#HASHTAG: SAMMI VERHEY

Highland Park’s SAMMI VERHEY believes that impactful documentary films are the best way to forge connections, build trust, and create change. After nearly a decade working for President Barack Obama, Verhey transferred that experience to her role as Executive Director at Chicago Media Project (CMP), a nonprofit in support of films that use media to make a positive impact in the world. Verhey is particularly excited about CMP’s upcoming Doc10 film festival, now in its 9th year. Doc10 has become one of the top documentary film festivals in the country and a key stop on the Hollywood awards circuit, hosting the most acclaimed nonfiction titles of the year. Verhey looks forward to mingling with top-tier filmmakers and watching incredible docs at this year’s festival May 2 to 5 at the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center. Outside of work, Verhey spends time with her husband, Max, kids Winnie (6) and Felix (3), and furballs, Jeppson and Rusty.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

A rotating selection of thrillers, which are my go-to mindless read at the end of the day. And always and forever, Aquaphor. If I could have only one thing on my nightstand for the rest of my life, it would be this Aquaphor as Hydration is my No. 1 secret to a good night’s sleep.

#ON MY MOBILE

Usually Googling a combo of how to sneak healthy foods into the repertoire of kids who only eat hot dogs and PB&J, and news roundups like The Skimm. Anything that can give me a quick sense of what’s happening in the world, while juggling a full time job and two young kids.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Since all of the films we support at CMP are social impact in nature, I find it’s a nice balance to dive into pop culture podcasts in my free time. As far as music, we’re always playing something fun on the speaker and our kids are becoming huge music buffs. I love listening to them sing along to songs recorded decades before they were born. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder and “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles are personal favorites at the moment.