We are a group of unique individuals and professionals who live by the “service above self” Rotary mantra. In order to highlight our diversity, starting in 2020, we have decided to compose an annual club yearbook. In this document, we will highlight the experience and character of each of our members. We thought you would like to get to know us if you are interested in joining our club.
We update this page as our members complete and submit the yearbook questionnaire throughout the year. Note, as a club we value our member’s privacy. For this reason, not all our members are included in this public facing version of the yearbook.
- Mandy Lewis
- Kent Oyer
- Samantha Owens
- Kathryn Armstrong
- Sarah Yousuf
- Yvonne M Orr-El
- Tanja Michael
- Leslie Johnson
- Ayo Jimoh
- Cappy Lau
- Rod Gonzalez
- Harry Nathanson
- Rohan D’Abreo
- Calvin Masterson
- Mari Rosa Cortes
- Brady Houseknecht
Mandy Lewis
Life is Journey not a Destination
Mandy works for Accenture in Technology Sales and focuses on Google. She has been a member of Rotary since 2008 and her parents introduced Rotary to her. She is passionate about Rotary’s focus on Water and Sanitation and loves doing water related projects, especially overseas. Her most unique Rotary experience involved meeting the Queen of Bhutan on a hike while visiting Nepal/Bhutan on a Rotary Friendship Exchange trip. One thing you may not know about Mandy is that she lived in Spain and Venezuela and as a result is fluent in Spanish. If she could spend a day with one person, it would be her husband who makes her laugh and is “super fun.” In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her friends and exploring the city. She once danced on stage with Prince (2004 in Rosemont)!!!
Cheat Sheet
| Food | Sushi |
| Outdoor Activity | Water Skiing |
| Restaurant | Kai Sushi |
| Bar | Scout |
| Book | Becoming |
| Podcast | Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction |
| Movie | Avatar |
| Tv Show | Power |
Kent Oyer
If you want to live a life you’ve never lived you have to do things you’ve never done – Jen Sincero
Kent is a self-employed Software Developer. He has been a member of Rotary since 2007. Friends from his church introduced him to the organization, which he joined in order to network with other business professionals. His most unique Rotary experience involved Delivering books to children in rural Costa Rica. One thing you may not know about Kent is that he has a Mexican racing license. If he could spend a day with one person, it would be Elon Musk whom he considers a genius. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, playing guitar and sailing.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Music |
| Sport to Play | Ultimate Frisbee |
| Sport to Watch | Football |
| Restaurant | City Winery |
| Bar | D4 Irish Pub |
| Podcast | 99% Invisible |
| Movie | The Secret Life of Walter Mitty |
| Tv Show | White Collar |
Samantha Owens
If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive
Samantha (Sam) is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones Investments. She has been a member of Rotary since 2007, when she joined the chapter in Plainfield, IL her hometown. Sam joined Rotary to network and to engage in projects that would help others locally and internationally, and she is passionate about Rotary’s focus on economic and community development. Her most unique Rotary experience involved serving as 2012 District Conference Chairperson. In this role, she led a team of 12 in planning and executing a weekend-long conference in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The conference hosted 350 Rotarians and their guests. One thing you may not know about Sam is that she plays the bass. In her spare time, she loves to play and listen to music.
Cheat Sheet
| Go to Karaoke Song | What’s Up – 4 Non-Blonds |
| Bar | The Darling |
| Book | Think like a Success, Act like a Success |
| Movie | Phenomenon |
| Tv Show | The Office |
Kathryn Armstrong
Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born — Anais Nin
Kathryn is an Operations Business Manager at Conagra Brands. She joined in 2020 after participating in a Working Bikes volunteer event sponsored by our club. She decided to become a Rotarian not only because she likes volunteering, but because of the organization’s focus on economic and community development. So far, her most unique Rotary experience is becoming a member amid a global pandemic. Something you may not know about Kathryn is that she has an arts and craft side. In particular, she loves paper arts and can hand bind books. In her spare time, she enjoys travel as well as spending time with friends and family.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer |
| Restaurant | Harbor |
| Book | Moloka’i |
| Podcast | How I built this |
| Movie | 10 Things I Hate About You |
| Tv Show | Game of thrones |
Sarah Yousuf
Give light and others will find their way
Sarah helps create and pass legislation around social justice issues such as police reform and tax reform. After being introduced to Rotary by some friends and motivated by desire to give back, she became a member in 2013. Sarah is passionate about Rotary projects involving conflict prevention and resolution. Her most unique experience since becoming a member was visiting a fellow Rotarian in Zimbabwe and spending a day at her non-profit.
