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By Contributor
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Michelle is ready for the National Charity League Mother Daughter Tea in a dress by Oscar de La Renta from Neiman Marcus.
Michelle Riley grew up in the Pacific Northwest, splitting time between Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, where her dad lived after her parents’ divorce. “I was fortunate to have two incredible families. Alongside my parents, stepmom and stepdad, I have three half-siblings; Lesley, Mike, and Patrick, and my stepdad’s large Lebanese family, all of whom made growing up very lively,” Michelle says.
Her mom, a high school English teacher, and dad, a contract negotiator, instilled strong values in Michelle. Family was always a top priority, along with volunteering and giving back to the community.
Growing up, she loved cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners. She also developed a love for golf.
Michelle grounded herself in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, spending childhood summers on the Oregon coast at a family house, exploring Cannon Beach, Pacific City, and Neskowin. “I loved wandering through tide pools and coastal forests. Getting to soak up the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest was special, and it’s been amazing to share that with my kids now when we are back visiting family,” she says.
In high school, she kept busy with activities like golf team, dance team, and speech team. A summer study abroad program in Solsona, Spain further fueled a passion for travel that was sparked on family trips across the U.S. and Canada to Alaska, Montana, Colorado, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Victoria, Whistler, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
For college, Michelle attended the University of Washington in Seattle, where she majored in Speech Communications and joined Delta Delta Delta Sorority, which helped provide a sense of community at such a large environment. Tri Delta supports St. Jude, and Michelle led PR efforts for her chapter’s fundraising. She also had her first public relations internship with Edelman during college. This experience lasted almost three years, and Michelle had the unique opportunity of interning within each of the groups in the Seattle office and learning from some of the best leaders in the business.
This intrepid traveler also participated in the Semester at Sea study abroad program, which she calls, “An unforgettable journey spanning 10 countries in 100 days. Starting in Vancouver, B.C., our voyage traveled to Japan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, and Cuba, before ending in New Orleans. During the voyage, we had interesting guest speakers, such as Desmond Tutu and Fidel Castro. This experience was one of the most enriching chapters of my life, teaching me adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience—skills that have been invaluable to both my personal growth and professional success.”
Post-college, Michelle continued her PR career in Los Angeles. She fondly remembers this time of balancing creativity and strategy, saying, “It was really a crash course in balancing big ideas with practical execution, all while learning the power of storytelling.”
A transfer to Chicago brought surprises, including the unexpected mix of Midwest warmth and big-city energy, and an introduction to the man who would be become her husband of nearly 17 years, Jim.
They have two active children, Tom (14) and Caitlin (12). Tom plays soccer for the Wizards Oak Brook club and baseball for the Hounds and serves the community as a junior board member for the Infant Welfare Society’s Hinsdale Auxiliary Chapter. Caitlin plays softball for both Empire and Hounds Fastpitch, is a member of Spartan Chorale, and the National Charity League,
Currently, Michelle serves as Senior Vice President and PR leader at an integrated marketing firm based in Chicago, specializing in guiding PR clients in the professional and financial services sectors on brand reputation and crisis and issues management initiatives.
When not at a soccer, baseball, or softball field, she can be found on the golf course or planning the family’s next trip.
Do you have a mantra? Yes, “Focus on what you can control.” It keeps me grounded when facing challenges, big or small. There’s so much that’s unpredictable but channeling my energy into the things I can influence—my attitude, my effort, my decisions—helps me stay productive and optimistic. On your read-ing stack? Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. What organizations do you support? I am committed to giving back to our Hinsdale community and feel fortunate to be involved in several incredible organizations. Currently, I am the co-president of the Hinsdale Middle School PTO, which allows me to work closely with other dedicated parents and faculty to enrich the school experience for our students. I’m also an active member of the Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills chapter of National Charity League, which is a mother-daughter philanthropic organization. This year, I am co-chairing our annual mother-daughter tea alongside my own daughter Caitlin and Christy Hernandez and her daughter Katelyn. Beyond that, I contribute to the Infant Welfare Society Hinsdale Chapter by managing PR and social media efforts, and previously, I was the president of the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club. What’s your signature entertaining style? My husband and I like creating an atmosphere where everyone feels at home, like they can grab a drink, and just relax. For me, it’s normally less about hosting in the traditional sense, and more about creating a vibe where everyone feels like they can just show up and be themselves. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? During the week, I sit and talk with my kids during their breakfast, enjoy a quiet coffee after they head to school and look at my schedule for the day. I also fit in a workout to clear my mind, either a walk outside or Pilates. Music you love? It depends on the day. I listen to everything from Cold War Kids and Graham Barham to Kendrick Lamar and Tribe Called Quest. Each day has its own vibe. Favorite spring tradition or activity? The last few years, we’ve caught a baseball game during spring break. Last year, we saw the Giants vs. A’s and the year prior, we went to the National’s opening day.
What’s Your go-to outfit? A casual dress and ballet flats. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? My iPhone, water, and coffee. Where do they know you by name? Cafe La Fortuna. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? It has a lovely small-town charm with so much history, gorgeous homes, and a real sense of community.
Do you wear any outfits or accessories that like too much day to day, but are perfect for the city? When I’m in the city for work, you’ll usually find me in a dress paired with my Veronica Beard blazer. On nights out, I lean toward more relaxed yet chic outfits, like a sleek blouse with tailored pants or a midi dress and a great pair of heels and bolder jewelry. What’s in your bag? AirPods for podcast listening (I’m hooked on How I Built This and Morning Brew Daily), mints, and lipstick. View that never gets old? Chicago is a breathtaking city, and while the view from my office in the AON Center is impressive, there isn’t a lot like experiencing the city from the Architecture Boat Tour—it never gets old. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Back when we lived in the city, one of our favorite things was to pick up a great bottle of wine and head to Tango Sur on Southport. Do you have a favorite museum? The Museum of Contemporary Art. I’m drawn to its bold exhibits. The architecture itself is stunning, with spaces that feel both modern and inviting. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? High Fidelity has always been a favorite, because it of how it captures Chicago—its music scene, neighborhoods that aren’t shown often in other movies, and authenticity.
