Koldyke’s Passion: Fair And Appropriate Education For All
As the founder of the Golden Apple Awards and the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), Martin “Mike” Koldyke is probably the most effective education reform philanthropist in Chicago.
Hearts from a Northfield Woman Spread Joy
The next time you’re in a bad mood because the Metra train is late or someone steals your parking spot, don’t be surprised if a stranger hands you a small pewter heart. Since 2009, Northfield resident and social worker Jeanne Malnati has been handing out pewter hearts to unsuspecting people who seem like they’re going […]
Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs from Carole Browe Segal
In talking with Carole Browe Segal for her profile, it was apparent why she has been so successful. She’s smart and she trusts her instincts. And she’s generous. Here’s her advice for women who are thinking about starting their own business: Pursue your dream – If you don’t believe in it, you won’t be able […]
Beth McElroy
Founder and President, Designed2Date, Inc. Vernon Hills Beth McElroy had a traditional corporate career. After 15 years, she was Vice President of Human Resources for a large landscape company. But she was ready for a change. So, the single mother with a 14-year-old son did something very bold: She resigned. She knew she wanted to […]
Kim Oster Holstein
President/CEO and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer), Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels Wilmette Kim Holstein leads a twisted life. Much like the dough in her company’s signature pretzels, everything in her world seems intertwined. And as an entrepreneur, that’s just how Kim likes it. Mixing social responsibility with her business has been central to the company’s […]
Suzy Kogen Friedman
Partner and Co-Founder, Soft Clothing Northbrook As the founder of her own real estate and construction company, KZF Development, Suzy Kogen Friedman was no stranger to entrepreneurialism. So when her nephew, who was diagnosed with autism at age three, showed acute sensory issues with his clothes and toys, she used her business savvy to find […]
Rachael Smith
Founder and CEO, mrs. smith’s bags Highland Park Like so many good ideas, Rachael Smith’s concept for a new kind of diaper bag sprang out of a need. In 2005 she was at the airport with her two children, both under the age of two. When one wanted a bottle and the other a toy […]
Carole Browe Segal
President, Segal Family Foundation Co-founder, Crate & Barrel and Founder, Foodstuffs Winnetka Newlyweds Carole and Gordon Segal were washing dishes one night when they had the inspiration that would become Crate & Barrel. They had traveled to St. Thomas on their honeymoon, and found a Danish home goods store with beautifully designed, modern pieces. “Gordon […]
Rebecca Berneck
“Big Head” (Founder and Owner), Officeheads, inc. Evanston After entrepreneurs dive head first into their startups, Rebecca Berneck is there to catch them. Founded in 2008, Rebecca’s company, Officeheads, assists entrepreneurs with day-to-day management operations and big-picture planning. “The entrepreneurs should be doing what they’re passionate about—not the mechanics,” she says. Rebecca’s path to founding […]
Fighting Cancer: Honoring Julie Schaffner
Julie Wine Schaffner graced the cover of our January 2010 magazine as an inspiringly resilient woman because of the grace and strength with which she fought late-stage ovarian cancer.