If she could spend a day with anyone it would be her partner Matt, whose company she truly enjoys. Something you may not know about Sarah, is that she once kayaked off the coast of Thailand. If you are looking story, ask her about her Rotary adventure in Africa. When not saving (or travelling) the world, she loves to read.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Toothpaste |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Tainted Love |
| Sport to Play | Volleyball |
| Sport to Watch | Basketball |
| Restaurant | Majani |
| Bar | Ludlow Liquors |
| Book | The Brothers Karamazov |
| Podcast | On Being |
| Movie | Seven Samurai |
| Tv Show | Breaking Bad |
Yvonne M Orr-El
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give— Winston Churchill
Yvonne is a Senior Principal Consultant. She has been a member of Rotary since 2019. Yvonne learned about the Rotary organization at a work event and then attend a mixer hosted by our club. She decided to join Cosmo because in her own words, “No other club is as vested in serving our global community while informing us on current issues AND having so much fun! … I’m so fortunate to be a part of the best Rotary Club that I’ve ever encountered.” In addition, she is passionate about the organization’s projects involving peace and conflict prevention and resolution. So far, her most unique Rotary experience was learning how make cocktails via Zoom during the COVID19 lock down.
In addition to Rotary, she is active in the following organizations:
- Real Men Charities
- Indigenous Community Service Center
- Arts & Business Council of Chicago
- Cousins Empowered Optimist international
One thing you may not know about Yvonne, she hales from Canada. If she could spend a day with anyone, it would have to be Maya Angelou in order to get her unique perspective on poetry as well as dance, society, and menfolk. If you are looking for a story, ask her about the 600K grant mistake that launched her career. In her spare time, Yvonne loves to write.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Anything Orange |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Proud Mary |
| Sport to Play | Competitive Swimming |
| Sport to Watch | Football |
| Restaurant | Pappadeux’s |
| Bar | The Original Mother’s on Division |
| Book | Malaika’s Soul: I Am Light (The Soul-Journer Series) |
| Podcast | 50-yr Old Puss |
| Movie | Pulp Fiction |
| Tv Show | * NCIS |
Tanja Michael
A prayer for the wild at heart kept in cages –-Tennessee Williams
Tanja is Manager of Store Operations at Ultra Beauty. She has been a member of Rotary since 2019. Her introduction to Rotary began with a conservation with a Rotarian and Senior Vice President at Ultra Beauty. In March 2019, she participated in a Cradles to Crayons volunteer event hosted by our club. Based on this experience and motivated by a desire to give back, she decided to become member. In her own words, “I joined to do good in my new community and to meet people/make friends since I was/am newer to the Chicago area.” As a Rotarian she is passionate about projects involving economic and community development. So far, her most unique Rotary experience has been attending our bi-weekly zoom events during the COVID19 lockdown.
One thing you may not know about Tanja is that she wants to take stand-up comedy classes. If she could spend the day with anyone, it would be her grandfather Aziz. His stories, wisdom and humor could easily fill-up a day. In her spare time, she likes to clean.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Family, friends & music |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Umbrella by Rihanna |
| Sport to Play | Soccer |
| Sport to Watch | Soccer |
| Restaurant | Duck Duck Goat |
| Bar | Federales |
| Book | A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle |
| Podcast | Armchair Expert and Real Crime Profile |
| Movie | The Beach |
| Tv Show | How I met your Mother |
Leslie Johnson
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
Leslie is a Mechanical Engineer. She has been a member of Rotary since 2019. Her introduction to Rotary began with Mandy who brought her to one of our club’s regular meetings held at the Metropolitan Club in Willis Tower prior to COVID19. She decided to become a member for professional networking and volunteer opportunities. As a Rotarian she is passionate about projects involving economic and community development. So far, her most unique Rotary experience has been volunteering at Working Bikes.
