Jewish Chicago Magazine

A leader at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and modern motherhood, Alex serves as a life and leadership coach guiding hundreds of mothers through deep identity work, helping them align ambition with family, faith, and purpose.

Her coaching practice, rooted in psychological expertise and Jewish values, strives to drive a cultural shift in which working mothers no longer must choose between ambition and self.
Alex is particularly committed to supporting Jewish women in her own neck of the woods-Chicago’s western suburbs. There, she co-founded and co-leads Jewish Women in the Western Suburbs, a growing grassroots group of 70 Jewish and interfaith women that hosts monthly gatherings, holiday events, family Shabbats, and volunteer opportunities in a geographic area historically lacking a concentrated Jewish presence.

Alex also teaches Sunday school to young children at her synagogue, Etz Chaim Synagogue in Lombard, and she volunteers with JUF’s Nourish Our Neighborhoods Committee, a TOV program supporting local families with dignity.

AGE:
35

PRIMARY GIG:
Founder, Alex Nabavian Coaching, Lead Career Coach at Parentaly

ON THE SIDE:
Mom of 4, devoted wife, avid walker and scratch golfer

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
Most people don’t know that I’m Swedish and that I speak fluent Swedish. Yes, there are Jews in Sweden. And yes, my family has been in Sweden for multiple generations.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
The family I’m building with my husband, Matt. We’re shifting from surviving to thriving—infusing our home with intentionality, cozy moments, strong decisions, lots of love, and Jewish values. We’re growing careers we care about, showing up for our community, and having fun together along the way!

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Choose it or change it. Be honest about what you’re believing and doing—if it works, commit to it. If it doesn’t, take responsibility and make a change.