As always, you are inspiring us. You are inspiring your community, your friends and family! You are doing so many good things, random acts of kindness, working harder than ever, and pushing through something none of us ever planned.  We want to applaud you and share your story with others.

The good thing about inspiration?

It’s contagious. It spreads. Hopefully you catch it. Hopefully you spread it.

Inspiring Awards Winner : Kathryn Ciesla

Why was Kathryn nominated for the “Inspiring Others Award”?

Kathryn is a Northbrook mom, Village Trustee, attorney and volunteer. She has dedicated her professional and personal life, working tirelessly to support the Northbrook community. 

Kathryn is known for her big heart, being a strong advocate and protecting the vulnerable. 

As the Village Trustee, she has been a strong advocate for local businesses. In her professional career, she protects and advocates for children and families as a divorce and family law attorney. Since the pandemic hit, she has volunteered countless hours passing out much needed masks and hand sanitizer that were in short supply. 

Kathryn balances all this with being a devoted mom to her two daughters and rescue dogs.
She is a great role model to young women everywhere and a great neighbor to Northbrook.

We sat down for an interview with Kathryn. Here’s her inspiring story for YOU!! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a mother, a daughter, a partner, a friend, a neighbor, a lawyer for children and parents, and a village trustee. 

I love anything and everything having to do with art and creativity.  I enjoy cooking, photography, painting, stained glass, upcycling and long to try art welding.

What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?  How have you grown as a person?

I am still learning to practice good self-care and value time for myself.  As a mom, as a partner, as a daughter and as a lawyer, so much of my life and my example has been doing for others, without regard for my needs.  I’ve learned that in order to be my best self, I need to fuel what inspires me, what helps me grow and what fulfils me.  By doing so I will be at my best for those I love and care about.

What are you most proud of in your journey?

 I am proud of my service to others.  I am proud that my career is largely spent giving children a voice and advocating for families.  I am proud that I am a steward of my community.  I am proud that as my parents instilled the values of service in stewardship in me, I have passed them along to my children.

What worries or struggles do you face today? 

Like many people associated with Inspire Counseling Center, I struggle with the isolation of COVID.  I miss my parents, family, friends and ‘normal’ a lot.  I miss going to Bears’ and Cubs’ games with thousands of cheering fans, having family get-togethers and seeing my colleagues in-person.  I am struggling trying to support my children as they feel sad and frustrated because of experiences lost and seasons cancelled. 

What is some advice you’d like to give your younger self, or other people along their journey?  

Stay positive, be kind to yourself, give back and be a life-long learner.  Practice tolerance and compassion.  Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’  Find the humor in things.  Be silly every once in a while.  Love and be loved.

Thank you Kathryn!!!  

Do you know someone who should share their inspiring story?? Submit your entry here

 We want to share as much inspiration with the world as possible.

Thanks to you, friends. You are all inspirations in your world. Keep it up. Inspiring one person liberates them to be their best self and inspire someone else. It’s a contagious movement, we want to keep spreading!