Glencoe’s ROBYN TAVEL is proudly following in the philanthropic footsteps of her parents and grandparents. She serves on the Women’s Board of the Jewish United Fund of Chicago (JUF) as the Vice President of Campaign and on the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art. With her own daughters watching and her husband by her side, Tavel leverages the leadership skills honed while earning her MBA and later working as an international executive at Dun & Bradstreet. Through her work at JUF, one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the country, Tavel is deeply committed to helping the most vulnerable in the community and securing a bright, vibrant future for the next generation. Here is how this superstar stays on-trend.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I just finished reading Noa Tishby’s book Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. Noa was the guest speaker at our JUF Women’s Philanthropy 2022 kickoff event. She is incredible—so engaging, dynamic, and has a very candid way of explaining the history behind this most fascinating country. I am also partway through a few lighthearted books that are interestingly (though unintentionally) themed on women’s empowerment including fashion designer Norma Kamali’s new book titled I am Invincible, accessories designer Anya Hindmarch’s new book titled If in Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life, and a new book by fellow JUF board member Shari Greco Reiches, Maximize Your Return on Life: Invest Your Time and Money in What You Value Most. I hope to absorb lots of great nuggets to share with my daughters. I also love devouring my favorite sections of The Wall Street Journal; Personal Journal, Off Duty, and Mansion.”

ON HER RADIO

“When I am in the car by myself, I stay informed by tuning into WBEZ and BBC World. But, when my kids are with me, I play DJ to Top 40 music on Hits 1, B96 Chicago, and I force them to indulge me in 80s on 8 (on SiriusXM). Some 80s songs have even made their way onto my teens’ playlists. It might be the Virgo in me, but “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire always puts me in a great mood.”

ON HER MOBILE

“Contemporary art is my passion and I spend my free time scrolling through Instagram, Artsy.net, and digital magazines like Galerie to discover and connect with new artists and galleries from around the world. It truly takes me to another place and allows my mind to creatively wander. As a member of the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, I have a unique opportunity to support the arts and continue my own arts education while offering that same opportunity at no cost to others through MCA Family Days and free museum tours for CPS students.”