe Vil- Choir into the cultural icon that it is today. nizing the annual Women’s Cycling Clinic rid- her own firm to the New York Stock Exchange. lage neighborhood. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: In 2006, Ms. Lee was ing program to promote a more active lifestyle. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Miller began The In 2010, Ms. Morgan co-founded War Dogs named Chicagoan of the Year in the Arts and WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Légère and her Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Making it Home, a non-profit that rescues dogs was honored as a Distinguished Musician by the Union League Club husband take their enthuisasm for cycling to another level, raising Estate Initiative at Roosevelt University in 2007, aiming to prepare from death row (high-kill shelters) and trains them to become service of Chicago the following year. money for Cubs Charities and World Bicycle Relief. women for the commercial real estate industry through mentorship, dogs for veterans with PTSD/TBI. This two-year program involves scholarship and networking. twice weekly training and support for both the dog and veteran. Marybeth Lernihan Connie Lindsey Nina Nashif Caralynn Nowinski, MD CO-FOUNDER, IMPACT 100 CHICAGO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/HEAD OF FOUNDER/CEO, HEALTHBOX EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/COO, UI LABS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND Marybeth Lernihan co-founded a women’s col- GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, Nina Nashif’s career in healthcare and entre- In addition to being a physician, Dr. Caralynn No- lective grant-making organization. For every NOTHERN TRUST preneurship has spanned 15 years in over 10 winski is an entrepreneur and a venture capitalist. 100 women who join and make a $1,000 tax- Connie Lindsey is responsible for the design, countries. She worked as a consultant to the Prior to overseeing research and commercializa- deductible donation, the organization awards implementation and development of goals, poli- Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, co-founded tion collaboratives at UI LABS, she co-founded a $100,000 grant to a local non-profit. WHY cies and programs appropriate to Northern Trust. a New York-based Turkish cotton textile and biotechnology company SanoGene Therapeutics SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Lernihan has overseen WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Lindsey provides launched the U.K. office of healthcare analytics while earning her medical and master’s degrees. Impact 100 to acquire over 365 members, expand two chapters in the WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: WHY SHE’S INSPIRING oversight and leadership to the firm’s response to environmental matters firm Sg2. With a passion for improving the : Dr. Nowinski is a Governor-appointed mem- Chicago area and award over $885,000 to local non-profits since its and social issues within the marketplace, workplace and community. She future of healthcare, Ms. Nashif is building a global community that ber of the Illinois Innovation Council and currently serves as a member of founding in 2010. is a revered speaker at many events and organizations around Chicago. advances technology in healthcare. Mayor Emanuel’s ChicagoNEXT Council on Innovation and Technology.

Jackie Lomax Ann Lurie Susan Nussbaum Kristie Paskvan FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT/TREASURER, PLAYWRIGHT/AUTHOR/DISABILITY CFO, MESIROW FINANCIAL GIRLS 4 SCIENCE ANN & ROBERT H. LURIE FOUNDATION RIGHTS ACTIVIST Kristie Paskavan joined Mesirow in 1997 and Jackie Lomax founded a science program for In 2007, philanthropist Ann Lurie pledged An award-winning and critically acclaimed au- was there through the acquisition of Stein & girls ages 10 to 18 that currently operates a $100 million to Children’s Memorial Hospital thor and playwright, Susan Nussbaum brings Company. She’s responsible for the company’s quarterly, six-week Saturday Science Academy to build Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hos- disability issues to the forefront through her financial plans, acquisition analysis, capital us- at three colleges. Over 500 girls have partici- pital of Chicago, which was completed in 2012. books that focus on characters with disabili- age, risk management and business profitabil- pated in free STEM programs since the organi- WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Following the death ties. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Nussbaum’s ity. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Paskvan was zation’s inception in 2009. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Lomax cre- of her husband in 1990, Ms. Lurie devoted herself to philahtropy, work has appeared on-stage at Second City, Victory Gardens and Live named CFO of the Year in 2012 by the Chicago chapter of Financial ated the only all-girls science initiative for minority girls in Chicago funding numerous initiatives in health care, education, social services Bait Theaters. She also founded the Empowered Fe Fes, a support, Executives International. She also works as a mentor in the New Lead- simply from her daughter’s expressed interest in the subject. and the arts, both domestically and on a global scale. sexuality and disability identity group that has served over 300 girls. ers Circle Group Mentorship Program.

Lisa Madigan Celestia L. Mays Judy Pearson Anne Pramaggiore ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE OF ILLINOIS PRINCIPAL, CELESTIA L. MAYS P.C. CO-FOUNDER, WOMEN SURVIVORS ALLIANCE PRESIDENT/CEO, COMED Lisa Madigan was elected to a third term as Celestia Mays’ law practice primarily concen- Judy Pearson is an author, a freelance writer Anne Pramaggiore was promoted to her cur- attorney general in 2010, and she’s the senior trates on the areas of family law and probate and the founder of Courage Concepts, a com- rent position at ComEd in 2012 and is the first most female attorney general in the country. matters. She is also deputy regional director pany that cultivates courage in women and woman to hold the position at the electric util- WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Attorney General for Region VII of the National Bar Association. girls through education and motivation. WHY ity. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Pramaggiore Madigan has championed tougher sanctions WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: As first vice president SHE’S INSPIRING: A breast cancer survivor, supports many ComEd-sponsored programs against sexual predators and stronger laws to of the Cook County Bar Association, Ms. Mays Ms. Pearson is passionate about supporting like the Ice Box Derby Project, which brings to- protect women and children from domestic violence, including legis- has received numerous awards for her work including the Presiden- other survivors through the Women Survivors Alliance, as many may gether female students with an interest in STEM and ComEd’s own lation that made Illinois the first state to mandate the testing of sexual tial Award and Meritorious Service Award. still feel lost, scared and alone once they’re in recovery. engineers to build electric cars out of recycled refrigerators. assault evidence.

Stacie McClane, MD, FACS Cari Meyers Toni Preckwinkle Frances Renk PLASTIC SURGEON, CHICAGO PLASTIC FOUNDER, THE PUPPY MILL PROJECT BOARD PRESIDENT, COOK COUNTY ENTREPRENEUR/PHILANTHROPIST SURGERY CENTER, LLC Cari Meyers has worked tirelessly to help put Toni Preckwinkle has been a dedicated commu- Frances Renk, a self-made serial entrepreneur, Dr. Stacie McClane is a board certified surgeon an end to puppy mill cruelty and the horrifying nity leader for over two decades, working with is a first generation Korean-American. She cut specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive abuse puppy mill dogs endure. WHY SHE’S IN- county employees to implement major reform her college career short when the businesses surgery. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Dr. McClane SPIRING: Ms. Meyers’ work has influenced pub- and reshape county government into a world- she started to support her mother and younger founded the Faces for Love non-profit in 2012, lic law, including the recent ordinance that bans class institution. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: sister took off. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. whose mission is to help women and children the retail sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in President Preckwinkle eliminated the 1 percent Renk devoted herself to philanthropy when her in distressed situations by improving their circumstances when chal- all Cook County pet stores unless they’re obtained from shelters, non- sales tax of her predecessor, saving County residents $1.1 billion. She daughter, Sienna, was born in 2012. She’s relentless about raising lenged by life events. She holds the annual Tea for Tots event to raise profit rescues, humane societies, veterinarians or government shelters. has also cut $430 million in expenditures, passed four budgets and money for her causes and is no stranger to rolling up her sleeves and awareness and collect toys for young children. established a more transparent budget process. working long hours.

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Julieanna Richardson Eve Rogers Anne Sweeney Salamishah Tillet, PhD FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF CHICAGO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CO-FOUNDER, CO-FOUNDER, A LONG WALK HOME, INC. THE HISTORYMAKERS OPERATIONS, GRAFF DIAMONDS HESHIMA KENYA Dr. Salamishah Tillet earned her PhD from Har- With a diverse background in humanities, cor- Before joining Graff, Eve Rogers was president of In 2007, Anne Sweeney co-founded a leading vard University and MA from Brown University. porate law and television production, Julieanna Eve Rogers Fine and Rare Jewels and vice presi- girls and women’s rights non-governmental She’s a published writer and associate professor Richardson founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit ed- dent/director of international jewels for Sotheby’s organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. WHY of English at University of Pennsylvania. WHY ucational institution headquartered in Chicago in the Midwest. She has a degree in gemology and SHE’S INSPIRING: With headquarters in Chi- SHE’S INSPIRING: As a rape survivor, Dr. Til- with regional offices in Atlanta and the D.C. is a seasoned jewelry specialist and auctioneer. cago, Ms. Sweeney works tirelessly to protect let is an advocate for vulnerable members of the area. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Richardson founded the largest WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Rogers has sold magnificent pieces pri- and empower refugee girls and young women who have been separat- community. Along with her sister Scheherazade, she co-founded a non- national collection effort of African-American video oral histories on vately and at auction. As an appraiser, she has evaluated many extraordi- ed from their families and displaced by conflict in Somalia, Ethiopia, profit that uses art therapy to end violence against girls and women. record, with a digital archive and users in over 50 countries. nary jewelry collections and still consults with jewelry enthusiasts. DR Congo and Southern Sudan.

Nancy R. Rotering Lisa Russell Scheherazade Tillet Donnita Travis MAYOR, CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK CO-FOUNDER, MS. TECH CO-FOUNDER, A LONG WALK HOME, INC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BY THE HAND CLUB A former attorney with McDermott, Will & Lisa Russell’s career started in finance. She then Scheherazade Tillet’s artistic influence is evi- Thirteen years ago, Donnita Travis saw kids in Emery, Nancy R. Rotering has served as mayor transitioned from director of sales at a broker dent in her work with the non-profit she co- Cabrini-Green fail in school, get in trouble and of Highland Park since 2011. WHY SHE’S IN- dealer to become the first sales-related hire for a founded with her sister, Salamishah, as they have no place to go after school. She then quit her SPIRING: An active member of the community, local technology startup. She now serves as direc- aim to end violence against girls and women job as president of a successful advertising agency Mayor Rotering has served on a broad range of tor of marketing for PointDrive, an online sales through art therapy. She earned a Master of Art to give those children a place to find real purpose. civic and philanthropic commissions, boards presentation tool. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: She Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Located in four of Chi- and committees. And she finds the time to do this all while raising traveled all seven continents before the age of 30 and joined Ms. Tech as Chicago. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Tillet leads the NoVo Founda- cago’s toughest neighborhoods, Ms. Travis’ organization serves nearly four boys with her husband, Rob. co-founder to help women connect to start and scale their tech start-ups. tion’s Move to End Violence initiative. 1,000 children and plans to accommodate double by 2018.

Cari Sacks Halee Sage Eve Tyree Laura Van Zeyl PHILANTHROPIST CO-FOUNDER, THE LYNN SAGE FOUNDATION FOUNDER, JAMES TYREE FOUNDATION PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, DESIGN GROUP AT SCRANTON Cari Sacks and her sister, Patti Bartelstein, After her mother passed away from breast can- Eve Tyree is a long-time Chicagoan and the for- GILLETTE COMMUNICATIONS launched the CURATE app: the first free mo- cer, Halee Sage and her family founded a non- mer CFO of Mesirow Financial. She received her Laura Van Zeyl oversees sales and content for maga- bile app designed for art buyers. With just a profit in her honor. It provides scholarships of BS in Accounting from DePaul University. WHY zines, websites, digital communications, events, cus- few taps, users can visualize how art will look $100,000 dedicated to those in breast cancer re- SHE’S INSPIRING: After losing her husband, tom solutions and social media pages in the home on their own walls and make easier purchasing search at Northwestern University. WHY SHE’S Jim Tyree, 15 years ago, Ms. Tyree continues to furnishings and interior design industries. WHY decisions. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Sacks INSPIRING: Ms. Sage is also an independent keep his memory and legacy alive as the Chair- SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Van Zeyl is devoted to serving on the board of The is an active philanthropist involved with several civic and cultural or- contractor working closely with companies and non-profits to design man of the Board of the James Tyree Foundation, which supports vari- H Foundation, a cancer charity that has raised over $5 million dollars for the ganizations/institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial programs and develop products to improve their social impact. ous non-profit organizations and programs in the Chicago area. Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Museum, where she’s been on the Board of Trustees since 2000.

