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By Samantha Lande, BCB Staff Writer
A true testament to Carrie being a Wonder Woman, it was actually her executive assistant that nominated her to be included in our weekly series for she felt she truly encapsulated what it meant to be a superhero.
Carrie Meghie has always been involved in a multitude of charitable and professional ventures. In addition to being co-president of Becker Ventures, she also serves as General Manager of one of their properties, the Hard Rock Hotel (Chicago, IL). In 2012, out of the tragedy of losing their 10 month-old son, Jackson, to a rare lung disease, Carrie founded her most important personal and professional venture—The Jackson Chance Foundation (JCF). While spending each day at Lurie Children’s Hospital she came to realize that families were spending astronomical amounts on parking and transportation just to visit their child (or in some cases not being able to visit at all) in the NICU. From there the mission of JCF became to change that. To date they have successfully fully funded parking and transportation daily for every NICU parent at Lurie and hope to add more hospitals to the list. Watch this video to learn more about JCF. Carrie tells us what drives her to succeed and why she may never find the “off” switch in her brain.
NAME: Carrie Meghie
AGE: 42
KIDS: Maxson (18 months), Solomon (8 years), Jackson (heaven)
OCCUPATION: Co-President of Becker Ventures a real estate and hospitality company, Founder & Board Chair of Jackson Chance Foundation
LIVE: Chicago, IL
FAVORITE CHARITY: Jackson Chance Foundation
Tell us about your typical weekday…
I wake each morning with my boys and then there’s no typical day! 2 days a week I have a nanny and I’m at the office/hotel. The other days I have my 18 month old with me and I am hanging with him while trying getting as much work done as possible while still enjoying our time. Which means I’m often on a conference call from my car (while he naps hoping he doesn’t wake), working at the park, or even using the gym daycare to work out and “work”. I always have dinner with my boys and put them to bed and then it’s back to work.
Tell us your backstory…
I could say where I grew up, went to school, and all of that but I am who I am today because of my son Jackson. The gifts I received from spending 10 months in the NICU with him and then losing him are countless and everlasting. Not only did he inspire the foundation but I have a new approach to business and life and believe I am a better boss, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.
Who is your Wonder Woman?
My mother of course! The toughest women I know who has accomplished more than she would ever admit. She taught me that you have the power and choice to control your own destiny.
Which Superhero do you most identify with and why?
My father is my superhero. Growing up and being able to watch him build his company was impressive and an invaluable experience.
Who is your supporting cast of characters that helps you to achieve Wonder Woman status?
Family, colleagues, my angel Jackson of course!
What is your super power?
I believe one of my strengths is the ability to prioritize and be decisive. I can make decisions quickly and don’t get stuck trying to be “right” but rather effective. I don’t believe you can have it all. It’s about making choices about what’s important and when.
If you could have a secret identity what would it be and what would you use it for?
I would love to clone myself. Being a working mom I have never wanted to be in two places at the same time more! I love my “job” but also want to spend every minute possible with my kids.
What is your arch nemesis?
Turning off! I (& my husband) have been looking for the “off” switch to my brain for years! When you work with your husband, father, and sister and run a foundation in honor of your late son it’s hard not to work literally 24/7.
Who is your Sidekick/Partner in Crime?
My husband Terry. My best friend and business partner. Partner in life!
What is in your Wonder Woman power pack?
IPhone (my mobile office!), scarf, snacks for son, chocolate (pregnancy & nursing gave me horrible sweet tooth!), picture of Jackson.
What would you consider your theme song? Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Carrie and her husband Terry are currently competing with 120 other charities to raise $75,000 for Jackson Chance Foundation. JCF is dedicated to helping so many families spend time with their critically ill babies. The charity that raises the most money by June 22 wins. To help JCF continue to fulfill their mission, LIKE Jackson Chance Foundation on Facebook and DONATE HERE – any and all amounts will make a difference, even just a few dollars. Bump Club and Beyond will be making a donation to JCF following this week’s Wonder Woman Wednesday.
Every week BCB introduces you to a mom we think is amazing through our Mom IRL feature. Check out Bump Club and Beyond for more moms we love! Are you doing something amazing that we should know about? Or do you know someone who we should meet? Be sure to email us with your recommendation at info@bumpclubandbeyond.com for a chance to be featured!