POWER IN UNITY: Oak Brook resident Kaarina Lebrun helps bring the community together

March 6, 2025/

By Anna Hughes

When Kaarina Lebrun first moved to Oak Brook 16 years ago, she was excited about all the village had to offer for her family. Since then, it has exceeded every expectation—so much so that Lebrun calls it “the best-kept secret in the western suburbs.” More importantly, however, she’s incredibly proud to call Oak Brook “home.”

Lebrun is always looking for ways to give back to the community that has given her so much. She’s vice president of Butler 53 PTO and runs a local Facebook page she considers “a virtual town square.” Her newest role is as chair of the village’s recently formed Community Engagement Committee, whose focus is on building bridges and enhancing community involvement across Oak Brook by fostering communication and collaboration between residents and the village.

Oak Brook Magazine had the opportunity to chat with LeBrun about her background, her favorite parts about Oak Brook, the new committee, and what residents can expect from this exciting village initiative.

Oak Brook Magazine: To start, tell us a bit about yourself!

Kaarina Lebrun: I’m originally from Montreal, so yes, I say “eh” a lot, and I have strong opinions about bagels. I’m a mom of three: twin boys who are 17 and an 8-year-old daughter who runs the house. Sorry, she’s eight and a half—in case she reads this.

I’m a creative thinker who thrives on collaboration to bring ideas to life. I find great joy in transforming ideas into reality, from planning and organizing to execution. Contributing to my community is something I truly love. Whether it’s serving on the Village of Oak Brook’s Community Engagement Committee, helping lead the Butler 53 PTO, or now running for the Butler School District 53 Board of Education alongside three outstanding community members, I’m always looking for ways to contribute. I love getting people involved, building connections, and making a difference in our community.

My children love the fun experiences that come with my involvement. Though they also enjoy teasing me about always “working” (even if they insist it’s not a “real” job). But I love the example it sets for them about service and dedication. None of this would be possible without the support of my husband and family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back.

OBM: What about Oak Brook drew you to the town over 16 years ago?

KL: Oak Brook has everything you could want in a community. The excellent schools, beautiful open spaces, and miles of biking and walking trails make it an incredible place to live. The homes are beautiful, and the access to great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment is unbeatable. And if that’s not enough, we’re perfectly located—close to neighboring suburbs and just a short drive from the city. It’s the best of both worlds.

OBM: How has the village changed over time? How has it stayed the same?

KL: Oak Brook has evolved while still maintaining its unique character. Traditionally known for its strong sense of community and commitment to excellence, the village has seen an increase in school-age families moving in, drawn by top-tier schools, spacious homes, and exceptional amenities—all without the burden of municipal property taxes. This shift has brought fresh energy while preserving the multigenerational makeup that makes Oak Brook special.

At the same time, the village continues to prioritize responsible development, balancing growth with the needs of longtime residents. It remains a destination for families who value both tradition and progress, ensuring that future generations will continue to thrive here.

Over the years, Oak Brook has continued to grow and evolve while maintaining its core values: a beautiful village with strong schools, engaged residents, with a continued dedication to its high standards. We’ve seen development and new businesses come in, but what remains unchanged is the sense of pride people take in living here and being part of this community.
OBM: What do you think is the best part about living in Oak Brook?

KL: The best part is the relationships I’ve built over the years. Oak Brook is a place where people put down roots, and over time, you naturally get to know so many great people. There’s a strong sense of community here, which makes it an even better place to live. Through the Village of Oak Brook Community Engagement Committee, we’ve been able to grow and build upon that foundation.

OBM: What are some ways living here has served you and your family over the years?

KL: Oak Brook has been a wonderful place for my family, from great schools to plenty of parks and activities. The schools have supported and challenged my children, and the community’s focus on enrichment and inclusion has meant a lot, especially as a special needs parent.

OBM: When did you first start getting involved in the community?

KL: It all started with volunteering for the PTO and, believe it or not, sharing community information on a local Facebook page. Apparently, I talk a lot—and it turns out people appreciate the updates.

OBM: Why was it important to you to get involved?

KL: This is our home, and the decisions made here directly affect our families, our schools, and our quality of life. The greatest impacts on our daily lives happen at the community level—where we live, where our children learn, and where we connect with neighbors. I wanted to be part of shaping and strengthening that, ensuring Oak Brook remains a place where families thrive, residents feel connected, and we continue building on what makes this community so special.

OBM: Can you share a bit about the origin of the Community Engagement Committee?

KL: None of it would have been possible without Village President Larry Herman. He created the committee with a vision of strengthening community engagement across Oak Brook. It’s made up of seven residents from different areas, ensuring we represent the diverse perspectives of the village. President Herman and the trustees are all passionate about expanding opportunities for Oak Brook families to connect, and it’s been amazing to see the impact this initiative has already had.

OBM: What inspired you to get involved with the committee?

KL: I’ve always believed in the power of community. As a parent, I wanted to contribute to my children’s school experience and help create meaningful opportunities for all students. What started with PTO volunteering and sharing updates turned into something bigger—a sense of purpose that aligned with my skills and passion at the right time. Seeing how collaboration can bring meaningful change continues to inspire me every day.

OBM: What are some of your hopes for this group?

KL: My hope is that this group continues to bring Oak Brook residents together in meaningful ways. Whether it’s connecting over pancakes at the Fire and Police Pancake Breakfast, connecting by volunteering at Taste of Oak Brook and National Night Out or enjoying community playdates, socials, and the Oak Brook International Fest, these events create opportunities for neighbors to meet, engage, and build lasting connections. We’re always looking for new ways to bring the community together, so keep an eye out through 2025 for exciting events and opportunities happening around town! Ultimately, I want to see more residents get involved and for these traditions to continue growing. The more we connect, the stronger our sense of community becomes.

OBM: Why is it important to bring Oak Brook residents together in this way?

KL: Oak Brook is unique from neighboring towns. It’s a true multigenerational community. We have young families, empty nesters, and longtime residents who grew up here and returned to raise their own families, which is a testament to the town’s appeal. Our elected officials have a strong understanding of the community, making balanced and thoughtful decisions that support its long-term success. Having the finger on the pulse of the community will help to build a stronger community. It’s beneficial for everyone and helps shape the future of Oak Brook.

OBM: Looking forward, what are some other goals for you in the community?

KL: I want to continue finding ways to bring residents together and encourage more people to get involved. Whether it’s through community events, volunteering, or creating more opportunities to connect, an engaged community is a strong community. I also hope to support efforts that keep Oak Brook a great place for families while respecting the traditions and values that make it unique. Being involved has made Oak Brook feel even more like home. The connections I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had have been rewarding. Living in a great community is one thing, but actively contributing to it is very meaningful to me.

For more information on the Village of Oak Brook Community Engagement Committee, visit Oak-Brook.org.