Women in the professional sphere often face a world that expects, yet barely appreciates, their unique expertise and ability to build bridges and navigate complex team dynamics. Often beneath the professional polish is a quiet, persistent friction—the feeling of a “yes” that should have been a “no.”  The exhaustion isn’t just from working hard, but from constantly filtering your instincts through other people’s expectations. This shared experience signals that we’ve reached a

No need to board a plane or book a retreat to experience transformational conversations rooted in women’s stories. Right here in Chicago, a rich ecosystem of book talks, author conversations, and literary gatherings is thriving. For open-hearted women who like a good book and love an even juicier conversation, book talks in Chicago offer more than intellectual stimulation: They create spaces where stories are unapologetically shared, perspectives are expanded, and connection

This week, we’ve invited Tama Kieves, Harvard-trained lawyer turned career/success coach and bestselling author, to share her perspective on how she repeatedly sees people holding themselves back and what we can do about it. Don’t miss Tama in Chicago here at ALTAR Community for her One-Day Retreat on January 31st, 2026.  Ready to live your exceptional life in 2026?   I invite you to stop following mediocre thinking and to trust the integrity of your love and knowing instead.

Searching for ways to support your inner self? In addition to self-care or meditation, one of the best ways to care for ourselves is by finding spaces that help us slow down, breathe differently, and feel more at home in our own bodies. Immersing ourselves in the right environment can shift our whole experience: reminding us that healing and power often move together when we feel grounded and supported. Fortunately, Chicago is full of spiritual events and sacred spaces. Some