Highlights of the Paris Chicago Safari

Highlights of the Paris Chicago Safari

by Valerie Beck

The series of 8 "Paris Chicago Safari" excursions that I created for my French ESCE students to learn about American Business during Spring Break 2015 in Chicago, through my role as an Adjunct Professor at Kendall College, was a spectacular success due to all involved. I'm immensely proud of my students for their positivity, professionalism, and willingness to explore!

The main topics that we pursued on each excursion were networking, volunteering, and mentoring, as crucial to business success in the US. I invited my network of friends and business contacts to open their doors to our class, and we were met with heartwarming enthusiasm. 

Below are a few of my photos to give you the theme of each excursion. 

Most importantly, enjoy the blog posts by the students, to experience the excursions through their eyes, words, and insights.

Excursion 1 - The Business of Fashion: Branding and Merchandising with Style

 

  

Thank you to manager Erin Webster and team at J.Crew, 900 Shops, Frankie's 5th Floor Pizzeria, Nicki Brashear of Fashionista Chicago, and Teuscher.

Excursion 2 - The Business of Art and Architecture: Building Beauty and Business Through Relationships

  

 

Thank you to Petra Bachmeier of Luftwerk, A&D Gallery at Columbia College, Toni Patisserie, D.C. Crenshaw of Fete, the Chicago Cultural Center, Mary Vallender of @properties, and The Legacy at Millennium Park.

Excursion 3 - The Business of Social Justice: Making a Difference 

 

 

Thank you to Brenda Palms-Barber and team at Sweet Beginnings and the North Lawndale Employment Network, Kendall College Dean of International Business Aurora Reinke who made our excursions possible and joined us on this day, Jonny Imerman of Imerman Angels, and Kelley Cannon of the Marshall Field's / Macy's Candy Department.

Excursion 4 - The Business of Chocolate: Geneva Getaway

 

 

  Thank you to Bob Untiedt and family and team at Graham's Fine Chocolates, The Sugar Path, Chocolate Uplift, The Herrington Inn and Spa, Moveable Feast, Mayor Kevin Burns of Geneva, Illinois, and Graham's 318.

Excursion 5 - The Business of Mentoring: Helping Others to the Top

   

 

 Thank you to Business Journals, Christopher Rondeau of 360Chicago, Megan Danielson of Google, Nate Cooper of LYFE Kitchen, Gigi Olmstead, and Chef Peter Rios of Alliance Patisserie.

 Excursion 6 - The Business of Finance: Money Meanings

 

Thank you to Dan Rubel of Argo Tea, Certified Financial Planner Dave Ruths, the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, and Kendall College Adjunct Professor Cindy McCarthy.

Excursion 7 - The Business of Food: Big Food, Small Food

 

 Thank you to Rich Howley of Whole Foods, Michael Moody of Michael Moody Fitness, and Kendall College Adjunct Professor Cindy McCarthy.

Excursion 8 - The Business of Hospitality: Every Detail Counts

 

 

Thank you to Chef Janet Kirker and Thalia Krick of Foodease Market, Shaun Rajah and Chef Herve Cuyeu of The Drake Hotel, and Hendrickx Bakery.

To my students: 

Well done! It has been a tremendous pleasure working with you and getting to know you, and I'm forever proud of you for your hard work and spirit of exploration. 

Keep reaching onward and upward!