STORIES
President Shawn and Board Director Alexander mingling with our Rotarian friends in Vienna Austria
Photos from our June 12 2025 RCNY Breakfast at the UN with
Angus Rennie -Head of Partnerships and Strategic Projects
United Nations Global Compact
Session conducted by incoming Board member Nyaguthie Ngetha
Grateful for a Night of Purpose and Connection
On Friday, June 6th, 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the Gala & Fundraising Event hosted by the Rotaract Club at the United Nations in New York City. It was an inspiring evening filled with music, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to service.
Laurent Valosek presenting on behalf of the Peak Leadership Institute
Via Zoom on June 26, 2025 at 12 noon ET link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83772951943
Angus Rennie
Head of Partnerships and Strategic Projects
United Nations Global Compact
RCNY International Breakfast at the UN June 12, 2025, at 8.30am
UN Church Center, 777 UN Plaza, 11th floor
Rotary Club of New York Launches New Project: FOOD SOSPESO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY – June 2, 2025
The Rotary Club of New York (RCNY) is proud to announce the official launch of FOOD SOSPESO, a new initiative inspired by the Italian tradition of “caffè sospeso” — the act of paying in advance for a coffee for someone in need.
What began as a simple gesture of kindness in Naples has grown into a global symbol of compassion and solidarity. Today, this concept has expanded beyond coffee to include prepaid meals and other essentials for those facing hardship.
Building on this beautiful tradition, FOOD SOSPESO aims to provide hot meals to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or other life challenges — starting with Harlem, one of the most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods in the city.
The initiative was unanimously approved by the RCNY Board of Directors at its April 10, 2025 meeting. A dedicated committee has been formed to lead the project’s implementation, coordination, and fundraising efforts.
What began as a simple gesture of kindness in Naples has grown into a global symbol of compassion and solidarity. Today, this concept has expanded beyond coffee to include prepaid meals and other essentials for those facing hardship.
Building on this beautiful tradition, FOOD SOSPESO aims to provide hot meals to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or other life challenges — starting with Harlem, one of the most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods in the city.
The initiative was unanimously approved by the RCNY Board of Directors at its April 10, 2025 meeting. A dedicated committee has been formed to lead the project’s implementation, coordination, and fundraising efforts.
Some photos of our May 29 Rotary After Hour event at Frying Pan NYC. A special thanks to the 40 plus attendees and our Event Chair Leila Doering for her efforts
Rotarians and guests at our luncheon with His Excellency Vladimir Bozovic and Barbara Daddino
on May 22, 2025
Rotary Club of New York "After Hours" Social Event - May 29, 2025 7PM to 9PM
Frying Pan NYC
Red Boat In Park, 207 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Sofija Sretenovic currently serves at the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York. With a passion for cultural exchange and community building, she enjoys creating and collaborating on events that foster connection and dialogue.
Born on February 13, 1995, Sofija finds joy in music, dance, and meaningful conversations on a wide range of social topics. She is always inspired by opportunities to bring people together and contribute to inclusive, creative spaces.
Leila Doering
We are pleased to welcome Leila, founder of Doering Consulting, to our board. As the founder of a woman-owned firm specializing in global trade, logistics, and supply chain strategy, Leila brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to simplifying international operations. Her work bridges technology and trade, helping businesses grow efficiently while navigating the complexities of global markets.
With a multicultural background and global experience, Leila has a unique ability to connect with people across generations and professional styles. She approaches every setting with curiosity and intention, always looking for opportunities to learn and contribute. Leila believes positivity is just as powerful as negativity, and she prefers to surround herself with environments that foster a constructive mindset. She understands that meaningful impact requires both intention and action, and she is dedicated to investing her time and energy into initiatives that create lasting value and touch lives. We are honored to have her insight and perspective on our board.
Nyaguthie Ngetha
Nyaguthie Ngetha retired from the United Nations Secretariat, where she served as a Human Resources Specialist. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing human resources policies and strategies for staff deployed in UN peacekeeping missions. Her work brought her into direct contact with conflict zones and global peacebuilding efforts.
Motivated by her experience in conflict resolution and peace processes, Nyaguthie joined the Rotary Club, where she values the organization's commitment to peace as a cornerstone of its mission. She views her appointment to the Board of the Rotary Club of New York as a meaningful opportunity to further engage in peace initiatives and support the Club’s work locally and globally.
The pinning of our guest speaker(s) by Chair Malika Abrous in collaboration with PP Gerard Schriffen
Two new board members were nominated by this year's nominating committee. Leila Doering and Nyaguthie Ngetha. Both have enthusiastically accepted their nomination to the board and are most willing to serve.
Therefore the slate for the upcoming year looks as follows:
President Shawn Jacobaccio
President Elect Malika Abrous
Vice President Mujdat Altay
Treasurer Giulia Iacobelli
Directors:
Alexander Litvinov
Agim Shehu
Tony Kolari
Leila Doering
Nyaguthie Ngetha
His Excellency Vladimir Bozovic Topic:
Serbian-American relations, Nikola Tesla, and Tesla-related associations and organizations and various initiatives.
May 22nd 2025, at 12 noon - Marsanne Restaurant, 233 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Chair of RCNY UN Breakfast with presenter Daniel Obst, President and CEO of AFS and PP Can Erbilgin
Whitney Tilson - Successful Investor and Civic Activist
April 24, 2025 - Marsanne Restaurant 233 8th Avenue (Chelsea)
PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE 12.45PM TO 2PM
Daniel Obst
President & CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs
Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the UN Church Center, 11th floor
777 United Nations Plaza
Fountain House presenters receiving recognition for their presentation by Malika Abrous
Sarah Towle our guest presenter at the RCNY Breakfast at the UN on March 27 with
Chair of International Breakfasts Malika Abrous
Barbara Winston Founder and President Peace Innovation Initiative
&
Emily Evans, Director, Programs and Research
Peace Innovation Initiative
May 1, 2025 at 12 noon via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88673170081
New Member Gordon Winston
Gordon Winston is a leader in innovation, investment strategy, and social impact, with experience spanning data security, renewable energy, and economic development. As the Founder and CEO of QSecGrid and a co-founder of the Peace Innovation Initiative, he focuses on leveraging technology and strategic investment to drive meaningful change. His career began with 14 years on Wall Street, where he honed expertise in corporate finance and investment strategy before leading major acquisitions and building organizations that advance sustainability and economic inclusion. Deeply committed to global progress, he advocates for peace innovation and collaborates with international partners to foster transformative solutions.
Sarah Towle guest speaker at the March 27 RCNY International Breakfast at the UN
Topic: "CROSSING THE LINE FINDING AMERICA IN THE BORDERLANDS"
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