Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
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W H EN A CONSU LT I NG JOB TOOK K I L DEER NAT I V E A lyssa Quinlan to New York in the '90s, she loved the buzz of the Upper East Side— but she also missed home, especially going to outdoor concerts at Ravinia. So on moving back to Chicago a few years later, Quinlan was inspired to join the Ravinia Associates Board, and on May 10 she'll chair its 25th anni- versary Music Matters gala, which benefits Ravinia's Reach*Teach*Play music education programs. A private banker at JP Morgan, the Lincoln Park resident is also a sustaining member of the Children's Home + Aid associate board and is involved with the Chicago Children's Theatre, whose productions include special performances for children with autism. Says Quinlan, "I would love to [be able to say] I've made a difference in this world." Hidden talent: I watched Leslie [Hindman] doing an auction and thought, I would love to become an auctioneer. It's not an easy thing to learn, but Leslie was very patient and taught me. I do eight or 10 charity auctions a year. It's fun to be part of that energy—you never know what's going to hap- pen. Ravinia favorites: The 1812 Overture with cannons. It's a tradition my children look forward to every year. Advice I'd give my 15-year-old self: I thought I was going to get engaged, get married, and have kids at a certain age. Knowing that I could be more f lexible and not thinking I had to have all the answers would have been helpful, because you learn every day. Family time: I have done about 10 marathons, but since I have two little kids, now I just run recreationally. I take them down to the lake and jog with t he st roller, which they love. Def init ion of beauty: This is particularly important now that I have a daughter. I try to focus on inner beauty and making sure she understands the importance of helping others—giving kids in need presents at Christmastime, or just helping throughout the year. Signature style: I've been wearing blazers and skirts since I was in first grade. To this day I won't get on an airplane wearing jeans. Getting better with age: I always tell people that I'm going to hit my prime at 50. POWER PLAYERS ALYSSAQUINLAN This JP Morgan banker invests her time in championing causes close to her heart. DYNAMIC, ACCOMPLISHED, AND ALWAYS AIMING HIGHER: MEET SEVEN CHICAGO WOMEN STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE CITY AND BEYOND. By Meg Mathis and Elle Eichinger Photography by Maria Ponce Berre MAKEUP BY KATE JOHNSON – FACTOR ARTISTS. SHOT ON LOCATION AT WMS BOATHOUSE AT CLARK PARK. 134-141_MA_FEAT_PP_May/June_14.indd 135 4/14/14 1:30 PM