#HASHTAG: KERRI SCHOONYOUNG

For nearly two decades, Evanston resident KERRI SCHOONYOUNG has been at the helm of her own marketing consultancy, Dept. 11, helping businesses large and small navigate the murky waters of search engine optimization, UX design, social media algorithms, and other challenges of the digital age. But as the co-chair of the RUSH Woman’s Board’s annual Fall Benefit—scheduled for September 28 at the historic Palmer House Hilton—Schoonyoung, along with her co-chair Meg Morton Leydon, invites guests on a journey to the past—more specifically, to 1893 and the Chicago World’s Fair. Themed “A Night in the White City,” the 2024 Fall Benefit draws parallels between the World’s Fair as a catalyst for innovation and RUSH’s own mission of transforming health care for the benefit of Chicago and ultimately the world. “Every day, I’m inspired by the dedicated professionals at RUSH and the impact they have on people’s lives,” she says. “This experience has reinforced my belief that when we come together for a great cause, we create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond any single event.” As she balances her attention between the past and the future, Schoonyoung shares her sources of inspiration in the present.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

My bedside table is stacked with aspirational books on everything from entrepreneurship to gardening and reiki. It’s a mixed bag, but I love having options. That said, I typically lean on Audible and podcasts to get my reading fix (and multi-task).

#ON MY MOBILE

I keep tabs on many of my kids’, my clients’, and my industry’s trends online to stay current and in the loop. When I’m not working, I enjoy all things design—it’s a great way to unwind. I’m also constantly researching new travel destinations, satisfying my curiosity about our next getaway.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Podcasts are my go-to, and I can’t get enough of Huberman Lab for its fascinating deep dives into neuroscience and all things health. All In and How I Built This are also staples—both packed with insights and stories brought to life by great storytellers that fuel my entrepreneurial spirit.