TRACY SARAS
Women's Connection Chicago Chapter Chair

Tracy Saras became Chicago Chapter Chair in January of this year. She previously served as Membership Chair for two years.  Most of Tracy's career was in the marketing and advertising field. In 2020, she switched industries and took her current job as Associate Director of Employer Relations at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has an MBA from Chicago Booth and a BA in English from Wellesley College.

Tracy was interviewed by Kimberly Mulcahy Zadeh, former Chicago Chapter Chair.

What attracted you to Women's Connection?   "I was looking for resources to help me transition from corporate jobs to the nonprofit world. I found helpful content on the website. I was also looking for new friends in the Chicago area. A close friend had just moved away, and her absence left a big hole in my life."

What has your experience been like?  "I have met a lot of women through our Explore Chicago events and our Solo Together SIG. Some of these women have become close friends. In addition to seeing each other at Women's Connection events, we go to movies and plays, have dinner together, and attend Chicago Bulls games on our own. I think this is one of the best things about Women's Connection: having easy opportunities to connect with women who share our interests. As new members join, there are always new potential friends."

We have both experienced the challenges of caring for aging parents while working full time and leading our chapter. How are you managing all of this?

"My mom passed away a couple of weeks ago and we just moved my dad to an assisted living facility. When I sent an email to members of my peer group to tell them about my mom's passing, every woman sent me a thoughtful reply. They have all had similar experiences -- it's this time in our lives -- and their support makes me feel so much less alone. While they can't help me care for my dad, I find it incredibly reassuring when they say, 'I've been there, and I know what you're going through.'"

You mentioned your peer group. About a third of our Chicago members are in one. How does yours work?  "We get together once a month at a member's house. The host chooses a topic. In our discussions, we make sure that everyone has a turn to speak and share. My peer group has become an important part of my life."

How is your Chapter Chair role going?  "It's stretching me a lot, in a good way. I haven't managed many people in my jobs, and now I'm leading a big group of volunteers. I love working with different personalities and managing a range of expectations. I'm very thankful that so many members of our chapter, most of whom are already very busy, raise their hands to contribute. We have a very close team."

What does success look like to you?  "Success for me is having a variety of events on the calendar every month that are well attended. I also find it very satisfying to see that the opportunities for connection we are creating in the chapter enable members to make friends."

What are you looking forward to?   "I love being intellectually challenged. This week I attended a Women's Connection workshop on artificial intelligence (AI). Hundreds of women were on the call. That is remarkable!

"I love to travel and am looking forward to some trips outside of the country once I get my dad settled. I'm also looking forward to celebrating my 60th birthday with a group of friends who are my age. We're going to Charleston, South Carolina in October. It will be a lot of fun to celebrate this milestone with women I'm close to. That's what life is all about."

Why would you encourage someone to join Women's Connection?  

"We know from studies on physical and mental health that having close connections with other people is very important. My mother had lots of friends when she was working, but she lost them when she retired. She suffered from that.

"As a member of Women's Connection you never have to do things alone. Even women who are introverts can find a kindred spirit and connect."

PAT BLANK
TTN Chicago Member

Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I am an Illinois native (grew up in Arlington Heights), but have spent the last 40 years out of state – mostly in southern CA. However, I have been able to visit Chicago yearly, the magnificent week after Thanksgiving, for an annual trade show. Chicago always felt like coming home.

What caused you to join TTN Chicago? My husband died in 2019. After years of planning a great retirement together, I had to come up with a new plan. His death made me re-evaluate what is important. I wound down my company and retired from my contract executive position with a healthcare company, sold my homes in CA, and moved to Chicago full-time to be near my daughter and grandchildren

What transition are you currently going through? I am going through three huge transitions – death of a spouse, retirement from a job I loved, and relocation to a new home.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to change careers? Do what you love and do not let your own preconceived notions of what degree or experience is required to be successful. I was recruited to be the Chief Information Officer at a company, even though my experience was in the radiology industry. Computer science is not my background, but that job was one of the most rewarding positions of my professional life.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to retire? For many of us, our identity and self-worth are tied to our careers. Give yourself a ramping up period, if you can, to make this transition. You need to prepare yourself mentally for the huge change that retirement does not only to your daily routine, but your psyche.

