As President of Meet Chicago Northwest, Heather Larson leads the tourism bureau representing eight vibrant communities in the northwest suburbs including Arlington Heights. Her role involves close collaboration with over 60 hotels, hundreds of restaurants, as well as meeting and event planners from across the country, working to bring visitors to the region. Her extensive experience in hospitality, spanning downtown Chicago and the suburbs, has honed her expertise in sales, marketing and customer service. Before becoming President in 2021, she served as Director of Sales and Senior Account Executive for over a decade, managing teams, creating marketing strategies and driving trade show and group sales efforts. Her hospitality career includes management roles at prestigious Chicago hotels prior to starting with Meet Chicago Northwest. Larson is also a volunteer member of the Arlington Heights Economic Alliance. Recognized for her leadership in the hospitality industry, she is a respected communicator promoting the northwest suburbs as the premier location to live, work and play.
Gift from the Sea
by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Gift from the Sea speaks to the universal experiences of women navigating the stages of life. Through poetic reflections on seashells, Lindbergh weaves together themes of solitude, balance and self-discovery in a way that resonates across generations. Her insights on the ebb and flow of relationships, personal growth and the search for inner peace are presented with simplicity and elegance, making the book both relatable, profound and timeless.
The Living Great Lakes
by Jerry Dennis
The Living Great Lakes transforms the Great Lakes from a familiar backdrop into a living, dynamic entity filled with history, beauty and ecological significance. For those who have grown up near these waters but never truly appreciated them, Dennis’s storytelling brings to life the richness and complexity of the lakes through vivid descriptions, personal experiences and fascinating insights. The book blends natural history, adventure and environmental awareness, offering readers a deeper understanding of this vital freshwater system.
Madam Secretary
by Madeleine Albright
Madam Secretary blends my passion for powerful women’s stories with my interest in foreign policy and the art of negotiation. Albright’s autobiography is not just a personal narrative; it’s an in-depth exploration of global politics, diplomacy and the complexities of international relations, all seen through the eyes of a trailblazing woman. As the first female Secretary of State, Albright offers a unique perspective on the world stage, sharing not only her personal journey but also her insights on critical foreign policy decisions that shaped the late 20th century.
The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City
by Carl Smith
The Plan of Chicago is a must-read for anyone who loves Chicago and wants to understand how the city evolved into the architectural and urban planning marvel it is today. Daniel Burnham’s visionary 1909 plan laid the foundation for many of Chicago’s most iconic features, from its lakefront parks to its grand boulevards and cultural institutions. This book not only delves into the history behind Burnham’s ambitious blueprint but also explores how it shaped modern city planning across America.
The Portrait of a Lady
by Henry James
The Portrait of a Lady profoundly influenced me when I first encountered it as a young woman. I was captivated by Isabel Archer, a fiercely independent character who strove to live on her own terms, despite being confined by the societal expectations of her time. Isabel’s determination and desire for autonomy resonated deeply with me. I admired her courage to pursue freedom and her intellectual curiosity, even as those qualities became sources of her struggle. Her story highlighted the limitations placed on women of her era, reinforcing the idea that societal constraints, not lack of ambition, were often the greatest obstacles. Isabel’s journey inspired me to embrace my independence while also recognizing the challenges that come with navigating a world resistant to change.
A Sand County Almanac: And Sketches Here and There
by Aldo Leopold
A Sand County Almanac captures the delicate interplay between nature and humanity. The first chapter, January Thaw, stands out for its poetic portrayal of the earth’s awakening as winter fades. Leopold’s vivid descriptions of animals responding to spring echo the natural world’s rhythm and complexity. Leopold’s experience of venturing into the woods at night to wait for nature’s quiet resurgence struck a chord with me. The image of him patiently observing the world waking up conveys a sense of serenity and reverence for life’s cycles.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
by Cheryl Strayed
Wild is essential reading for every independent-minded adventurer woman because it’s a raw and inspiring testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery and courage. Strayed’s solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail is more than just an adventure story, it’s a deep exploration of healing and empowerment through nature. Her unflinching honesty about her struggles, both on the trail and in her personal life, resonates with anyone who’s ever faced challenges head-on.