COUNTRY VS. TOWN: LAUREN MARKHAM

LAUREN MARKHAM is something of a Renaissance woman. Growing up in Carol Stream, she was a dedicated dancer who performed tap and hip hop. Some would stop there, but Lauren was also a valuable athlete on her high school’s volleyball and track teams, a cheerleader, a yearbook editor, and a vocalist who sang the national anthem at sporting events.

With all these activities, and those of her four older brothers, Lauren’s close-knit Italian family still prioritized family time. “We grew up with a family party almost every weekend, packed with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. We still get together as often as possible,” Lauren says. She is close with her parents and is looking forward to celebrating the 100th birthdays of both maternal grandparents this year.

Inspired by her second grade teacher, Lauren knew from a young age that she wanted to be an educator. She graduated from Illinois State University (ISU) with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Special Education minor. While at ISU she enjoyed Greek life as a Delta Zeta, active in her own chapter and the national philanthropic project, The Painted Turtle, whose mission is to provide a year-round, life changing environment and authentic experiences for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

While living in Chicago after college, Lauren met her husband, Tim, taught kindergarten, preschool, and early childhood special education, and completed her master’s program. She transitioned into a role as Professor and Residency Field Coach with National Louis University in Chicago, teaching and coaching residents wanting to become teachers, and being a part of their learning experience in the classrooms in Chicago Public schools. These days Lauren is the CFO of the family business, a string of Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the Chicago area and Lexington, Kentucky.

Lauren and Tim moved to Hinsdale in 2020 with their daughters Mila (5) and Penny (3) and a dog named Junior. The whole family has fallen in love with their neighborhood and the friends they’ve made through Hinsdale Community Preschool. Lauren serves as President of the Parent Co-op, which would be enough for anyone else, but this dynamo recently took the reigns as President of Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) where she previously held the role of First Vice President.

“I’ve been able to connect with so many other Boss Women in the neighborhood and so many other caring, philanthropic, and kindhearted women, many of whom I call my best friends now.” Lauren says.

She finds being a member very fulfilling and enjoys the philanthropic events and helping raise money to fulfill grants to many very important organizations. “Being able to work on a team with so many different women, from so many backgrounds and all with unique traits and talents is so fulfilling. Being part of this organization has helped make me a better person,” Lauren says.

She adds, “My husband and I reflect on the idea, that we are very lucky with the friend group we met in this community, they truly are like family, and we count our blessings every day that we get to watch all our kiddos grow up together.”

Passions: helping others and being a mentor and role model for my daughters- showing them that you can do and be anything you set your heart to. I want them to know that volunteering is a great way to give back and have a feeling of fulfillment in helping others. Family Life We are busy! But we love it. We enjoy doing activities like going to the park in town as a family, like walking to Uniquely Thursdays in the summer. We love seeing our friends and families weekly and checking in with everyone! Mantra? Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. On your reading stack? The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World by Haemin Sunim and The Measure by Nikki Erlick What organizations do you support? HJWC (Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club) and Hinsdale Community Preschool Favorite workout? Working out at Lifetime and taking barre and yoga classes with friends. Best grooming tip? Wearing a hat can fix any bad hair day or if you haven’t washed your hair in a week! Guilty pleasure? Cheeze Its- I could eat the whole box or watching Vanderpump Rules. Music you love? I’m a huge country fan, I love when the lyrics tell a good story. Favorite spring traditions? Going to luncheons in the Hinsdale community and supporting/celebrating other local organizations and charities. Advice you would give to your younger self? Wear the high heels.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Mom-chic: sneakers and a t-shirt with a hat. Favorite walk? Walking to downtown Hinsdale to grab a tea or a bite to eat. Can’t leave the house without? Snacks for the kids and myself. Place to celebrate? Antico Posto in Oakbrook is great spot for a date night or a yummy dinner with the kids. Best quick bite or hidden gem? We are huge fans of Taurasi in Westmont. Favorite festival or special event? Walking downtown to Uniquely Thursdays in the summer—what a great event for the whole family. Best thing about the country? Having a yard and a pool to entertain our friends and family. Worst thing about the country? Currently the fear of the invasion of cicadas this summer. The perfect day is? Anytime the sun is out.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Minimalist Chic. I enjoy staples in neutral colors, with comfortable silhouettes accented with standout accessories. Favorite walk? Walking down the path at Burnham Harbor or walking in the Fulton Market area. Can’t leave the house without? A neutral lipstick color. Place to celebrate? Bavettes. No need to say more! Best quick bite or hidden gem? Pockets in West Loop or Home Slice in Lincoln Park. Favorite festival or special event? Bears games and tailgates will always be my favorite. Best thing about town? The architecture. The skyline is truly breathtaking. Worst thing about town? Parking, especially with kids. Instant stress. The perfect day is? Popping in and out of fun trendy boutiques in Fulton Market or Lincoln Park.