Named for ILAO's round-the-clock digital access to legal help, The Light in the Night raises funds that make justice possible across Illinois — for the people who need it most. Join us as we mark a milestone and look ahead to the next 25 years.
Legacy Award: Heather Russell
Our 25th anniversary also honors the legacy of Heather Russell. Heather served on ILAO's Board of Directors from 2019 to 2026. During her tenure with the organization, she raised more than $1.25 million on ILAO's behalf. Equally important, she raised awareness among her vast professional network of ILAO's innovative services and its broad impact. In addition, she served on ILAO's Governance and Fund Development Committees, and as its Secretary from 2025-2026. In 2022, she was recognized by Crain's Chicago as a Notable Nonprofit Board Leader.
Heather is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer of TransUnion. Heather is an accomplished legal executive with more than 25 years of diverse experience across the global financial services and technology sectors. She is responsible for legal, risk, compliance, government and regulatory relations, corporate governance, consumer privacy and ESG functions for TransUnion and its subsidiaries around the world. Prior to joining TransUnion in 2018, Heather served as EVP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Fifth Third Bank.
Heather serves on the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization, representing the interests of over three million businesses and organizations. She is also on the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Board where she chairs the board’s Nominating and Governance Committee.
ILAO is proud to announce Lauren Beslow as its 2026 benefit chair. Lauren is General Counsel at Crowe, a leading public accounting firm, where she oversees the firm’s legal affairs and advises leadership on risk management and mitigation strategies. She specializes in litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory matters, contract negotiation, and counseling firm professionals on proactive risk prevention practices.
Lauren brings more than 20 years of litigation experience to her role. Prior to joining Crowe, she was a partner in the Chicago office of a national law firm, where she represented clients in a wide range of commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters.
Lauren earned her B.A. from Emory University and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
Prolific jazz guitarist Michael Ross will join us to set the mood for this special evening. A Chicago native, Ross has delighted audiences for decades with his smoky voice and mastery of smooth jazz, Samba, R&B, and beyond. He has performed locally and internationally with great musicians such as Ramsey Lewis, Najee, Angela Bofill, Jonathan Butler, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle.
