I am beyond thrilled to introduce Liz Bruss, the newest owner of Le Village Cowork in Des Plaines, Illinois, opening on January 6, 2025. Liz and I share a long-standing friendship that spans decades—we’ve navigated our 20s together, celebrated milestones like marriage and motherhood, and now, the exciting journey of launching businesses. Watching Liz and her family step into this new chapter fills me with joy and pride.
Liz brings her warmth, wisdom, and incredible experience to Le Village, making her a perfect leader for the working families in Des Plaines. Here’s an exclusive Q&A to get to know Liz and why she’s passionate about bringing Le Village Cowork to her community.
Q: Introduce yourself and your career and how you started on that journey.
Liz: Hi! My name is Liz Bruss, owner of the upcoming Le Village in Des Plaines, IL. Growing up with a mom who was a special education teacher, I was always intrigued by the education field but knew I didn't want to be in the classroom. I loved my high school psychology classes, so after a VERY short stint as a Biology major, I swapped to Psych.
After internships at a therapeutic day school and a local high school, I discovered my calling: earning a Master’s degree in School Counseling. For over a decade, I worked as a high school counselor at one of the most diverse schools in Chicago Public Schools, helping students navigate life and their future. That role gave me purpose and taught me the power of connection.
Q: How did becoming a mother change or impact your career? Why did you choose to start a Le Village?
Liz: Motherhood changes everything. My first son, Charlie, was born in 2019, and after an extended maternity leave, I returned to work in early 2020—right before the world shut down. Working remotely with a baby at home was both a blessing and a challenge. When schools reopened, it hit me how hard it was to be away from him all day.
Balancing the demands of being the best counselor I could be with my desire to be a present mom was exhausting. After my second son was born, I realized I needed a career shift. That’s when Dani started talking to me about Le Village. As a working parent, I understand the highs and lows deeply. The chance to make a difference in my community while having my kids with me daily felt like the perfect fit.
Q: Why is Le Village important for working parents?
Liz: Let’s be real: being a parent is amazing, but it’s also HARD. Both truths can exist simultaneously. I love my kids, and I also love having a purpose outside of being a mom. Le Village gives parents the best of both worlds. Working mothers, and all working parents, need a space that allows them to grow in their careers without sacrificing precious time with their children. At Le Village, you can focus on your goals while knowing your little ones are nearby, thriving in a supportive, enriching environment. It’s life-changing.
Q: What’s the greatest challenge facing working mothers today?
Liz: The pressure to choose between being a "good" mom and having a fulfilling career. The Mom Guilt is real, but it shouldn’t be. As Brene Brown says, guilt should only come when you’ve done something wrong. Being a working mom is not wrong—it’s empowering!
I even once told a job interviewer that my greatest strength was being a mom. While that might not fly in every field, I firmly believe that motherhood makes you stronger, more adaptable, and capable of incredible multitasking. It’s the ultimate proof of resilience.
Q: What’s the biggest thing that can help overcome these challenges?
Liz: Community. For me, those feelings of guilt and anxiety lessened when I leaned on my girlfriends. Sharing stories, offering each other help, and reminding one another that we’re doing a great job—that’s what gets you through.
Whether it’s taking turns hosting playdates, venting over drinks, or just reminding each other we’re great moms, community makes all the difference. And that’s exactly what Le Village fosters—a supportive space for parents to thrive together.
Discover Le Village Des Plaines
Liz’s passion for education, community, and working parenthood makes her the perfect person to bring Le Village to Des Plaines. Whether you’re a remote worker, a small business owner, or just need a flexible space to balance parenthood and work, this is the place for you.
With a January 6, 2025, opening date, Le Village Des Plaines is ready to serve families across the area. Join Liz and her team as they redefine what it means to balance work and family life.
👉 Want to learn more? Visit Le Village Cowork or reach out to schedule a tour and experience the space for yourself.
Let’s welcome Liz to the Le Village family and cheer on her journey as a business owner and thought leader for working parents in Des Plaines!
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