Many of you had the chance to mingle with our 2015 Board of Directors during our Winter Social and Meet the Board Event at Oak + Char in Chicago (click here to see photos from the event). For those of you who weren’t able to make it, we’d like to introduce the talented, fun superstars who are helping to make 2015 another successful year for LMA Midwest. [View Part 1] [View Part 2]
Kate Harry, Member-at-Large
J. Johnson Executive Search, Inc. (Chicago)
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
In November 2011 I became a “Jillaroo:” I travelled to Tamworth, Australia's country music capital (think Nashville but without the glitz or glam), and headed into the outback for a week to sleep under the stars, ride horses to muster and shear sheep, herd cows, fix fences, and drink Fosters with a bunch of other outback lunatics – er, enthusiasts. One of the best weeks ever!
What is your favorite movie or book (or one that has inspired you), and why?
Two movies: Little Miss Sunshine (who doesn’t love a dysfunctional family on a road trip)? I also love The Blind Side because it shows a person who overcomes adversity with the help and kindness of others.
Apart from legal marketing prowess, what other skills or hobbies do you have?
I'm gradually working my way through the U.S. skiing venues, but if you ever see me on the slopes you will agree that I definitely have more enthusiasm than skill. I also have a strong desire to travel and experience as much as I can.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or cuisine?
Senza in Lakeview. A very small, fine-dining experience with degustation offerings and matching wine. It is a beautiful, intimate and casual place. But, as Senza only fits into my ‘special occasion’ budget, I'll go for wings with blue cheese dressing and a Bulls game at Barn & Company in Lincoln Park any day of the week.
What is fun fact that few people know about you?
I've skied (albeit not very gracefully) on three continents (and I’ll hit a fourth soon!): U.S.A., Asia and Australia.
Sydney Iglitzen, President
S. Iglitzen Consulting (Chicago)
What fun facts do few people know about you?
When I lived in Miami, I was a "disco queen" and even had a regular dance partner. These days, I take Flamenco dance lessons, am learning castanets (really tough) and have performed in two recitals just this past year. I'm not great, but I'm working on it. I was never very athletic, but for many years, I was one of the first women to lift weights at mostly all-male gyms, though not competitively. Also, I try to keep up with Dr. Who, I love all kinds of cartoons, especially Japanese anime, and I often go to various ComicCon and Anime conventions. I basically lurk and take pictures. I wish, but I do not have the courage to dress up as a character...yet. If I did, I can see myself as Xena, Princess Warrior, or Major Kusanagi, a kick-a** cyborg from Ghost in the Shell (for all you geeks out there!)
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
My family always thought that I would either be a spy, an FBI agent or a model. I believed that for a while. Go figure? I was tall and very thin when I was young...what happened to that??!! Then, with my strong public relations background, I thought perhaps I would go into politics. So glad I changed my mind on that. I'm still a bit of a political junkie.
Apart from legal marketing prowess, what other skills or hobbies do you have?
I started out as a pre-med student but quickly changed to design. For many years, I was extremely artistic and creative. I would sew elaborate costumes for my nieces, create intricate throw pillows and quilts and upholster and build furniture. Not much time for that lately. Also, I continue to collect stuff, from interesting and different kites, to all kinds of goofy toys, crazy Halloween and other holiday decorations, a fabulous shoe collection, a more fabulous hat collection, beautiful pop-up books and so much more... You can imagine what my apartment looks like! All these things keep me laughing and make me happy.
Suzanne Donnels, Treasurer Elect
Jenner & Block (Chicago)
Suzanne is a qualified marketing strategist, business developer and technologist with more than 24 years of legal marketing experience. At Jenner & Block, she works collaboratively with the firm's professionals, aligning business development and marketing efforts with the firm's strategic vision. Ms. Donnels is a student of innovation, creator of systems that improve productivity and designer of metrics that measure returns on marketing investments. She recently spoke at the LMA Keynote Program: Teamwork - Untethering Teams for Improved Coordination, Leverage and Success.