Celebrating Women of the West Loop

On behalf of the West Loop Community Organization, we celebrate all women, each and every day. We are an organization who believes in equality for all, and we encourage you to be fearless and conquer all of your dreams! Thank you, women, for all that you do and bring to the West Loop community.

Merry Green, Creator and Founder of The Black Women's Expo 
Merry Green is the President of MGPG Events, Inc. and the Creator & Founder of “The Black Women’s Expo” in Chicago, and now Atlanta & Dallas, the nation’s longest running empowerment exposition for the African American consumer. BWe just celebrated an amazing milestone – 25 years in Chicago! Merry’s work has garnered her numerous awards including the Legacy Award/Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, Woman of the Year/Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Women’s Day Award/Rainbow Push Coalition, Women at the Top of their Game, Kizzy Award/Revlon, the Inspirational Trailblazer Award from Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, the Entrepreneur’s Spirit Award, and the Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award.

Sophie Bidek, Partner at Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
On this International Women’s Day, Sophie Bidek is proud to celebrate women’s contributions to the design and construction industry, and is committed to advancing the profession by hiring, mentoring and promoting women. Sophie Bidek, a partner at Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (located in the heart of Fulton Market since 1999), is a creative visionary at the helm of cutting-edge new structures and complex adaptive-reuse projects. She leads the architectural design for many of Fulton Market’s adaptive reuse projects and manages multi-disciplinary project teams for record-setting buildings such as One Chicago, a multi-tower development that will be the city’s 6th tallest skyscraper, and the luxury condo building, No. 9 Walton. 

Stephanie Izard, Chef/Owner/Creator/Author 
Stephanie Izard, James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes” recipient 2013, and 2011 Food & Wine “Best New Chef,” is the Executive Chef/Partner of four Chicago restaurants, Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat and Cabra along with the forthcoming Girl & the Goat LA. Izard was also awarded with the coveted title of “Iron Chef” after winning season 1 of Food Network’s Iron Chef Gauntlet. A 2011 James Beard “Best New Restaurant” nominee, Girl & the Goat has been praised by high-profile publications such as Saveur, New York Times, Food & Wine, Better Homes and Gardens and others. Little Goat, Stephanie’s highly successful follow-up to Girl & the Goat, encompasses a diner, coffee shop, bakery and bar. In March 2016, Stephanie opened her third restaurant, a Chinese concept called Duck Duck Goat in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. 2019 brought Stephanie’s Peruvian-inspired eatery, Cabra Cevicheria, on the rooftop of The Hoxton, Chicago. Izard was awarded with the coveted title of “Iron Chef” after winning season 1 of Food Network’s Iron Chef Gauntlet. Additionally, Izard was the first woman to win Bravo’s Top Chef (Season 4/2008) and is the only winner of the original version of the show to take the title of “Fan Favorite.” Among other projects, Izard has a product line called “This Little Goat,” consisting of cooking sauces and spice mixes for home cooks. Izard’s first book, “Girl in the Kitchen,” was released in 2011 and her second recent book “Gather & Graze” was released in April 2018. More information on Stephanie Izard can be found at www.stephanieizard.com or follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @stephanieizard.

Melissa Jesser, Chicago Director of Retail and Curation for Universal Standard
Melissa is the Director of Retail and Curation at Universal Standard's Chicago showroom, an inclusive women's apparel company ranging in sizes 00-40. Previously, Melissa worked in Strategic Partnerships at Chicago Ideas and Brand Partnerships at THINX. Melissa has a background in acting and is a proud member of the Actor's Equity Association. She also loves to sing Alanis Morissette at karaoke night.