What have you learned from all of the transitions that you’ve experienced in life? You have to be willing to put yourself out there. I am an introvert and for me, it was always business, business, business. Losing my spouse of 43 years and becoming part of a women’s group to find new meaning and relationships was not easy.

DOROTHY BALABANOS
TTN Chicago Steering Committee Member, Marketing Committee Co-Chair

Tell us a little about yourself.

Born and bred in Chicago, I am in my kinda retired phase of life. After four decades in marketing (with almost two decades also teaching at DePaul University), I’m on to the next phase of my life…actively living it. My current interests include extensive volunteering; enjoying the cultural trappings the city has to offer; meeting new people/making new friends; yoga; reading; getting/staying fit; learning new things and facilitating classes at the Osher Center for Lifelong Learning; and whiling away the hours.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to retire or are currently considering retirement?

1.      Do the math—over and over again. With life expectancy increasing, you want to make sure you have enough money (income and savings) to get you through at least 30 years. 

2.      Understand that retirement is a journey on to itself. You’ll want to do different things at different phases. Don’t replace the hours you spent working with activities that don’t interest you. Express gratitude that you can take this journey.

3.      Let things unfold for you. Some of the most delightful things happen when you stay open to new experiences and people.

What have you learned from all of the transitions that you’ve experienced in life?

1. They take longer than you think they will

2. Resistance to change is futile

3. You need to let go of a part of your old self, so that the new one can emerge

What new things do you want to explore?

I want to use my creativity in a new and artistic manner. I’m thinking of taking a beginning art class at Lillstreet Art Center next year.

What do you love most about Chicago?

Despite all of its problems (and there are many), the city has a vibe that I haven’t found anywhere else.

What motto do you live by or what quote inspires you?

Kindness, kindness, and still more kindness.

CAROL DIETZ
Member of Marketing Committee

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I just moved back downtown after 15 years in the suburbs, and love it--and the wonderful women I’ve met through TNN and Northwestern’s Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning, where I currently serve as chair of the committee that helps generate 200 different study group courses for “mature” learners annually. During my corporate career in research and strategic planning, I was fortunate to have worked across the U.S. and also overseas, during the transformational three decades that saw technology revolutionize both business and our way of life. Now semi-retired, I can pursue all of the things (even the wacky ones) that I dream of.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to change careers?

Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. I thought it was crazy to start my own company when I was 50. The first one was an online home delivery meal service for working women--it flopped. The second one, strategic planning for retail development, succeeded. To build confidence, I suggest reading "A Path Appears".

What have you learned from all of the transitions that you’ve experienced in life?

The arc of my life has fundamentally changed about every five years, bringing both blessings and serious challenges. Once you’ve proven to yourself that you can rise to the challenges, you won’t fear the future. We are all stronger, more flexible and resilient that we can imagine.

What new things do you want to explore?

I am insatiably curious about everything, especially the sciences and ancient cultures, the afterlife and dinosaurs. I’m also concerned about the wounded planet we are leaving to our children, and want to do something about it. I have no athletic talent--in Catholic school, our team sport was the rosary.

What keeps you engaged and vibrant?

I keep this quote from David Brooks in my wallet: “The people who have character make deep, indelible connections outside of themselves, to tasks that cannot be completed in their lifetime.” (And my large, hyperactive German grand-toddlers keep my heart in fibrillation).

What’s one very special skill and talent that you have that only your closest friends know about you?

I do a great impression of Richard Nixon.

ANN-MARIE DOWNING
TTN Chicago Steering Committee Member, SIG and TPG Coordinator, Community Service Chair

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a retired special education teacher, with over 25 years teaching experience with elementary and secondary school students in the Boston area. My husband and I have three adult children-- one lives in Chicago with his wife; the others are in Boston and Portland. We moved to Chicago last year, after living in the same house for 36 years. I was feeling lonely and lost for a few months. I remembered a quote from Aristotle: “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” I decided to “take the bull by the horns,” realizing that I was the bull! I discovered volunteer organizations and activities that let me find my find passion, purpose, as well a connection to Chicagoans who share common interests and an enthusiasm for life. I now believe that my journey into another phase of my life will involve friends, laughter, and the knowledge that “we are all in this together!”

How do you have fun?

