HerStories cover art

HerStories

HerStories

Written by: The Chicago Network
Listen for free

About this listen

 HerStories is a series of frank conversations with leading women at the forefront of Chicago’s business, professional, cultural, nonprofit and educational communities. Join us as we hear their inspirational stories to learn who they are, how they got there, and what challenges they faced on the way. HerStories is brought to you by The Chicago Network, Chicago's premier organization for leading women, dedicated to empowering women to lead.© 2025 The Chicago Network Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • Julie Smolyansky: Youngest-Ever CEO of a Publicly-Held Company

    Julie Smolyansky: Youngest-Ever CEO of a Publicly-Held Company
    Dec 22 2025

    Send us a text

    Starting her life in soviet Kiev, Lifeway Foods CEO Julie Smolyansky's mother opened Chicago's first Eastern European deli on Devon where she introduced the city to Nutella. Meanwhile, Julie's father first began making kefir in the family basement. Julie joins The Chicago Network President and CEO Maria Doughty to tell how she brought the family business to new heights.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Jennifer Holmgren: Turning Pollution Into Power

    Jennifer Holmgren: Turning Pollution Into Power
    Dec 8 2025

    Send us a text

    A self-professed geek, Dr. Jennifer Holmgren was a part of the team that produced a ground-breaking non-petroleum based fuel that allowed a fighter jet to break the sound barrier. As CEO of LanzaTech, Jennifer leads the organization in producing clothing, fuel, and even food from recycled carbon.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Sol Flores: “The Language of Hustle”

    Sol Flores: “The Language of Hustle”
    Nov 24 2025

    Send us a text

    Sol Flores, CEO, Knight Impact Partners, joins Maria Doughty to discuss her Puerto Rican roots, founding La Casa Norte, an organization dedicated to helping families escape homelessness, and her journey to serving as Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services for the State of Illinois.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 55 mins
No reviews yet