JNDC President Beverly Siegel, chosen for special recognition by State Sen. Ram Villivalam in connection with Women’s History Month, cited her volunteer work “to improve the value proposition of living in West Rogers Park” as some of the most gratifying she’s done. Having enjoyed a rewarding career as a freelance writer, public relations professional and award-winning documentary filmmaker, the life-long Chicagoan and Northside resident has been devoting her energies for the past four years to the JNDC mission of strengthening and enhancing West Rogers Park and surrounding city and suburban areas.

Some of the achievements of which she’s most proud include a growing roster of free nature programming for adults and children at Park 538, which runs along the Chicago River System between Touhy and Albion avenues, sponsored in collaboration with Chicago Audubon Society, Chicago Park District, Met. Water Reclamation District and Peggy Notebaert Museum; well-attended forums for aspiring entrepreneurs featuring successful professionals; effective advocacy for government-supported programs to assist local shopkeepers whose stores have been vandalized as well as assistance for local shopkeepers in need of storefront-improvement grants; collaboration with Lincolnwood on projects of joint interest, and raising awareness of the unique history of Jewish West Rogers Park. She finds it especially gratifying that the beneficiaries of JNDC efforts include people of all backgrounds.