Fun comes in two categories—individual fun and friends/family fun. When I am alone, my fun consists of reading a book, knitting and listening to WBEZ, podcasts and Ted talks, walking to the lake, doing yoga, listening to music and making wreaths. When I am with my family and friends, I have fun going to museums, theaters, movies and restaurants; having people to dinner; hiking; watching a TV series; sitting and walking along the beach; and most of all, laughing about silly things to the point I cannot breathe.

What new things do you want to explore?

I would like to investigate more areas in Michigan and in Wisconsin. In the city, I am a little infatuated with the train system and my goal is to explore a few more colors of train lines beside Red, Brown, and Purple. Someday soon, I may just ride the train lines all day and see where I wind up. 

What do you love most about Chicago?

When I first came to visit my son, I was in awe of Lake Michigan. I enjoy the convenience of living in the city and walking everywhere. I love to go into the little shops on Armitage Street and in Bucktown, as well as the vintage stores where you can purchase the second hand clothes I wore in my youth. You may see me in the store singing the Beatles songs “And I love her” or “All you need is love.”

What keeps you engaged and vibrant?

Being around young people has always inspired me. I love learning about technology, apps, recipes, music and Millennials’ philosophy on life. Last summer, I dragged my husband to a Katy Perry concert and he had to endure my screaming along with the ten year old girls I was imitating. This year I went to a Sam Smith concert and yes, I bought a t-shirt. I am collecting t-shirts as I attend more concerts and become a groupie, but I’ll be going by myself next time because my husband was not so thrilled! 

What motto do you live by or what quote inspires you?

The most wasted days are ones without laughter.

MARY FONTAINE
Theater Goers SIG Leader

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I retired at age 55 after practicing finance law at an international firm for 30 years, while my husband stayed home with our sons. My husband and I now occasionally teach US law classes at universities in places like India, China, Turkey and Ukraine. Meeting people off the usual tourist track provides a rich understanding of the world and our place in it.

What caused you to join TTN Chicago?

When I worked, I was surrounded by smart, accomplished people. I want the same in retirement. TTN is full of smart, accomplished women from a wide variety of backgrounds.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to retire?

Retirement brings the freedom to explore anything and everything. You may or may not “find your passion,” but you will have fun and make new (and sometimes unexpected) friends. Fun and friends keep you young.

Why do you choose to live in Chicago?

Chicago has everything you want in a world class city—vibrant arts, great food, diverse neighborhoods full of energy and imagination. All of those things are more accessible and affordable than in New York or London. A good example is Chicago’s storefront theater scene, where our TTN Theater Group regularly sees amazing talent in an intimate space for the price of a movie and a bucket of popcorn.

What do you look forward to?

I am fortunate to be married to someone I really enjoy being with. I look forward to growing old gracefully together. Just not too quickly.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to who you were ten years ago?

You are not indestructible, so take better care of yourself.

Work less on being strong, and more on being wise.

MARY LEE GOSZ
Transition Peer Group Leader, Meet and Eat Special Interest Group Co-Chair

Tell us a little about yourself

My life hasn’t followed a single path but has been like a patchwork quilt of experiences -- and I plan to continue adding many new colorful, textural pieces to it !I grew up in Indianapolis, graduated from Duke, got an MSW at Indiana U, was a probation counselor in Virginia before moving to Chicago in 1983 to get an MBA at Northwestern (Kellogg). I worked in corporate banking and then fell into my dream job: developing training curricula - first at the old First Chicago and then later at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). My husband and I have been married 28 years and have a daughter and a son, both of whom now live and work near us in Chicago!

What caused you to join TTN Chicago?

I’ve been in transition for a few years. In 2014, after a reorg, I left the position I loved at IIT. I got very involved volunteering in my community. By 2017, though, I realized that I was becoming isolated (and bored!) in our quiet suburban town. Our two children were on their own, all my friends were working, and I needed more stimulation. I convinced my husband that a “pied a terre” would be great for me - and closer to work for him. Luckily, I found TTN as we were settling into our city apartment. I was delighted to get involved with this great group of women - at the right time for me.

What have you learned from your transition?

I knew it would be hard to leave the comfort of our suburban home and life where we’d been for 23 years and essentially create a new daily life. I decided to see a therapist to help me sort out what I could change, what I couldn’t, and how to manage it all. I began to learn about mindfulness meditation, journaling, and yoga - and practicing those has been huge for me! I’ve learned to practice enjoying the moment instead of worrying about the future (I need a lot of practice with that). I have also learned that it can take a while to make new friends - and that it was ok to admit that I wanted new friends. Slowly, by putting myself in new situations, I have developed a great new network of friends. I think I’ve now successfully navigated this rather bumpy transition.

How do you have fun?

I love to learn! I love taking classes, going to lectures and performances, meeting people and learning their stories. I have also joined Impact Grants Chicago, two mentoring programs - at One Million Degrees and Year Up, and a study group at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. I’ve taken classes in sewing and knitting at Lillstreet as well as classes at the Graham School (UChicago), OLLI (Northwestern), and Center for Life and Learning (4th Church). I love learning about psychology, art history, architecture, and efforts to address the issues of inequality in education, housing, employment, and mental health services in Chicago.

What keeps you healthy?

Weight Watchers for life, Pilates, walking, yoga, prayer and meditation, good friends, a great relationship with my husband, two children, and two sisters! Practicing gratitude is key.

ANN GREENBERG
Featured Member

Tell us a little about yourself

I am a newly arrived resident of Chicago, having lived here for about 2 ½ years. I moved from Connecticut after spending 22 years there raising my family. 

I am a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner. I am in the process of reestablishing my practice here in Chicago. I usually work with women and really love the opportunity to help other woman gain insight and control over their finances and help them plan for their futures.

I am an avid tennis player, I play on a Team at Midtown Tennis Club. I also really enjoy new opportunities to learn and explore EVERYTHING. Earlier this year I went on an amazing adventure to India. I look forward to many more adventures both here in Chicago and abroad. I also love meeting with friends and family and just connecting with people.

What transition are you currently going through? 

Boy…that is a big question, as I am going through many transitions! First, my last child flew the nest and went off to college. Then, I left a home in the suburbs of Connecticut where I lived in for 22 years. I sold the family home and put my whole life in a dumpster and moved to a small apartment in downtown Chicago. Then, I had to make all new friends and connections. Then, I had to start a new Financial Advisor Practice in Chicago. So the answer to that question is everything is in transition.

What advice do you have to have for members who want to make a career change?

I would say that life is so short and that you never know what is behind the door that you haven’t opened yet. Be curious, be creative and be brave. You never know what great things will be waiting for you.

What have you learned from all the transitions that you have experienced?

I know transitions can be really scary. Transitions can feel both awful and exciting in the beginning. Change is really good- you can become and do anything you want to do. That is so empowering- you aren’t stuck in what “used to be”. Also be open to everything – you never know what you might like.

Why do you choose to live in Chicago?

I love the vibrancy of the city. I also love the incredible opportunities to do new things that weren’t available to me in the suburbs of Connecticut. The Chicago Institute of Global Affairs is one of my favorite things to do in the city. I can see amazing lectures and hear about the current events from the most brilliant minds in the world. Those experts never came to my suburban town.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to who you were ten years ago?

You just never know what will happen in the future. I never thought I would be in Chicago and here I am. So plan for the worse and hope for the best, because the only thing you can count on is that things are going to change, especially when you least expect it.

DEBORAH HOLTON
TTN Chicago Chapter Member

Tell us a little about yourself.

I would describe myself as down-to-earth and rigorous with a sweet, light-hearted core. I come from a long line of Southern educators, preachers, artists, and musicians whose influence shines throughout my life in myriad ways. I’m a Chicagoan who grew up in Bronzeville’s Lake Meadows where my church was home to activists and intellectuals who helped shape the Civil Rights Movement. I received my BFA in Theatre and Drama from Howard University; and, my Ph.D. in American Theatre Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. A fiction writer and poet, I also hold a Creative Writing MFA from Solstice, Pine Manor College. While my ancestors and role models live on in me, I continue to evolve to be my next “best me.”

What transition are you currently going through or contemplating?

After over thirty years as an educator and mentor of adult learners at DePaul University, I’m nearing retirement. For the past five years, I’ve been “on the hunt” to find out as much as I can about transition in general and retirement in particular. I’ve been gathering information, talking with people, interviewing leaders, and attending talks, like TTN’s “Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old?” by Joy Loverde, to learn as much as I can so that my path to retirement is well-planned and values-centered. I became a certified coach specializing in transition and a member of the national Retirement Coaches Association so that I could share and support other women on their retirement journey.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to retire or are currently considering retirement?

