Women’s History Month | Northalsted | Lakeview | Chicago | Supper House | FFC Lakeview | AHF Pharmacy
The future is female in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood with strong female leadership among Northalsted’s business-owners and management.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, below is a spotlight on just a few of the exceptional women in our neighborhood:
PREVIOUSLY:
Northalsted Businesses Receive $113K SSA#18 Funding to Stay Afloat
Lori Masse – Owner (Supper House)
“Do what is best for you and your family”
Being the owner of a startup requires no shortage of hard work, and overseeing accounting, HR, marketing, menu planning, and counter-work of Supper House is a true renaissance woman—Lori Masse: mother, business owner, entrepreneur.
After working in the restaurant and catering industry for 25 years, Lori struggled to find a career move that allowed her to balance work and motherhood; eventually, she had her lightbulb moment: “I stopped the job search and started to think of something I could do on my own.” Founding Supper House, Lori now has an outlet for her work ethic that flows in and around her family life.
Lori feels that no employee should be boxed-in to what roles they should perform based on sex, and time and time again has changed the minds of those who would question her authority as a woman, “I got in the trenches with them to make sure the job was done right. I earned their respect.”
When asked about the challenges she faces as a female leader, Lori mentions men talking down to her, explaining how to do her job or that she should be doing housework: “would these gentlemen tell my chef husband that he should be home with the children instead of working?” She believes this “mansplaining” trait is generational, and is fading with time:
“I feel with more women-owned businesses and as far as restaurants with more woman in the kitchen this attitude will slowly change. Much of the work force have worked for a woman.”
Opening in early 2020, Supper House has satisfied its customers during the pandemic with an emphasis on American comfort food: chicken parmesan, spaghetti & meatballs, build your own mac n’ cheese, and so much more.
You can order pick-up (3404 N Halsted St) or delivery from Supper House from Toast, DoorDash, Seamless, Caviar, Grubhub, or Postmates.
Liz Silberman – General Manager (FFC Lakeview)
“Know your worth, know that you are capable, and that you can do what you set your mind to—don’t let anything hold you back.”
The backbone of Fitness Formula Club (FFC) Lakeview is Liz Silberman, who manages the entire team, consisting of personal trainers, Pilates instructors, front desk, housekeeping, membership, and more.
After joining FFC Lakeview as part of the Membership Team, the coronavirus pandemic hit and she was shifted into the position of General Manager. Resourcefully, Liz took to the position fast and believes her time in membership has given her “a better view of things because [she knows] our current membership base, how to make them feel comfortable, and their history with the club.”
Although her time with FFC as a female leader has been incredibly smooth, she’s overcome obstacles in previous positions:
“I’ve had to fight to make equal pay, or in conference calls and meetings just to get my voice heard. A lot has happened, so after all of that it just makes me very thankful for where I’m at now… I think the biggest thing is just making sure awareness is being talked about a lot.”
FFC’s state-of-the-art fitness facility includes amenities that keep you coming back, from cardio and strength equipment to specialty yoga and Pilates classes, and even massage therapy, spa, and steam room to relax after an intense workout.
You can visit FFC Lakeview at 3228 N Halsted St
Staci Mullins – Regional Director, Midwest (AHF Pharmacy)
“I think when you are passionate about something, the dedication comes naturally.”
Staci Mullins has served as a leader and role model for years, serving as the first ever woman on her hometown’s city council, and her hard work, dedication to community, and sarcastic wit have driven her to where she is—helping people at AIDS Health Foundation (AHF).
Starting as a Patient Advocate at AHF’s Indiana mission, Staci was vocal in sharing the needs of her community and providing ideas to enhance services, and her passion for AHF’s vision has seen her rise to the position of Regional Director for the Midwest.
When asked of the challenges that women face in leadership, Staci answered,
“In the past I’ve been told women belong at home and shouldn’t be so opinionated. I’ve also been considered ‘scary’ because I speak up. That said, I also see women are given more empowerment than ever before and there is a supernatural aura about a woman that lifts others up. I’m thankful for those workplaces like AHF that allow women to shine.”
Staci believes that women should be supported and given a seat at the table, and has been happy to work for a non-profit organization like AHF that allows her, and other women, to shine.
Out of the Closet is a thrift store, with clothing, electronics, furniture, books, and more, owned and operated by AHF. Revenue from Out of the Closet provides medical care for patients with HIV/AIDS. Now with an AHF Pharmacy, providing medical care, FREE STI testing, and more.
You can visit AHF Pharmacy/Out of the Closet at 3311 N Halsted St.
Northalsted’s Board of Directors includes Dr. Robin Gay-Stafford, Dental Director of Howard Brown Health, as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Gay-Stafford is recognized by Crain’s as a 2020 Notable Health Care Hero.
These women make up just a few of the fabulous female leaders in our community. Here is a sampling of other female-led businesses in Northalsted:
- Allstate
- Children’s Learning Place
- Forever Yogurt
- Furious Spoon
- Howard Brown Health
- Kozy’s Cyclery
- Two Hearted Queen
- Wee Care Preschool
- Whole Foods
- Yoshi’s Cafe
Chicago Treasurer’s Office
Join the Chicago City Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin, in a conversation with Chicago State University President, Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, Esq., as they chat about “Black Women Navigating Leadership” from the Chicago State University TV studio. See more about the event here.
Happy Women’s History Month and thank you for supporting local businesses in Chicago’s Proudest Neighborhood.
