In Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, Seema learned to weave from her mother and grandmother before her. Today, her carpets are sold through Christopher Farr in London and Los Angeles, helping support her family while carrying forward artistic traditions rooted in the region’s history. This particular carpet, woven by Seema, features a Buddhist mandala motif that reflects […]
Many of the behaviors that show up in adult relationships — defensiveness, emotional shutdown, perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of conflict — often begin as survival strategies long before adulthood. At a recent conversation hosted by The Family Institute at Northwestern University — a Make It Better 2026 Philanthropy Award winner — licensed marriage and family therapist […]
As an IP attorney and art law professor, Silvia Beltrametti is drawn to questions of ownership, influence, and creative interpretation. The Italian mother of three divides her time between homes, extended family, business opportunities, and philanthropic commitments across Ireland, Italy, and the U.S. with her husband, Jay Krehbiel, alongside her work at the School of […]
I remember the day I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the woman staring back at me. My stomach churned, my hands shook, and the circles under my eyes could no longer be covered with makeup. That was the defining moment I chose to rescue myself from my abuser, despite the privilege that convinced […]
In truth, all women are superheroes — life givers, multitaskers extraordinaire, nurturers, problem solvers; generally, they are emotionally stronger than men too. In honor of Women’s History Month, please share who inspires you! Of course my magnificent mothers top my list. Senator Gramsie — Virginia Blankenbaker, aka Mom The Dean — Patricia Albjerg Graham, aka […]
As the war in Ukraine enters another year, its consequences extend far beyond the front lines. Millions remain displaced, navigating daily uncertainty as civilian infrastructure and volunteer networks strain under sustained pressure. During recent reporting in Ukraine, I focused on Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) near the front lines east of the Dnipro River and in […]
As the holidays get underway, many of us look for ways to make someone else’s season brighter. And there’s science behind why that makes us feel so good. Research shows that acts of generosity — from gift giving to financial support — increase happiness more than spending on ourselves. At Better, we’re dedicated to simplifying […]
Ashland Avenue has been extended a second time — through Oct. 19! (Updated 10/1/25) When Jenna Fischer takes the stage in Ashland Avenue at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre (Sept. 6–Oct. 19), she’s doing more than debuting a new character. The Emmy-nominated actor — beloved as Pam Beesly on The Office and co-host of the Office Ladies […]
In a world fraying with loneliness and division, Mark Nepo says friendship is how we find our way back to ourselves. The beloved poet and spiritual adviser describes friendship as a “place of high safety” — a refuge where we can fall apart and still be held, a place that steadies us when everything else […]
What if the next story that changes someone’s mind — or inspires them to act — comes from your camera roll? Today, thanks to smartphones, photo essays are no longer just the domain of professional photographers. Anyone — parents documenting family life, students working on a project, nonprofit leaders highlighting impact, or travelers recording a […]
