In this monthly series, Built In Chicago highlights some of the most important players in our digital ecosystem: the women. From entrepreneurs to technologists, investors to academic leaders, and corporate innovators to developers, women play important and diverse roles in dozens of local organizations. Every month, we'll introduce you to five women worth knowing. Through these exclusive interviews, get to know these women through their likes, experiences, and maybe even their secrets.
Know a female leader worth profiling? Send your nomination to Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.
julie northcutt
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am CEO of Caregiverlist.com. Caregiverlist provides the premiere service connecting seniors and professional caregivers with the most reliable eldercare options, highest quality ratings and outstanding careers nationwide.
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I think some of us are just made this way. I call it the good-crazy gene. I was always doing hobby businesses on the side when I worked at corporations and at every company I worked for I created new products. I also love to sell and find it fun to think about what the customer would buy and always knew I would start my own business once I saved enough money.
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE ON A DAILY BASIS?
Corralling the new ideas until the time is right.
talia mashiach
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
CEO and Founder of Eved, the market leader in Event Commerce that automates the buying and selling for meetings and events. I am the visionary behind the technology. I spend a lot of time with clients understanding what they want and how we can solve their problems.
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I did not grow up saying I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I have always loved business. I became an entrepreneur because I wanted to control what I did with my time, I wanted to solve some big problems and have a big impact.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
The toughest challenges teach you the most. When you are going through a challenge, focus on the fact that you will get through it and learn from it.
sharon schneider
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am founder & CEO of upscale resale site Moxie Jean, the easiest way for busy moms to buy and sell high quality, like-new kids clothing.
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I discovered "entrepreneurship" while working as a consultant and knew I wanted to start my own company. When the idea for Moxie Jean came along, I jumped on it.
YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
I have an incredible memory. Remembering all the things I've read and heard and identifying patterns that lead to new insights is what keeps me ahead of the game.
mana ionescu
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I run Lightspan Digital, a Digital Marketing Company. We build online connections between brands and audiences through compelling storytelling.
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?
I like to build things. I came to the U.S. with $200 and I had no choice but to build. I built a career and then I had a vision and built Lightspan.
THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
Make decisions from inspiration not from fear.
suzanne el-moursi
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
Chief Marketing Officer for Power2Switch. I am responsible for the Brand Development & Brand Equity efforts for Power2Switch.
Simply because I was felt my time in "corporate America" & the agency world was up. I had a great job, title and salary but was limited to not taking risks and innovating.
Stay fearless, hungry and kind. That's how you will leave a legacy in the world by doing things that will have impact.
nominate someone
Nominate your favorite woman for future installments of The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance by emailing Amina Elahi ([email protected]). Include her name, title, organization and a 140-character description of why she deserves to be featured.
The Women Driving Chicago's Digital Renaissance:
