Courtney McGovern was born and raised in Barrington and is a proud Barrington High School alumna. Throughout her upbringing she was highly impacted by the service opportunities afforded to her by various nonprofits like the Special Olympics, GiGi’s Playhouse, and Kids Around the World. During her junior year at BHS she and her twin sister, Ashley Quigley, co-founded a nonprofit called Hope’s In whose mission is to empower families living in Guatemala and help develop the next generation of humanitarian leaders. Their 10th annual fashion show fundraiser, “Hope’s in Style,” is this month (see editor’s note for details). Upon her graduation from New York University, Courtney returned to Chicago to work for Hope’s In. She is married to Garrett, who she met after her freshman year of college, and a mother to Miles James, who will be one in June.

Mantra? Be kind Best grooming tip? Bronzer. Highlighter. Brows. You are ready for whatever comes your way Guilty pleasure? Eating Tony’s Chocoloney—the dark chocolate, almond and sea salt flavor—after putting my son down for a nap Favorite foods? Never met a grilled vegetable I didn’t like. I also love homemade quiche Music you love? LANY will always put me in a good mood. Country music is my favorite genre to dance in the kitchen to with my husband and son Best advice ever given to you? My mom told me growing up don’t say anything about someone you couldn’t say if they were in the room Best advice you’ve given? Go to your local coffee shop, sit and drink coffee without the lid in good company. Slow down and love the one in front of you Earliest memory? Riding bikes in Barrington Meadows with my twin sister, Ashley When you wake up, you? Kiss my son. Put on my favorite robe. Grab my coffee Before bed, you? After putting Miles to sleep, my husband and I always sneak in an episode of Magnolia Table. If it’s a Sunday night, we sip margaritas too What’s on your bookshelf? Paul David Tripp. Also, all the Latin American authors’ work I loved throughout college You can’t live without? FaceTiming my sisters five times a day. We have always been best friends and I love knowing their day-to-day adventures Love to escape to? Palm Springs. My grandpa has lived there for the last decade, and we have amazing family memories there Advice you would give to your younger self? Staying true to your values is worth it

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? High-rise jeans with a cozy top and Stan Smiths. These days I’m rocking the Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier over anything as well Can’t leave the house without? Snacks. I love to snack. My go to is some sort of trail mix Transportation? My Mom Mobile. She’s an adorable VW Tiguan Driving music? Lullabies in Spanish for my son to fall asleep to Place to eat? Shakou and Egg Harbor. I also love the salad at Ciao Baby Shop? Angelina’s has the sweetest cards for any occasion. I also always have luck with gifts for my husband and dad at Philips Men’s Wear Best thing about the country? The community really knows how to come together. Whether it is a Friday night football game or an opportunity to empower a community based nonprofit, our community truly rises to the occasion Worst thing about the country? Getting stuck waiting for the freight trains to pass The perfect day is? Walking Citizens Park with someone you care about. Especially in my favorite weather—the fall

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? A favorite dress from Zara or & Other Stories. I love walking the city so I’m usually rocking low heeled booties Can’t leave the house without? My ID. Even with my son I get carded, everytime, without fail Transportation? My own two feet. I went to college in New York City and fell in love with seeing a city on foot then. It is now my preferred mode of transportation in any city Driving music? If I’m headed anywhere with high school friends, we’re jamming to Taylor Swift. Especially with my girl Melissa Place to eat? I love the tapas and sangria at Ba-Ba-Reeba. I’ve had awesome meals there and even went there after my baby shower, which was at the Union League Club Shop? Zara has such fun, bold dresses for special occasions like a birthday dinner. Also the North Shore Exchange is a luxury resale shop with beautiful dresses and art. They give back all their proceeds to Chicago based charities Best thing about town? The energy and opportunities. The city is buzzing with new places to see, food to try, and people to meet. But it can also become small by visiting favorites and becoming a regular at a small coffee shop or flower shop Worst thing about town? Getting caught in the rain with no umbrella The perfect day is? Walking the lakefront and having a picnic on a summer night by the water. Rosé, charcuterie, losing track of time amongst friends. Those are the best days