August 8, 2018

We are pleased to welcome our new Receptionist, Madeline Maldonado, to Epstein!

Madeline comes to us from AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company and major producer of specialty chemicals. She studied at DePaul University (go Blue Demons!), earning her Bachelor of Arts in communications.

Although, her background is in the fashion industry. Madeline has a certificate in Fashion Styling and Image Making from Business of Fashion, an online global magazine focused on the business side of the fashion industry. She has always been interested in the relationship between fashion and architecture.

I think theres a strong connection between the design elements that are involved in both architecture and fashion. Four of my favorite designers are Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons, who has been well known to have been influenced by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, Iris van Herpen, Alexander McQueen, and Tom Ford (architecture degree at the Parsons School of Design).

Madeline was born and raised in Chicago. However, she lived in Puerto Rico for two years when she was 7-years-old. Her parents were born there and decided to move back for a bit. As you might imagine, Madeline is fluent in Spanish capable of speaking, reading and writing as it is her first language. She said her family only spoke Spanish at home, adding that she didnt learn English until she was taught at school.

Funny tidbit, Madeline did not fancy going to school in Puerto Rico. On occasion, she and her brother would duck out around noon, pretending the teacher didnt show up for class. That seemed to work¦ until the teacher called their home inquiring about their whereabouts. Busted. We all need a Ferris Bueller-style day off every now and then, right?

I remember feeling melancholic the day we left Puerto Rico to come back to Chicago, she said. I missed the sounds of the roosters early in the morning, picking tropical fruits from our trees and the musical notes of the coqui singing in the night. Coqui are teeny, tiny frogs found only in Puerto Rico.

Outside of work, she volunteers at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Madeline also does a little yoga in her free time and enjoys learning about holistic medicine and remedies.

Oh, and shes vegan! One of her favorite places to eat in the city is Native Foods in the South Loop or Wicker Park. She highly recommends their sesame kale macro bowl as well as their desserts. All are deliciously tasty! Alright Im convinced. Madeline is also hoping to check out another vegan/vegetarian/gluten free spot in Oak Park called Munch.

Once again, welcome to Epstein, Madeline. We are thrilled to have you