Planning for retirement is both wise and essential, given life’s complexities. Why not design it so that it is deeply rooted in your values, in what matters most to you? Drawing from a variety of resources, tools, and support options, women who are considering retirement can craft what I call their “next best self” that way. For Eleanor Roosevelt’s wisdom still rings true: “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

What do you love most about Chicago?

Chicagoland, with its majestic lake that looks like the ocean and its converging rivers, is vibrant with culture and diversity. There is much to love here: festivals, marathons, music (oh, the music!). These days though the museums and gardens--from the Art Institute to the Writer’s Museum, from the Morton Arboretum to the Chicago Botanic Garden and all points in between—comfort and nurture me.

What keeps you engaged and vibrant?

I have three grandchildren who never cease to inspire me to try new things. As new beings on the planet, they bring wisdom that teaches me in unexpected ways. When I stretch myself to experience things like star-gazing or foreign television mysteries or treat myself to dance concerts that reinterpret the old while making something new, those creative sparks remind me that we can be forever young, when we choose to be.

What motto do you live by or what quote inspires you?

In every vital activity, it is the path that matters. —Egyptian Proverb

SUJATHA KAILAS
Explore Chicago Special Interest Group Co-Chair

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a part-time Gastroenterologist spending half my time in Chicago (the place I love) and half my time in Wisconsin (with the person I love – my husband). After working full time for about 25 years, I decided it was time for me to explore my other passions in addition to my work, which is by far my most precious passion. So, in my newfound free time I travel, volunteer and do stuff with my TTN friends.

What caused you to join TTN?

I saw The Transition Network mentioned in an article in The Wall Street Journal a couple of years ago. The article was about the new domain of people that are breaking free and living life on their own terms. They are not retired, but at the same time, they don’t call themselves working either. When I found out that there was a chapter in Chicago, I was immediately on board.

What transition are you going through?

I have moved from being a full time physician, mom and wife to doing all three of them part-time. How can you be a part time mom or wife, you ask? My daughter is in college on the east coast, and now needs me more as a friend and less as a mom. My husband is in Wisconsin full time as he starts winding down his business. I am spending half my time in Chicago and half in Wisconsin, making me a part time wife. But in reality all my roles are full time, as I am trying to carve out time for myself. This is a huge change for me as I was a very busy practitioner who also had multiple administrative roles throughout my career. I was also a typical “Helicopter Mom”.

What have you learned from all the transitions in life?

Change adds energy to life. Embrace it. Think thoroughly about the transition before making it, look at it from all angles and get input from people that have experienced change as well as those that will be affected by your change. Don’t burn any bridges; keep your options and your attitude open.

What do you look forward to?

I look forward to the time when my husband and I can live in one place all the time. I look forward to my next trip, as I am finishing up one right now. I look forward to spending time with family and friends and most importantly I look forward to the day when I can watch News without being horrified or disappointed.

What keeps you engaged and vibrant?

Explorations keep me young at heart. So does meeting new people, going to new places and volunteering with teenagers and young families. The transition I made a year ago added years to my life. Sunshine, music, exercise and even Netflix--I am not going to lie –also keep me young.

JOY LOVERDE
TTN Chicago Steering Committee Member, Membership Committee Co-Chair

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Chicago and raised in a traditional Italian household, surrounded in a culture of family, food, music, art, and love. I am the author of the best-seller, The Complete Eldercare Planner, and the recently released, Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old? In addition to my family, I owe my success to my old friends. They teach me how to keep my priorities straight. My website is: www.elderindustry.com

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to retire or are currently considering retirement?

Nothing will be handed to you from this point on. You are wise to anticipate change, and consequently plan for what you want during this critical stage in life. Your plan must also include revising your plans at the onset of every transition.

What have you learned from all of the transitions that you’ve experienced in life?

There is no better way to navigate the process of making important decisions than to actively engage in the process of critical thinking.  

What are some of your favorite places in Chicago?

In the summer, you will find me dining outside with friends at Bella Luna (Dearborn and Superior). In the winter, you will find me dining with my sister at the bar at Topo Gigio (Old Town).

What keeps you healthy?

