Posted 12 days ago in Trending, Women's History Month
4 MIN READ – March is all about celebrating the incredible women shaping our world. Join us in honoring their legacy by supporting women-led businesses in and around the Chicago Loop this Women’s History Month.
upcoming events
still i rise
3.7.26 -- Harris Theatre
If you’re looking for an evening filled with wow moments only a live orchestra can deliver, the kind that helps you forget your phone and feel fully present, this concert is for you. The night opens with Florence Price’s Dances in the Canebrakes—heard on Spotify more than 2 million times and brought to life by Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. Amy Beach’s sweeping Gaelic Symphony and Marianna Martines’ bright, energetic Sinfonia in C Major follow, delivering the big, cinematic, lyrical moments that make live orchestra captivating.
In the second half, Deeply Rooted returns to the stage for Shirley J. Thompson’s Seventh Sense: Incidents in the Life of Queen Amanirenas, a dramatic, movement-filled portrayal of the queen seeking guidance from her warrior ancestors as she prepares to halt Emperor Augustus’ push into Africa.
Learn about the history of women in medicine
3.27.26 -- International Museum of Surgical Sciences
In partnership with Show and Tell for Grown-Ups, this interactive program features community presenters delivering five-minute talks on fascinating topics in the history of women in medicine.
Woman-owned Businesses in the Loop:
From tasty treats to theater shows and all in between, these are some of the Loop's leading ladies in business. Show them some love the next time you're in the Loop!
Kilwins Chocolate was first founded by Katy and Don Kilwin in Petoskey, Michigan, but franchise owner Jackie Jackson is the reason why we can enjoy Kilwins' handcrafted treats, mouthwatering fudge, and delightful ice cream flavors here in the Chicago Loop. Visit their storefront at 310 S. Michigan Avenue to savor the magic of Kilwins Chicago, where every chocolate is a masterpiece, and every visit is a celebration of the sweet life.
THE DEARBORN
Sisters Amy Lawless and Clodagh Lawless combine their 40+ years of hospitality experience—both here in Chicago and in their native Ireland—at The Dearborn to create a restaurant that unites their passion for heart-felt service, a welcoming ambiance and classically rooted food that isn’t afraid to take culinary risks. Inspiration for the cuisine starts with traditional American taverns and from there Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri taps into his passion for seasonal ingredients, farmers markets and contemporary culinary techniques to create dishes that lean towards the Midwest as well as those with a more global influence.
HERO COFFEE BAR
In a city with an ever-growing number of new roasters and coffee shops, Hero Coffee Bar wants to stand out as a Chicago staple committed to making a positive impact with not only the way they locally roast and source their beans, but also within the charity projects they choose to partner with and their commitment to staff wellbeing. They are a women-owned business that prides itself on producing great breakfast bagel sandwiches and an amazing cup of coffee.
Ballet 5:8
Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led premiere ballet company performing innovative, original and breathtaking ballets by Mexican American Artistic Director, Julianna Rubio Slager. Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets forging a robust repertoire, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation. You can often catch many of their performances at Harris Theater for Music & Dance. Learn about their upcoming programming here.
Women doing business in the Loop community:
The following businesses may not have a physical location in the Loop, but these boss women are often conducting business within the downtown community. Get to know them!
Heron AGency
Heron is a women-owned, award-winning lifestyle communications agency founded by Noreen Heron. Recently named the #1 Influencer Relations Agency by Influencer Marketing Hub, Heron Agency's comprehensive results-driven campaigns are ROI-proven and help garner attention that leads to real bottom line results. Learn more about their amazing work here.
Bannerville
Bannerville is a woman–owned business that provides organizations with custom signage including design, production, and installation services that make a lasting impact. Striving to continually grow with the same hard work, honesty and integrity they have used since 1973.
Michelle Kaffko started Organic Headshots in 2005 to provide affordable, professional, and customized portraits and lifestyle marketing photos. In need of a photo sesh? Organic Headshot has you covered! Each headshot photography session is a personalized experience in creating the best possible photo for your needs, and their photographers will even coach you through all the right poses and smiles. Browse their website and book a session here.
Carol Fox & Associates
Carol Fox & Associates is an award-winning and woman-owned PR, digital marketing, advertising and events agency, specializing in arts, entertainment, lifestyle and hospitality. Founded by Carol Fox more than 25 years ago, Carol Fox & Associates is dedicated to delivering impactful messages that bridge the gap between audience and experience. By being true to delivering on their objectives, they aim to make a name for themselves by making a name for their clients.
