Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/297393
"MY NEXT PROJECT WILL BE the one I'm most proud of," declares Juanita Vanoy Jordan. As president of Vanoy Jordan Enterprises, this mot her of t h ree (w it h ex-husba nd M ichael Jordan) oversees production and talent manage- ment, personal finance, real estate investments, and much more. She is currently in the midst of establishing a family foundation, and soon she'll beg in f ilm ing a document a r y about A f r ica n American girls' perceptions of beauty and iden- tity, in conjunction with Reel Beauty, where she is a member of the board of directors. For the time being, though, Jordan is basking in the glow of a fundraiser she recently hosted for her alma mater, Christian Fenger Academy High School. "I'm ver y, ver y proud of that," says the South Side native, beaming. "I see what I'm doing directly impacting children and making a difference." Cause closest to my heart: Reel Beauty men- tors at-risk girls and puts on workshops to build self-confidence and spiritual awareness; they are life-changing. As a board member, I traveled with the organization and thought, Why don't we document this? It'd be a great story to tell. I love being behind the camera. Biggest hero: Both of my parents influenced me in being a hard worker, showing up, teaching me to treat people the way I want to be treated. Sisterhood: My sisters [and I] are close. I'm the fifth of six, but they like to call me the "big sister" because I have a tendency to t a ke cha rge. Def init ion of success: Lov ing what you do. I don't think titles define you, and I don't think being in a job that you're unhappy in makes you successful. It's about finding your niche and enjoying life every day. What keeps me centered: I meditate daily—it gives me clar- ity. Now that I'm 55, I'm starting to think about my health more. At some point I would like to say, "I'm going to train for a marathon." Favorite travels: I love Lake Como, Italy—it's like you're looking at a picture. Monaco is just beautiful, and Tokyo's a great experience. I'm going to Greece this year. I want to see the whole world. How I hope to make my mark: I'm just a girl from the South Side of Chicago, and I always want to be conscious of giving back to my community. JUANITA VANOYJORDAN This South Side native stays mindful of her roots as she branches out to raise awareness. MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 141 134-141_MA_FEAT_PP_May/June_14.indd 141 4/14/14 1:04 PM