Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Ruehle-May.
Heidi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Twenty-five years ago I was planning on becoming a famous interior designer in Chicago, rising through the ranks in a large architecture firm. Three years after graduation, I realized that although this was an interesting career, my heart wasn’t into it.
During this time I was volunteering for an organization in Chicago called Refugee One, tutoring a lovely Ukrainian woman who was studying for her citizenship exam (she passed!). Through this experience, I felt called to make a big career change into the non-profit world (so long glamorous life in architecture). For twenty years I’ve had the honor of working with some amazing organizations helping refugees, children and the homeless, most of the positions in fundraising and development roles.
In 2012, I was invited to join the board of the Pleasant Home Foundation, with the intention of contributing my fundraising skills to their worthwhile mission of restoring this historic house museum, a true architectural gem in Oak Park. Less than a year later I took on the position of Executive Director and have been working in this capacity ever since. It’s interesting how things come full circle in life – in this position I am able to marry my education in design, work experience in fundraising, and personal commitment to the Oak Park community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Because I chose a career that didn’t necessarily align with my primary college courses, I’ve had to navigate these new fields with a lot of humility and hard work. It’s never easy to say “I don’t know” and to take positions for which I was technically overqualified; however, this taught me to learn quickly on the job and become adaptable in new situations. So although the road hasn’t necessarily been smooth, I believe I am a better and stronger person because of my path and have acquired a unique set of skills which has helped me succeed professionally.
Another obstacle not unique to my situation is that of being a working parent. I used to think I was adept at time management and juggled a lot of responsibilities – that was until I became a working parent of twins! Now I have a whole new perspective on managing time and responsibilities, which include work meetings, grant reports, kids’ practices, science projects, teacher conferences, and all the other activities that come with an active family life.
I have also decided to accept positions that may not be as high-paying as other opportunities, but allow me flexibility in schedule so I can still be at home before and after school, to take time off if my kids get sick, and (try) to function as a leader both at work and at home. At the end of the day, I’m grateful for these struggles and challenges, because to me they mean I’m living a full and fortunate life!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pleasant Home Foundation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Pleasant Home Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to restore, maintain and operate our historic house museum, also a National Historic Landmark. This is a very special designation as there are only 4 NHL’s in Oak Park, and Pleasant Home is the only non-Frank Lloyd Wright building.
In addition to focusing on restoration of the home, PHF is also responsible for producing artistic and educational programming, renting the home for social and corporate events, and offering public tours of the home year-round. This makes our situation unique in that we are functioning as 1) a house museum; 2) a source for artistic performances and educational tours and lectures; 3) a center for the community. We have a “no velvet ropes” approach to space, welcoming not only traditional museum-goers but inviting children, artists, community groups and neighbors from the west side of Chicago to enjoy everything Pleasant Home has to offer.
I am most proud that Pleasant Home has become known as a welcoming and accessible place and has a reputation for quality, unique artistic performances.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In 2017 the second and third floors of the home have been vacated by the former tenant (the local Historical Society), so we are spending 2018 planning for adaptive reuse of the original bedrooms including a bridal suite, community exhibit space and an Instagram-worthy pop-up showcase room for local businesses and designers.
We will also develop interactive exhibits showcasing the original owners and their children, servant life in Oak Park during the turn of the century and technological advances – highlighting four original Mills Novelty Company music and gaming machines (Herbert Mills was the second owner of Pleasant Home).
Pricing:
- Guided tours of the home are $10 adults, $8 seniors/students, $5 kids
- Artistic programs typically run $20-35 per ticket, with discounts for Pleasant Home Foundation members
Contact Info:
- Address: 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
- Website: http://pleasanthome.org/
- Phone: 708-383-2654
- Email: info@pleasanthome.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasanthome/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pleasanthomefoundation
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/pleasanthomeop
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pleasant-home-foundation-oak-park
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g36471-d3916288-Reviews-Pleasant_Home-Oak_Park_Illinois.html
Image Credit:
James Caulfield, Eric Allix Rogers, Christy Tyler
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
