Jacqueline Shiff

Whether at her job or through her philanthropic involvement, Jacqueline Shiff spends most of her waking hours giving of herself. “She is selfless, honest and kind, and gives more than she takes,” said Danielle Rudas Goodman, who nominated Jackie and serves with her on the Emerging Leaders board of The Mikva Challenge. “She exemplifies how Jews are encouraged to live their lives.”

Jackie works for Get IN Chicago, a philanthropic think tank backed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that reaches out to the leaders of corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, faith-based organizations and more with the goal of effectively addressing youth violence in the city and making it safer. Additionally, Jackie is a member of the justice council of the Center on Wrongful Convictions and the American Constitution Society Board of Directors, which are focused on civic and social action.

“She works tirelessly and for much reduced pay than her career as an attorney to help give back to her beloved city,” said nominator and close family friend Brittany Shapiro.

Jackie is also a big sports fan and enjoys volunteering at the Chicago Children’s Museum.

Age:
31

Primary gig:
Director of Operations at Get IN Chicago

On the side:
Connecting people. Sports. Long walks on the lake. Collecting quotes. Family and friends. Travel.

Relationship status:
Single

How do you give back?
I love to volunteer at the Chicago Children’s Museum, and I try to help anyone I can in any way I can, whenever I can. 

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
My friend Michael Masters said, “Jackie cares about people most don’t care about.”

Celebrity doppelganger or Who would you play in a movie:
People say I remind them of Anne Hathaway or a young Caroline Kennedy. They look nothing alike, so it’s quite confusing to me. I’m more complimented when people tell me I look like my mom.

How do you Jew in Chicago?
Tikkun olam. As a Jew, it’s important to me to stand up against discrimination. It’s what prompted me to become a lawyer and what drives me to be actively engaged in the Chicago community. There is more that we can and should do to reduce the inequities in this city. On a lighter note, I also enjoy eating at The Bagel!

Passions:
All things Chicago. Making friends from all walks of life. Sports. Traveling the world and people watching. Anything chocolate/hazelnut flavored.

If time and money were limitless, I would:
Bridge the opportunity gap by giving every kid in Chicago the opportunities my parents gave me. I might also buy myself a boat.

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
Even more engaged.

Me in 10 years:
Healthy. A little wiser. Married to a wonderful man, and having a few kids. Still surrounded by my incredible family and friends. Making a true impact in this city.