We Are the North Shore

#WearetheNS highlights community members of Chicago's northern suburbs. We warmly embrace our region’s plentiful diversity – individuals and families who are native and foreign-born, people of all races and religions, people with disabilities, people at all income levels, ages, sexual orientations, and family types. Submit your photo to [email protected] #WeAretheNS was created by Jes Scheinpflug  

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I’m Emma, and I’m excited to be interning with Open Communities this summer! Having grown up in the North Shore, I am committed to making sure that our communities are inclusive, accessible, and affordable.

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I’m Jack, a summer intern at Open Communities! I’ve spent my entire life living in Northbrook and I’m excited to help make my community a more welcoming one.​

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Alexandra Sossa, Executive Director of Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project (FLAP), is one of our many beautiful faces of the North Shore.

FLAP's mission is to improve working conditions for immigrant, migrant and seasonal workers. FLAP carries out this mission through outreach, litigation, community education, community legal education and referrals.

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The City of Highland Park shares what makes them proud to be part of the North Shore. 

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The City of Highland Park shares what makes them proud to be part of the North Shore.

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IL State Representative Robyn Gabel is from Evanston and has represented the people of the 18th District in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2010. During her time in the legislature, she has become a legislative leader in protecting and fostering the growth of children and women in Illinois and environmental stewardship.

She has argued in support of landmark reforms to help parents get the best education for their special needs children. Her legislative record has won her recognition from the March of Dimes, Midwest Asian Health Association, the ARC of Illinois, Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, the Illinois Public Health Association, and the Illinois Environmental Council, among others.

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My name is Tim. As a new member of the North Shore community, I’m excited to learn more about the history and cultural diversity of the area. In my short time here, I've learned that the North Shore is a wonderfully diverse space with a great sense of community. I look forward to becoming even more immersed in the community!

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Greg Buell on the value reaching out to neighbors of other faiths through education and outreach.  

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Nura Aly gives insight on what it is like to live in Evanston with a physical disability. For more about Nura, visit Open Communities' YouTube channel.

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Ellen and Ed McManus accept the 2014 Jean R. Cleland Social Action Award for their relentless dedication to promoting equal rights for persons with disabilities, especially in Wilmette and on the North Shore! 

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Arif Choudhury - And Then it Hit Me, All My Friends Are White 

Arif, raised in Northbrook, shares questions asked about his identity as the only Bangladeshi student in his class. Watch the full story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n-juh5AaiM

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Susan O'Halloran on Learning the History of Segregated Neighborhoods in Chicago. Watch the full story at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmPttD-eT7s

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Jasmine and Mackenzie live in Evanston, IL.  We both are very active in the community garden in Evanston and enjoy diverse families we stay connected with on the north shore.  #wearetheNS

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Omer from Iraq

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