ML - Michigan Avenue

2015 - Issue 3 - May/June

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!

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The Educator ELIZABETH DOZIER Elizabeth Dozier's mother, a lifelong educator, used to tell her, "Don't become a teacher," the 37-year-old principal of Fenger Academy High School recalls. "She said teachers don't make any money." But Dozier knew teachers could make a difference. Since becoming Fenger's principal in 2009, the Eastern Illinois alum has implemented an array of educational and social services programs that helped boost the school's graduation rate from 40 percent to more than 80 percent, with 93 percent of freshmen now on track to graduate. Yet, Dozier says, her roughly 300 students continue to face daunting challenges, from gangs to violence to poverty. Over half of them are homeless. Still, she remains positive: "I really believe that people can be empowered to do amazing things if given the resources, the time, and the help to build their talent." TURNING FENGER AROUND: "We know the students we are serving intimately. We know what's going on in their lives and we get them connected to resources, making sure their basic needs and their social and emotional needs are met." CONFRONTING GANG MEMBERS: "Sometimes you just get pissed off. Like, 'Everybody, just back up—this is not about to go down today.' They might be involved in a gang, but I'm still their principal." A STRONG LEADER IS: "Pushing people beyond their limits. Pushing them to lead." STRONGEST INFLUENCES: "My faith. This work is really hard, really emotional, and you have to connect it to a higher purpose—the ethical obligation we all have to live our lives to our best potential and to help others who might be less fortunate. Also, my students inspire me." WHAT I WANT PEOPLE TO SAY WHEN IÕM GONE: "Look at all these lives that are now on a totally different trajectory because of what she was able to do and inspire." MA OPPOSITE PAGE: Jacket, Tom Ford ($3,200). Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900; neiman marcus.com. Top, Jason Wu ($2,595). Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-6500; saks.com. Pants and watch, Hunt's own THIS PAGE: Jacket, Elie Tahari ($568). Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-6500; saks.com. Dress, Stella McCartney ($1,095). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Vintage necklace ($275). LuLu's on the Avenue, 900 North Michigan Shops, 312-888-9149; lulusvintagestore.com Photography by Billy Rood Styling by Brian Stanziale/ 10 MGMT Hair by Stephane Bragoni and Liska Schwartz Makeup by Fotini Karakostas/ Taylor Reese Salon Photographed on location at The Godfrey Hotel, 127 W. Huron St., 312-649-2000; godfreyhotelchicago.com. MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 117

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