Lynn Osborne-Simmons

Lynn Osborne-Simmons is a native of Chicago, and we are pleased to have her as our Party Digest correspondent for Chicago.

She covers events in the Chicago area and you’ll see her contributions here.

Lynn earned her Liberal Arts undergraduate degree from Blackburn College, then spent 10 years in the field of hospitality. She worked for Soft Sheen Products as the travel coordinator for the stylists that conducted seminars and tradeshows. Lynn was a front office manager of the prestigious Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. She also has experience in management for a family dining restaurant in the Lincoln Park area, the center for dining, theater, and the arts in Chicago.

Lynn enjoyed the hospitality industry and the potential for advancement but felt the need to grow and to expand her horizons. She decided to become an educator in order to play a more contributive role in society. She obtained her license by completing her masters in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Lynn was so intrigued by the field of education that she completed a second masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the American College of Education. Lynn makes time every year to attend a conference that focuses on Soka Education. This particular form of education highlights the educator’s self-reflection and emphasizes the happiness and lifelong learning of the student. She currently is employed by Chicago Public Schools where she works as an educator and part of a district team that writes assessments. Lynn is also involved with several groups that influence education practices and policies.

Lynn maintains ties with the hospitality industry, recently opening her own travel consulting business. Lynn is a patron of theater, music, dining, and the arts around Chicago. She supports several charities including Special Olympics, Breast Cancer Research, and various scholarship drives.