I do not hang out with toxic, negative people. I take nothing personally. My happiness depends solely on me. This strategy keeps me happy and healthy.

What’s one very special skill and talent you have that only your closest friends know about you?

I am a fanatic rollerblader.

CATHERINE MARIENAU, PH.D.
Featured Member

Tell us a little about yourself

My entire professional life has been with innovative college programs for adult learners, the majority of whom are women (average age mid-40s). For the past three-plus decades, I have been with the School for New Learning at DePaul University, as faculty mentor, program director of two graduate programs, and teacher of various subjects, with my favorite being Women’s Issues. I am the single parent of one (adult) daughter and two (senior) dogs.

What caused you to join TTN Chicago?

I recently joined TTN Chicago for the opportunity to connect with women from a variety of fields and explore wide-ranging topics. I look forward to making new friendships and engaging with Chicago and Oak Park in more fun ways.

What transition are you currently going through?

After 48 years working full-time in adult higher education, I am ‘retiring’ as of June 30, 2019. I am also transitioning out of my 60s as I turn 70 in April. Not surprisingly, I am adding aging to my long-standing interests in adult learning and women’s development.

What new things do you want to explore?

I intend to join the 21st century with regard to using technology. For example, I am in the process of learning to design online college courses, create podcasts, and develop web sites; and, I might indulge in a more sophisticated cell phone.

What are your passion projects?

I look forward to collaborating with remarkable women on my ‘passion projects’: Karla—research, vital women in their 80s; Gail—podcast, Women Over 70…Aging Reimagined; Carolyn, book, The Other Side of Menopause—Integrative Approaches to Health and Well-being; Kathleen, book, practical applications of brain science to learning and training. I look forward to spending more relaxed time with loving family and friends, and, of course, continuing to travel. See one of Catherine's articles here: https://womensenews.org/2016/04/my-role-models-worry-more-about-losing-their-minds-than-their-looks/

What keeps you healthy?

Pushing the envelope on learning keeps me healthy. So do close relationships with my under-30 daughter, great family and amazing women friends. I credit my personal trainer and the occasional work out to still having all my original joints. Oh, and red wine helps too.

REBECCA MILLS
Long-standing TTN Chicago Member

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in Chicago most of my life, except for college in Iowa. I worked in the insurance industry, mostly in Marketing, for over 35 years and stopped working (for pay) in 2013. Now I serve on two commissions in Park Ridge and I chair the Board of Directors for A Red Orchid Theatre in Old Town Chicago. I am married and we have a daughter who also works in the insurance industry. I am a self-proclaimed activist and I love to read, do puzzles, watch live theatre and now I have added travel to that list.

What caused you to join TTN Chicago?

My job was eliminated in 2013. My husband and I agreed a break from the working world was a good idea, but I wanted to be productive and fulfilled. I did a lot of research on volunteer positions and support networks. One of those volunteer organizations was ENCORE, and that’s where I heard about TTN. I joined right away. Another new member from my city and I formed the TTN Special Interest Group, Theater Goers, which is still going strong today.

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to change careers or retire?

One thing I always knew and preached was “nobody is indispensable”. There is a feeling of liberation when you make a career move, especially one that you have always wanted to make. My personal plan was to “downsize” myself to a role that was less stressful, more fulfilling, and was a smoother transition to retirement. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t happen the way I intended it to. Inspired by a quote from the founder of the company I worked for, "...every adversity has the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit…", I took this as a sign to make this evolution to retirement happen sooner rather than later.

What new things do you want to explore?

I want to travel. My husband and I created a bucket list and we are now working on that. In addition, I have contemplated running for local office.

Why do you choose to live in Chicago?

Good question! I wasn’t born here, but we moved back to Oak Park when I was 6 months old. While I despise the winter weather, the spring, summer and fall usually overcome that. I love the city. There are over 200 small storefront theaters, which more than fulfills my passion for live theater. There are great restaurants and plenty of things to do. The lake is magnificent.

What keeps you healthy?

I recently joined a fitness club and am working out with a Personal Trainer. Doing this has created momentum and motivation for many more things, so it became transformative. My husband recently joined and now we’re making this a couple’s activity.