Laura Sage Amanda Santoro Annabelle Volgman, MD Bernarda Wong CO-FOUNDER, THE LYNN SAGE FOUNDATION FOUNDER, LITTLE GIRAFFE FOUNDATION MEDICAL DIRECTOR, HEART CENTER AT RUSH FOUNDER/PRESIDENT, CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE Laura Sage is a director at Castle Creek Arbi- Amanda Santoro founded a 501(c)(3) non- Dr. Annabelle Volgman is a crusader against trage and a member of the Chartered Alterna- profit dedicated to advancing neonatal research heart disease as an associate attending physi- Bernarda Wong is a leader in the Asian commu- tive Investment Analysts Association. WHY and supporting patients and parents of the cian and associate professor of medicine at nity, having chaired the Advisory Council on Asian SHE’S INSPIRING: Co-founding a non-profit in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). WHY Rush University Medical Center. WHY SHE’S American Affairs under mayors Harold Washington memory of her mother, Lynn, who passed away SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Santoro launched the INSPIRING: In addition to her efforts to pro- and Richard M. Daley. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: from breast cancer almost 30 years ago, Ms. non-profit after she and her husband lost their mote awareness of heart disease among wom- She was the first Asian appointed to the boards of Sage also devotes much of her time to the Advisory Board of the Lurie daughter, Cheyenne, born three-and-a-half months premature with en, Dr. Volgman wears red every day to remind people that there are United Way of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library, and the Chinese Cancer Center of Northwestern University. her twin brother, Evan. She wanted to help fund meaningful research currently more women dying from heart disease than men. American Service League has grown from a one-person operation in 1978 to to improve the quality of life of countless other preemies. a major organization under her leadership. Deirdre Joy Smith Julie Smolyansky Nicole Yeary Reverend Barbara Zeman FOUNDER/PRESIDENT, POWER: CEO, LIFEWAY FOODS CO-FOUNDER, MS. TECH LITURGIST, DIGNITY CHICAGO OPENING DOORS FOR WOMEN Julie Smolyansky became the youngest female Nicole Yeary founded Ms. Tech in October 2010 Rev. Barbara Zeman was the first woman or- Deirdre Joy Smith is the visionary behind a CEO of a publicly held firm when she took over with a mission to empower women by helping dained a priest in Chicago and is a member 10-year-old organization that promotes and her father’s kefir business in 2002, at age 27. other women network and do business more of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests organi- develops women leaders, currently operating in WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Ms. Smolyansky effectively and efficiently. WHY SHE’S INSPIR- zation, which supports female leaders in the four U.S. markets and China. WHY SHE’S IN- launched the national #MotherCulture cam- ING: With less than 2 percent of venture-backed Catholic Church. WHY SHE’S INSPIRING: Rev. SPIRING: Since starting POWER, Ms. Smith’s paign at Lifeway to promote the maternal nur- startups female founded, it has become her or- Zeman is a voice for Catholic women who want work has attracted over 7,000 participants and garnered support from turing of healthy children through food, attention and love. She is also ganization’s mission to build a conduit to help more women raise the to join the priesthood. Along with Dignity Chicago, she’s the main Ro- Fortune 500 companies, premier law firms and civic organizations. a member of the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs capital they need so they can start and scale their businesses. man Catholic presence for the LGBTQ community. Council and a maternal health advocate with Every Mother Counts.

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