LIFE IS A SERIES OF opportunities—often challenging, never dull, and constantly evolving. Pim Alley and Kate Holland know this first-hand. Kate spent her middle and high school years living abroad in Tokyo, while Pim grew up in the wild west of Arizona. Following their schooling, Kate began her professional career as an intellectual property attorney in Houston, while Pim served on the political campaign staff for the Bush Administration. Each eventually settled in Lake Forest with their spouses and children.

While both have experience in nonprofit fundraising, it was not until they teamed up to chair the 2019 Lake Forest Country Day School Auction that they had the opportunity to closely collaborate. The two spent countless hours in their “office”—a room at the school. The space quickly became a command center from which they ran their philanthropic endeavor along with the daily demands of their personal and professional obligations.

The challenges faced in 2020 led Pim and Kate to closely re-evaluate the need for a dedicated workspace, something everyone has now realized is a necessity. In many families, husbands have moved into home offices and children zoom from throughout the home. Thus, the idea for a Suite Escape was born. Whether your work is a professional endeavor, a volunteer project, keeping current with events or literature, or coordinating your children’s school and activities, the Suite Escape is a welcome haven.

We have sought to create a space where women can engage in adult conversation while connecting with and seeking inspiration from peers. It is also a place where one can book an appointment with themselves—time that is free from the interruption of the everyday hustle.

The Suite Escape aims to create opportunities for women to connect, unwind, work, and be inspired. From serendipitous meetings to future events, classes, and workshops the space is designed to promote the growth and enrichment of its members.

The Suite Escape is located on the Second Floor of the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. An annual $125 initiation fee allows members to attend special events as well as the opportunity to reserve work space at an hourly rate. There is a semi-private Zoom-ready suite, single and collaborative workspaces, and a conference table for group meetings. Additionally, the entire space may be rented. For more information, visit lfsuite-escape.com, or email [email protected].