Aimee Pine went to Loyola University with hopes of becoming a high school history teacher because "I like seeing tangible results," she said.
However, she went to her first meeting of the College Democrats as a freshman and quickly realized that there are other ways to make a difference, including, through government.
Pine was the president of Loyola's College Democrats during her sophomore and junior years, and where she met her best friend: Bennett Lawson, who was a freshman when she was a sophomore. Lawson now works for openly gay 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney.
Pine, meanwhile, also has had a career behind the scenes in government. Her first job out of college, at age 22, was as the district director for Sen. Carol Ronen. Pine also has worked for former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Congressman Mike Quigley, Tunney and, currently, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon.
"I think [government] is the purest form of public service," said Pine, who prefers to remain behind the scenes, as opposed to running for a position.
Pine's political resume also includes being in the chamber of the Illinois Senate in Springfield in 2004 when the Human Rights Bill was passed. "That was pretty amazing to see happen in-person," she said.
She also was in Springfield in December 2010 when the civil-unions bill was passed. "[That was like] seeing history happening right in front of you," Pine said.
THE STATS
Age
35
Neighborhood
East Lakeview
Job title
Director of operations for Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon
Pet
Mugsy, a Boston terrier
Relationship status
"Off the market"
Hobbies
Musicals, traveling, politics, food
Favorite bar
North End, where she is believed to be only the second woman to ever work there over the past 29 years
Favorite restaurant
HB Home Bistro
It's a fact
Collects belt buckets