Every year, more Chicago-area students head off to college dreaming of joining a sorority, especially at well-known Greek life campuses. But recruitment can feel intense and overwhelming without support. That’s where Leslie Cunningham, founder of Sorority Prep, steps in.
Recently featured in the “Secrets of Sorority Rush” TV special filmed in Lake Forest, Leslie has become a trusted guide for families navigating the excitement and nerves of Greek life. Her mission? To empower young women with confidence, clarity and the tools to make the most of their college transition.
From TV to real-life support
“Filming at the Lillie Alexander Boutique in Lake Forest was truly a remarkable experience,” Leslie says — one that opened the door to valuable conversations. She met mothers and daughters eager to learn about recruitment do’s and don’ts. “With so many students heading to SEC schools from Chicago, it was fantastic to connect with them in person and address their questions about sororities in the south,” she explained.
The boutique, an upscale local favorite for college-bound women, became the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations. The event drew families from across the North Shore, western suburbs and nearby states, many eager to understand how recruitment differs at large Southern universities. Cunningham spent hours answering questions about everything from wardrobe choices to navigating the first round of cuts.
“Chicago families are unique,” she says. “Many students here are heading south for college, where Greek life can look very different from what their parents remember. Connecting with them in person allowed me to address those questions and ease their worries about fitting in.”
Since the special aired, Sorority Prep has seen a surge of interest from the Chicago area, especially from:
- Parents whose daughters struggled during recruitment and want help understanding what went wrong
- Families preparing early for next year’s rush season and looking for expert insight
Alumnae moms often want to know how the process has evolved since their college days, while newer parents wonder how their daughters can succeed without legacy ties. And in a city where many high school seniors head to SEC or Big 12 campuses, Cunningham’s expertise helps bridge that gap between Midwest roots and Southern traditions.
How Sorority Prep helps girls shine
At the heart of Sorority Prep’s approach is confidence-building. Cunningham and her team coach students to refine their social skills, craft standout PNM introduction videos and develop personalized “social résumés.”
“We focus on helping each client understand what she uniquely offers a chapter,” Cunningham says. “Feeling prepared changes everything.”
Her collaboration with Gracefully Greek, a network of mental health professionals, adds another layer of support. Helping girls identify areas where they might need encouragement and providing parents with strategies to keep stress manageable during the high-pressure week of recruitment.
“Sorority Prep isn’t just about getting a bid,” Cunningham explains. “It’s about preparing these young women to walk into college confident, poised and ready to succeed in all areas of life.”
A Sorority Prep success story
One of Leslie’s proudest Chicago success stories features a student heading to Ole Miss with zero Greek life experience and no existing connections.
Sorority Prep supported her through seven months of thoughtful preparation, including recruitment education, recommendation letters, campus visits, video and wardrobe guidance and personalized coaching.
The result? A joyful Bid Day and a leadership-filled sorority experience she’s now thriving in. “The result was an unforgettable week. Her mother joined her on Bid Day to celebrate the joyous moment when she found her new sorority home. Since then, she has immersed herself in the sorority, taking on leadership roles and leaving a positive mark on the Oxford community,” Leslie recalls.
It’s a reminder that preparation doesn’t just help during rush. It helps young women grow into confident leaders on campus.
Growing her impact in Chicago
Looking ahead, Cunningham hopes to deepen Sorority Prep’s roots in Chicagoland. Plans include:
- Presentations at local high schools and community centers
- Recruitment-readiness workshops covering social media, interview skills and wardrobe planning
- Parent education sessions on how to best support their daughters
- A new online course for families seeking immediate access to guidance
“We’re excited to keep connecting with more families here,” Cunningham shares. “The Chicago area has such bright, ambitious young women — we want to help them approach college and recruitment with confidence.”
Sorority recruitment might last just a week, but the self-assurance it builds lasts far longer. Through her work in Lake Forest and beyond, Leslie Cunningham is helping Chicago-area teens step into college not just ready for rush, but ready for everything that follows.
