Liz Abunaw - Booth '14

Liz Abunaw is the founder and operator of Forty Acres Fresh Market, a grocery startup launched in January 2018. Alarmed by the lack of fresh food options on Chicago’s west side, after leaving her sales job at Microsoft in November 2017, Liz committed to opening an affordable specialty grocery store with a bountiful fresh food selection on Chicago's Westside. Using an innovative mobile strategy centered on full-selection pop up produce markets to test and develop the right business model, she has grown Forty Acres from idea to a social impact small business built to scale.

Since its inception Forty Acres Fresh Market has serviced over 1000 customers residing in underserved communities. It continues to expand its reach through a delivery service option and participation in Veggie Rx programs. Forty Acres’ impact on Chicago’s Westside has garnered investment from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the American Heart Association Social Impact Fund, and other funders.

Prior to launching Forty Acres Fresh Market Liz was a partner manager in Microsoft’s sales division and before that spent ten years at General Mills, Inc. A native of New York state, Abunaw moved to Chicago in 2012 when awarded a full-tuition fellowship to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, from which she graduated in 2014. Liz is a 2002 Cornell University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management. She holds the staunch position that while Chicago deep dish is delicious, it is not pizza. It is casserole. Pizza folds.

Duane Jackson

Duane Jackson is a Director at BDT & Company, a Chicago-based merchant bank that provides advice and long-term capital to help family and founder-led businesses pursue their strategic and financial objectives. The firm works with business owners to find solutions to their most complex challenges, while preserving company culture and providing access to a world-class network of industry leaders. The firm’s affiliate, BDT Capital Partners, has raised more than $16 billion across its investment funds and has partnered with well-known brands including Panera, Krispy Kreme, Lou Malnati’s Pizza, and Caribou Coffee.

Prior to joining BDT, Duane worked with Vista Equity Partners, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Merrill Lynch. Duane serves as a Trustee of his alma mater, Lake Forest Academy. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from The George Washington University and an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was a Robert L. Ryan Fellow, Robert Toigo Fellow and MLT Fellow. He and his wife have two kids and reside in Lincoln Park.