Theresa Ross, Owner of Motion Fitness
After graduation from UC San Francisco in the 1990's, I specialized in Emergency Medicine and currently practice at Advocate Christ Medical Center. In addition to seeing patients, I participate in the instruction of Emergency Medicine residents. I recently found an additional calling after getting to know two amazing trainers - Robin Sanchez and Amy Homma. In 2019, we opened All in Motion Fitness in the West Loop, a gym that welcomes everyone, uses science to determine programming, builds relationships and keeps everyone directed at the long term goal of staying healthy for life. In my career, I have been inspired by other strong women. This was important, particularly in a specialty that was initially dominated by men.  It helps me to remember as I go through my daily life that I do not know the weight others carry. You can never underestimate the power of support, a kind word, a helping hand, because what seems small and insignificant to you can inspire others.

LaShonn Swain, Vice President, and Branch Manager at Wintrust Bank Chicago
Lashonn Swain is the Branch Manager at Wintrust Bank and has been serving in the financial industry for over 15 years. She is dedicated to empowering clients through financial literacy.

Amanda Elman-Kolb, Co-Owner at Altitude Chicago
After 20 plus years in traditional marketing, I'm jumping in- feet first at Altitude Chicago, Chicago's first and only trampoline park and entertainment space in the City. I'm honored to be acknowledged by WLCO for International Women's Day. I'm hopeful on both a professional and personal level that we as a society continue to make great strides in inclusivity and equality for future generations of leaders of ALL kinds.

Heidi Hess, Owner at Heidi Hess
On this National Women's Day I want to thank my Mom, Dolores Hess for showing me the way. Take care of your family, friends, and honor thyself. Surround yourself with the very best people who make you feel good. Rely on yourself but keep space open for the right ones. You will have tons of lessons to learn & mistakes to make but always believe in your beat. Stay true to that beat. Celebrate that beat. Happy Women's Day to us! I love my West Loop Community!

Dani Sassower, Associate at Related Midwest
Dani Sassower is an Associate at Related Midwest, where she focuses on the development of 900 W Randolph and 725 W Randolph in the West Loop. Dani earned her Masters of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Bachelor of Arts from American University.

Heather Bragg, Realtor and WLCO Board MemberHeather Bragg is a seasoned broker, education specialist, published author, Huffington Post contributor, triathlete, marathoner and accomplished equestrian. She used the innate ambitious personality - that served her well in earlier endeavors - to launch and grow her real estate business. Heather is a self-proclaimed “mastery addict” and continuously strives to serve her clients with effectiveness, efficiency, positivity and thorough communication.

Katie Jahnke Dale, Associate at DLA Piper
I am a real estate attorney at DLA Piper who focuses on land use and zoning, including numerous projects in the West Loop. In addition to my real estate practice, I am heavily involved in pro bono work, including representing women and children in immigration matters and handling family and housing law matters for low-income individuals through Legal Aid Chicago. I come from a family of eight kids – including five strong-willed women – and am the proud aunt to nineteen nieces and nephews. I wish all the wonderful people of the West Loop a happy International Women’s Day! 

Linda Mitchell, Owner at Linda Mitchell State Farm Agency
With over a decade of insurance experience, Linda offers her expertise in risk management and family and community service to realize the dreams of everyday people. Linda is a member of the West Loop Community Organization and the Fulton Market Association, National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Ambassador Travel Qualifier,Top 100 Small Business Leaders, Great Lakes Leader. Currently owns and operates a successful West Loop multi-faceted Insurance Agency. She also serves as a board member for her church on a national level. Linda serves as a role model to other women entrepreneurs and believes in unity, education and community engagement to empower other business leaders. She sees International Woman's Day as a platform to further this commitment.

Angie Marie, Events Coordinator at Macello's
Angie has been the events coordinator for Macello's Cucina di Puglia for the last 8 years. She loves her job since every day brings new adventures. Her sister has been an influence in her life, by demonstrating how to accept and conquer challenges. Angie has an artistic side, painting and drawing are an every day must for her.

Krista Plemmons, Community Associate at SPACES
Has been the community associate for Spaces for a little over a year. She loves bringing members of the community together, providing opportunities to network and celebrate the wonderful work being done in the area.