KIMBERLY MULCAHY
TTN Chicago Steering Committee Member, Chapter Chair

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a divorced mom with a son who just finished his Master’s degree. Yay, I am tuition payment free! He lives nearby in Chicago with his lovely girlfriend. I work in HR for an awesome French cheese company. I’m still figuring out "what’s now, what’s next", but I love my solo life!

What caused you to join TTN Chicago?

I moved to Chicago/Streeterville from the western suburbs last May. I’m living solo after 30+ years of marriage and realized I didn’t have any friends outside work who live in the City. I love working with our Steering Committee members and meeting other professional women around my age who are looking to stay active and engaged and get the most out of life now and in the years to come. 

What advice do you have for TTN members who want to change careers? 

Go for it! After the company I worked for most of my career was sold and relocated to NJ, I ran my own PR/communications business for nearly 10 years; then went to work for my favorite client. I am now working in HR leading Learning and Development and Talent Management and Recruiting. Never stop learning and trying new things!

 How do you have fun/what do you love about Chicago?

I love going to the theatre for plays, musicals and ballets – and Chicago is such an amazing city for all things cultural. I enjoy walking around the city and still feel like a tourist as there is so much to see, to do and to enjoy. I love yoga and working out with my trainer. I have discovered that almost everything is better with a glass of wine!

What motto do you live by or what quote inspires you? 

Don’t look back, make the most of what you do every day and stay focused on the positive.

JENNIFER OHL
Member of Membership Committee

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a software consultant and I enjoy reading, bike riding and swimming, and most other activities not involving computers! I have travelled to 48 of the 50 states for work and over 30 countries for fun! During my free time I volunteer at the Inspiration café in Chicago, an organization that provides free restaurant style meals to low income and homeless individuals and provides food service training.

What caused you to join TTN?

I moved to Chicago from Miami in May. This was a major change for me- the weather, the culture, and language. I felt it would be helpful to learn from others going through major life changes and experience the ups and downs of making a major change together.

What have you learned from all the transitions in life?

Slow down and breathe! Things that seem daunting and difficult are much easier when you break them down into bite size pieces. Be positive, proactive and take it one step at time. 

What do you look forward to?

I look forward to working less and spending more time with my nephews, who are 16 and 18 and will be going to college soon. I look forward to my trip to Barcelona and Amsterdam, two places that have been on my bucket list for a long time. I look forward to spring and summer in Chicago!

What keeps you engaged and vibrant?

Making new friends at TTN, having new adventures and exploring new neighborhoods at home and abroad.

RACHEL STEMPEL
Our Longest Standing Member

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am an eighty-year-old mother of three sons, and grandmother of nine between the ages of 20 and 31. My Hispanic students correctly say I am a "wealthy" woman with so many offspring. I live in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago in a small house that I moved into 20 years ago with my mother and her caregiver. Coincidently my home is not far from my long-time boyfriend with whom I now share weekends and vacations.

What caused you to join TTN?

In 2000, I was getting divorced; my position as Director of Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation was eliminated and my mother was in hospice. I knew about TTN in New York City and that some women were starting a Chicago chapter, so I went to those early meetings feeling I had something to offer and much to gain.

What transition are you currently going through?

For years I would chafe at news reports of "elderly" people who drove into fire hydrants or fell for a scam at age 67. That's not elderly I thought, not me. Now at 80, I can no longer fool myself. I take those reports seriously, take my driving test every 2 years and try to keep in mind safe practices. I can always use some good advice.

What advice would you give to those who want to change careers?

Take the time to find something that makes you happy. I’ve volunteered throughout my life and my work in teaching English as a second language to adults was the most rewarding. I reached out to my contacts, was hired to teach English, and to this day I still work at my dream job twice a week. I even get paid.

What do you look forward to?

The list is long; time with family and friends; TTN book, movie and lunch groups; volunteering at the Enabling Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden sweeping, weeding and planting on Fridays; gardening in my own yard; teaching ESL on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. With winter fast approaching, I look forward to reading a good book in a cozy chair, seeing a foreign movie at the local art theater, having lunch with a long-time friend.

What keeps you healthy?

My doctor is a gem and watches over me. I do Pilates twice a week, walk regularly with friends, climb up the stairs to the bedroom and downstairs to the laundry. I garden 7 months a year. A careful eater, I finish the day with a cup of decaf and a square of dark chocolate every night, my guilty pleasures.