In addition to Rotary, she is active in Toastmasters. One thing you may not know about Leslie is she is afraid of the dark. If she could spend the day with anyone (like the author of this page), it would be Warren Buffet. If you are looking for a story, ask her about how she proposed to her wife. In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading and watching romantic comedies.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | My Wife |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Kiss by Prince |
| Sport to Play | Archery |
| Sport to Watch | Basketball |
| Restaurant | Au Cheval |
| Bar | Scofflaw |
| Book | Extreme Ownership |
| Podcast | Dave Ramsey |
| Movie | Phenomenon |
| Tv Show | Park and Rec |
Ayo Jimoh
Let life be enough, and its essence will be undiminished
Ayo is Head of Product for Fetch Rewards and the Chief Technology Officer of Visibly. He has been a member of Rotary since 2013. Ayo learned about Rotary through the Group Study Exchange program in 2012. His most unique Rotary experience involved participating in the District 6450 Group Study Exchange to District 3060 of Gujarat, India. As a Rotarian he is passionate about projects involving peace and conflict prevention/resolution. In addition to Rotary, he is on the board of directors of Ensemble Dal Niente.
Cheat Sheet
| Go to Karaoke Song | My Shot (Hamilton) |
| Sport to Play | Soccer |
| Sport to Watch | European Soccer |
| Restaurant | Green Street Smoked Meats |
| Book | Simple Rules: How to thrive in a complex world |
| Movie | Friday |
Cappy Lau
Be who you are because that is who you are
Cappy is Product Marketing Manager. She has been a member of Rotary since 2011. Her introduction to Rotary began at a tradeshow booth. Cappy decided to become a member when she attended her first club meeting and just felt like she belonged. Her most unique Rotary experience involved participating in a 4th of July parade in Carol Stream, IL. As a Rotarian she is passionate about projects involving maternal and child health.
In addition to Rotary, she is an active member of the South Loop Neighbors organization. One thing you may not know about Cappy is that she speaks French. If she could spend the day with anyone it would be Melinda Gates in order to learn more about her global philanthropy involving deadly disease eradication and improving the health of women and children. If you are looking for a story, just ask her about the post office in Lisbon, Portugal. In his spare time, Cappy loves to paint and garden.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Steak |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Picture |
| Sport to Play | Volleyball |
| Sport to Watch | Kentucky Derby (with a hat) |
| Restaurant | Carson’s Ribs |
| Bar | Kasey’s Tavern |
| Book | Franklin and Eleanor – An Extraordinary Marriage |
| Podcast | Anything NPR |
| Movie | Back to the Future |
| Tv Show | PBS News Hour |
Rod Gonzalez
Believe you can and you’re halfway there
Rod is Markets and Policy Associate. He has been a member of Rotary since 2017. Rod learned about Rotary as a foreign exchange student. He became a member to help others and make friends. As a Rotarian Rod is passionate about projects involving economics and community development.
One thing you may not know about Rod is that he lived in Minnesota for 10 years. If he could spend the day with anyone it would be Winston Churchill. If you are looking for a story, simply ask him about his background in monetary policy. In his spare time, Rod enjoys watching movies.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Coffee |
| Sport to Play | Tennis |
| Sport to Watch | Soccer |
| Restaurant | Las Mananitas |
| Bar | Replay |
| Book | Triumph of the City |
| Podcast | Bloomberg Surveillance |
| Movie | All about my Mother |
| Tv Show | Breaking Bad |
Harry Nathanson
One thing I have learned about life is that it goes on
Harry is a property manager. He joined Rotary in 2020. Harry was introduced too Rotary by a member of our club whom he is friends with. His first experience with Rotary was participating in our club’s Star Farm Chicago service project. He decided to become a member to give back and help others. As a new Rotarian he is passionate about projects involving water and sanitation.
One thing you may not know about Harry is that he is a Free Mason. If he could spend the day with anyone, it would be George Washington because of his impact on modern history. If you are looking for a story, just ask about his time working in the Senate. In his spare time, Harry likes to bird watch.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Necco Candy Wafers |
| Sport to Watch | Soccer |
| Restaurant | Summer House Santa Monica |
| Book | Uncommon Types by Tom Hanks |
| Podcast | The Lobby Shop |
| Movie | Tombstone |
| Tv Show | Call the Midwife |
Rohan D’Abreo
“The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.”– Frank Sinatra
Rohan is an energy industry executive. He has been a member of Rotary since 2013. He learned about Rotary from his father. For Rohan, becoming a member was a matter of family legacy. His first experience with was participating in the Rotaract Clubs program. His most unique experience was chartering the Chicago Cosmopolitan Club in 2015. As a Rotarian, Rohan is passionate about projects involving economic and community development.
