Lauran Cort is the creative director for World Business Chicago (WBC), a public-private business organization created & chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Since working with WBC, Cort has executed several award-winning projects that have been recognized by the International Academy of Visual Arts, the Association of Marketing & Communication Professionals, and the American Business Awards Jury among others. Most recently, she was the project lead on Cooler by the Lake, an interactive CD distributed world-wide to lure young professionals to the City of Chicago.

Before joining WBC in 2005, Cort previously held roles in advertising and publishing at Y&R New York and Victoria’s Secret Direct (VSD). While working with VSD, Cort was awarded a move from publishing to the internet team that brought Victoria’s Secret clothing to the web, turning it into over a $1-million a day business. Back in the Midwest, Cort freelanced for lifestyle resources such as Allure and InStyle magazines and DailyCandy.com, and held roles as senior editor and senior copywriter at various agencies. 

Cort holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University. Additionally, she is obtaining a certificate in Digital Design from the School of the Art Institute. She is a lifetime member of the Young Professionals of Chicago.