Meet Megan Lopp Mathias

Hard working single mom. Active community leader. Founding Partner of Lopp Mathias Law. Hopeful candidate for (first!) Alderwoman of the 45th Ward of Chicago. Lover of bachata and boxing.

Megan has decades of experience working with and advocating for under-served communities and has sat on Boards of Directors for various organizations which include the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago (eliminating racism and empowering women), Life Span (anti-domestic violence and human trafficking), the Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law (policy and leadership reform), and the Filament Theater (creating a more equitable society by celebrating and amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts).

Q+A

What is your favorite place to travel to?

My mom’s house in the country, on a dirt road. I have old friends there – 30+ year friendships – the pace of life is nostalgic, and time slows down there. I have been blessed with the best mom on the planet.

What do you do with your rage?

I box on a heavy bag. As an attorney, I am usually in intense situations and need to keep a steady hand in the courtroom and exude confidence. That sometimes means I’m absorbing other peoples’ intense emotions, even witnesses and lawyers misrepresenting facts to the judge, and I need an outlet. Challenging myself in boxing has been great for processing intense emotions.

Who do you admire?

My mom. She has a heart of gold and will go to the ends of the earth helping other people. She’s the matriarch of multiple families. I saw her take care of my dad when he was sick with cancer. She took months off of work to help me when my partner was battling cancer and passed away. I don’t think she knows how much I admire her strength and compassion. She can find commonality with virtually anyone. I think she is so admirable.

What gets you through a rough day?

Knowing my kids are safe and healthy. I sometimes just watch them sleep and feel so grateful that they are resilient and have lots of love in their lives.

What are you most grateful for?

My village. It includes my children, my friends, my community, my family and even acquaintances. My village stepped up for me when my partner was sick. My kids were able to weather the intense grief of losing their father because of the extraordinary efforts of people in my village. Teachers and therapists attended the funeral. Neighbors helped with everything from dinner to shopping. My family grieved together. We are all better for it. I will dedicate my life to giving that energy back to the community because they stepped up when I needed it the most.

Want more?

Megan’s professional links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

And her very important political campaign links: DONATE, Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter