LoganSquarist wouldn’t be possible without the hard-working efforts of our dedicated staff. Hailing from all across the country, with a number of interests and professional aspirations, our team has one thing in common: a passion for Logan Square. Discover the people behind the scenes that bring you articles, events and more in our LoganSquarist Staff Highlight column.
What’s your name and what do you do at LoganSquarist?
Lauren Dixon, Editor-in-Chief
Where are you from originally?
Arlington, Texas
When did you join?
I joined in September of 2014, just one month after moving to the neighborhood. I heard about the group through a co-worker at the time who previously wrote for LoganSquarist, and she recommended I join!
Do you write professionally?
I do! I write for a new business publication called Talent Economy, where I write about how business leaders can best utilize their most valuable asset — talent — to better their companies. I’ve learned a lot about economics and the ins and outs of the business world.
What made you interested in writing for LoganSquarist?
I moved to Chicago just after graduating from the University of Missouri, and I knew only a few people in the city. LoganSquarist seemed like a great way to meet people in my new neighborhood, all while practicing my craft. The experience exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited to see my role with LoganSquarist grow as editor-in-chief!
What is your favorite LoganSquarist story you wrote?
That’s so hard to say! It’s between a few. I enjoyed interviewing Nick Fisher, a local artist, and writing a story about his work was a lot of fun. Also, you might have noticed the new stained glass windows at The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church on the square. Meeting the people involved in that renovation was a great pleasure.
I also wanted for LoganSquarist to have an Earth Day trash pick-up event, and our publisher, Kate Hamilton, trusted me to make it happen. The event was a success, and it was so gratifying to see it come to fruition!
What is your favorite restaurant in Logan Square?
I frequent Parts and Labor, Reno and Trike. Parts and Labor has the BEST burgers. Everything at Reno is amazing. Trike has a panang curry noodle dish that never disappoints.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the neighborhood?
I love going for runs in Palmer Square Park on a nice day.
What has been the best part about joining the team?
I’ve made so many friends and gained invaluable career experience through LoganSquarist. The events are always so fun, and they’re a great way to see friends regularly, all while testing out a new bar or restaurant. Kate Hamilton, our publisher, made such a great platform that meets a variety of personal and professional needs.
Interested in joining the team? Meet the rest of our the staff and check out our opportunities.
As a feminist it’s exciting to me to note this organization which is inspiring community in Logan Square is founded by a woman and has a female editor-in-chief. If we’ve learned anything from this election it’s that women need more visibility, more leadership roles and more of a voice. I would like to point out that the feature photo used here does not picture Lauren in a posture of leadership. Now more than ever it is critical to see women in powerful positions- figuratively and literally. You have an opportunity to make choices that will inspire others. I urge you to be conscious of your power and visibility and use it.
Abigail Sorensen
Palmer Square
Thank you so much for the feedback, Abigail! I considered this when choosing the photo that would accompany the story about me. I hoped to find a photo where the focus was on just me, was of good quality and looked flattering. However, there were limited choices. Ultimately, this was the best photo. And luckily, the man in it is my boyfriend, who’s a feminist as well 🙂