Jenni Kusma

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Jenni Kusma has dedicated her life to giving a voice for those who cannot yet speak for themselves. A pediatrician and research fellow at Lurie Children's Hospital, Jenni advocates for fair healthcare for all children. She has met with legislators, been quoted in The New York Times and even wrote an op-ed published in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the dangers of spreading misinformation around vaccination. She is chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Section on Pediatric Trainees, which consists of over 16,000 medical students, residents and fellows across the country.

Although Jenni has lived in Chicago for less than a year, she has quickly immersed herself in the Jewish community. She is a member of Chicago Sinai Congregation and participated in YLD's Mensches in Motion to learn more about the ways she can give back to the Jewish community.

AGE:
30

PRIMARY GIG:
Primary Care Pediatrician and Health Services Research Fellow at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital

ON THE SIDE:
Training for the Chicago Triathlon, dancing to live music, traveling to see friends

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Single

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Jennifer Lawrence when her hair is curly!

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I once won a trip to Spain by winning the final fair in a Science of Cooking class competition in college … but I’m honestly not a very great cook.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
When I was growing up my mom always told us to remember that we’re as happy as we decide we’re going to be. She has said the same thing with each new step in life, and I truly think it’s the best advice to live by! I’m not sure if she got it from Abraham Lincoln, but he has a similar quote: “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”