JWC Media
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By Debbie Lee
Photography by Robin Subar | Hair, Makeup & Styling by Constantine James
Katie Isadore
Prior to this, she spent almost a decade living in Chicago. As the area vice president of a Fortune 40 technology company, Isadore is responsible for more than $1 billion in revenues across the Midwest. She merges her commitments to career and motherhood by participating in various female-friendly initiatives: Isadore founded and was President of her company’s Chicago Women in Technology Group, and is also a regular speaker at various Women in Technology events supporting STEM enrichment organizations. She is ardent about her company’s “return-ship” program, focused on recruiting experienced female job candidates who have taken an extended absence from the workforce. “I know many women who are highly educated, had incredible careers, and decided to take a pause to stay at home and raise their children, which I think is amazing,” she says. “when their children get older, I often hear they would like to reenter the workforce but feel intimidated or under-qualified. Some of our highest performing employees are females who have returned after a hiatus, and they are highly valued.”
Mantra? Positivity is a choice. Every day you can give energy or take it away—always aim to be the giver. Best grooming tip? Hair with Kelly and spray tan with Jess at Levato Salon & Skin Lab. Guilty pleasure? The warm butter cake at Mastro’s and a great cabernet. Favorite foods? The crabby tuna roll at Nabuki, filet at Steak 48, and Maryland blue crabs with Old Bay seasoning in the summer. Music you love? Today’s hits, anything old school like Frank Sinatra or Bobby Darin, and it may be strange, but I love French pop music. Best advice ever given to you? Brevity is the soul of wit. Best advice you’ve given? End each day thanking God for three positive things that happened that day. It reminds me that even on tough days, good things always happen. Earliest memory? It’s not the earliest, but it’s certainly the most meaningful: attending my grandfather’s funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. He was a judge and colonel and was buried with full honors (escort platoon with a hundred soldiers, military band, caisson). It was one of those awe-struck moments that makes you think about what impact and legacy you want to leave behind. When you wake up, you? Check email, drink coffee, and get the girls ready for the day. Before bed, you? Read books with the girls, say prayers with them, and catch up on the day with my husband. What’s on your bookshelf? How the World Sees You and No Bad Kids—a toddler advice book. I’m currently struggling with a strong-willed 2-year-old. You can’t live without? Amazon Prime! But seriously, God, my husband and my girls. Our Catholic faith is very important to us, and I’m so fortunate to have an incredibly supportive husband (who also works in the technology industry) who is my sounding-board and biggest supporter. Love to escape to? My hometown in Maryland. I love going back to see my family. Also, I love Napa Valley and the Amalfi Coast. Advice you would give to your younger self? Be selective in your battles; sometimes peace is better than being right.
Your style is? Casual—yoga pants or jeans with a T-shirt and blazer. Can’t leave the house without? Cell phone and a diaper bag with lots of activities for the girls. Transportation? We are an SUV family. Driving music? The “Frozen” soundtrack, over and over again. Somehow, the girls never get sick of it! Place to eat? Fuller House. The food is great and it’s the only place we feel comfortable bringing two toddlers. And we love Nabuki for a local date night. Shop? I’m mostly an online shopper but I like Kelsey Resale Boutique—I’ve found so many great deals there! And Oakbrook Center. Best thing about country? The people. I love the family-oriented atmosphere and strong community. I also love that every home is so unique in Hinsdale. It’s fun walking around looking at all of the different architectural styles. Worst thing about country? Parking in town. And I wish we had a great Mexican restaurant close by. The perfect day is? In the summer, a trip to the park or pool with the girls, walking to town for lunch, and then pizza and wine nights in the backyard with friends and family (using our wood-fired pizza oven).
Your style is? I’m usually working, so business professional attire. But for a night out, a fun dress with great pair of heels. Can’t leave the house without? Cell phone and laptop bag. Transportation? Uber. Driving music? I’m always on conference calls, but at night, any dance music. Place to eat? I’m always at Gibsons Italia for work dinners—great food and views. But otherwise Maple & Ash, Aba, Tao, and Sunda. Shop? I rarely get to do this anymore, but I love Restoration Hardware and the shops on Armitage in Lincoln Park. Best thing about town? Love the energy, the incredible restaurants, and being on the water. Worst thing about town? Traffic. The perfect day is? Being on a friend’s boat, going down the Chicago river, followed by drinks and dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