In addition to Rotary, he is part of the Chicago Council for Global Affairs. One thing you may not know about Rohan is that considers himself a professional elocutionist and loves public speaking. If he could spend the day with anyone, it would be his late grandfather. There are many topics that they never got chance to discuss prior to his passing in 2012. In his spare time, Rohan enjoys writing.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Italian Red Wine & Gin |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Spanish Eyes- Engelbert Humperdinck |
| Sport to Play | Tennis |
| Sport to Watch | Tennis |
| Restaurant | Maple & Ash |
| Bar | Z Bar |
| Book | Think and Grow Rich- Napoleon Hill |
| Podcast | Savage Nation |
| Movie | Ben Hur |
| Tv Show | Billions |
Calvin Masterson
Everybody’s got a plan until they get hit in the mouth
Calvin is a Vice President in Real Estate Finance industry. He has been a member of Rotary since 2020. He became a member in order to network and give back to the community. As a Rotarian he is passionate about projects involving water and sanitation.
One thing you may not know about Calvin is that he once spent 3 months camping in Patagonia. If he could spend the day with anyone it would be Arsene Wenger. Wenger is the FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and the former celebrated head coach of the Arsenal Football Club, which is Calvin’s favorite team. If you are looking for a story, ask him about his adventure in Patagonia. In his spare time, Calvin loves to exercise.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Dry Socks |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Separate ways by journey |
| Sport to Play | Soccer |
| Sport to Watch | Soccer |
| Restaurant | Pizzeria Bebu |
| Bar | Kincades |
| Book | Bel Canto |
| Podcast | Revolutions |
| Movie | Casablanca |
| Tv Show | The Wire |
Mari Rosa Cortes
When you are kind to others, it not only changes you. It changes the world — Rabbi Harold Kushne
Mari is a professional butterfly holding (or having held) the title of HR Generalist, Title IX Coordinator, Notary Public and Executive Assistant to President. Maris’ first exposure to Rotary began in grad school when she participated in a Rotaract Club. Her experience with the Rotaract program combined with the testimonial of existing members inspired her to join our club in 2021. As a seasoned professional, she feels ready to continue the work of Rotary and is looking for opportunities to contribute her experience to its many causes. In particular, she is passionate about projects about basic education and literacy. Her most unique Rotary related experience occurred within the first week of joining a Rotaract club when she got to attend a Rotary International Convention in New Orleans.
In addition to Rotary, Mari is active in the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as well as the Mujeres’ Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC). One thing you may not know about Mari is that she worked on President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. If she could spend the day with anyone it would be Stevie Nicks because of her love of the Rumours album. If you are looking for a story, just ask her about the time she got kidnapped in Mexico. In her spare time, Mari loves to run and bake.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Twinings Lady Grey Tea |
| Go to Karaoke Song | Love Story – Taylor Swift |
| Sport to Play | Soccer |
| Sport to Watch | Soccer & American Football |
| Restaurant | Sultan’s Market |
| Bar | The Violet Hour |
| Book | Me Talk Pretty One Day – David Sedaris |
| Podcast | My Dad Wrote A Porno |
| Movie | JoJo Rabbit |
| Tv Show | Club de Cuervos |
Brady Houseknecht
Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you — Jean-Paul Sartre
Brady is a Senior Software Developer at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). He has been a member of Rotary since 2019. His introduction to Rotary began when a colleague at work brought him to one of our club’s regular meetings held at the Metropolitan Club in Willis Tower prior to COVID19. He decided to become a member for professional networking and volunteer opportunities. As a Rotarian he is passionate about projects involving economic and community development. So far, his most unique Rotary experience was participating in the Lincoln Park Conservancy service project, which was sponsored by our club.
One thing you may not know about Brady is that he is an aspiring painter / artist with a portfolio of 130+ canvases, which he is currently looking to sell and or give away. If he could spend the day with anyone it would be Salvador Dali whom he idolizes. If you are looking for a story, just ask him about his recent trip to lake Geneva. In his spare time, Brady loves to run, paint, code and support his friends and family.
Cheat Sheet
| Can’t Live Without | Air |
| Sport to Play | Running (5K / 10K events) |
| Sport to Watch | UFC |
| Restaurant | Demera |
| Bar | Green Mill |
| Book | Atlas Shrugged — Ayn Rand |
| Podcast | The West Wing Thing |
| Movie | Gangs of New York |
| Tv Show | Curb Your Enthusiasm |
| Website | brady.house |