The Reader Institute for Community Journalism (RICJ), which operates the Chicago Reader, is excited to announce four recent staff hires. From returning to weekly publishing to celebrating the Best of Chicago at Lincoln Park Zoo to launching our first coffee table book and celebrating 53 years at our third annual UnGala, we’ve been busy! But nevertheless are thrilled to retroactively announce the growth of our team.
As the Reader remains committed to delivering thoughtful and thorough journalism for all of Chicago, we are excited to embrace expansion as it aligns with our organization’s strategic goals.
Meet the four new members of our staff.
Tatiana Perez (she/her) has accepted the role of Data Associate in the Reader’s Development department. She graduated with an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Morton College and has dabbled in multiple work areas, primarily operations and customer service. Perez enjoys using her behind-the-scenes skills for companies and organizations to ensure things run smoothly in the forefront. In her spare time, you can find her hanging out at a Chicago Park or snuggling up with her cat, Theo.
Lindley French (she/her) joins the Reader as an Operations Associate. She previously worked in operations and compliance at a Chicago-based law firm. French also served as Acting Scheduler for Governor JB Pritzker during his transition, and was Deputy Director of Operations for his successful gubernatorial campaign. Before joining the JB for Governor campaign, she served as the Midwest Finance Associate for Hillary for America in 2016. French is pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Shira Friedman-Parks (she/her) joins the Reader as a Graphic Designer and Photo Researcher. Friedman-Parks is a Chicago local, previous Reader intern, Oberlin College graduate, Avondale resident, cat-haver, and bookstore enthusiast.
Lindsay Figurski (she/her) joined the Chicago Reader as a Senior Sales Representative earlier this year. With a rich portfolio of nearly two decades of experience in advertising sales, Figurski previously worked at media organizations such as iHeartMedia, Groupon, Chicago Tribune, and Audacy.Her journey reflects a passion for connecting brands with audiences, leveraging her expertise to drive impactful campaigns and foster lasting partnerships. Aside from growing her sales career, Figurski’s true passion is fashion, with Jacquemus, Isabel Marant and The Attico at the top of her list.