STORIES
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"
Fountain House presentation by Rachel Weisman and John Delman
April 10, 2025 at 12 noon Consulate NYC Restaurant
Michael Juhn in his own words:
“I am a CFP with over 25 years of experience in finance. I help clients achieve their financial freedom.
I believe in working hard and playing hard.
My passions are outdoor sports activities such as golf, hiking, and scuba diving. I also enjoy good wine, good food, and great company. “
Lucia Casas in her own words:
"I am a 4th generation Rotarian in my family. I was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina; there I
studied translation, interpretation and I became a teacher of English. I have 15 years of experience
as a freelance translator and teacher of English which are two of my truest passions in life. I moved
to NYC to pursue a MA in Translation and Interpreting in Hunter CUNY – I just graduated. I am now
interning as a translator and interpreter at the DA’s office in Manhattan. I currently enjoy learning
French, going to museums and art galleries with my life partner, Juan, visiting my sister (also a
Rotarian) in Palo Alto, CA, and going to Argentina for the Holidays. At age 15, I developed an
enthusiasm for service when my dad encouraged me to found Interact in my city. Since then, I’ve
been a part of the Rotary family where I formed friendships for life. It is in Rotary that I gained skills
that I didn’t acquire anywhere else, and that is why today, I choose to continue my path in a new
club hoping to keep giving and always learning something back."
studied translation, interpretation and I became a teacher of English. I have 15 years of experience
as a freelance translator and teacher of English which are two of my truest passions in life. I moved
to NYC to pursue a MA in Translation and Interpreting in Hunter CUNY – I just graduated. I am now
interning as a translator and interpreter at the DA’s office in Manhattan. I currently enjoy learning
French, going to museums and art galleries with my life partner, Juan, visiting my sister (also a
Rotarian) in Palo Alto, CA, and going to Argentina for the Holidays. At age 15, I developed an
enthusiasm for service when my dad encouraged me to found Interact in my city. Since then, I’ve
been a part of the Rotary family where I formed friendships for life. It is in Rotary that I gained skills
that I didn’t acquire anywhere else, and that is why today, I choose to continue my path in a new
club hoping to keep giving and always learning something back."
Thank you letter received from the Boon Fire Department, NC
following up on our Foundation donation from collected monies from our fundraising event a few months ago
Monika Lionaite, CEO & Founder of Openhack 2020 Australia
Topic: "Hackathons for Sustainable Development Goals"
April 3, 2025 at 12 noon via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87455610947
Meet new member Tugce Tunalilar:
Tugce Tunalilar was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey and moved to the United States to study molecular biology at Princeton University. Her career began as a budget analyst for clinical trials at LabCorp, followed by a role at Crossix Veeva focusing on digital health analytics for Merck. After a brief consulting stint with Decision Resources Group, she joined Amazon to manage business strategy and the product development for the Turkish marketplace and EU emerging markets. After completing her MBA at INSEAD, Tugce moved to Johnson & Johnson, where she worked on the commercial data science and strategy team for their multiple myeloma portfolio. She has recently joined Massive Bio and is currently helping the company to grow into new business verticals. In her free time, Tugce enjoys reading, traveling, and singing, and she was formerly a professional swimmer. Additionally, Tugce is a former Rotaractor from the Rotaract Club of Yeniköy in Istanbul and was recently a member of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia and is now transferring to the Rotary Club of New York.
"La Dolce Vita" Happy Hour: Sip, Savor, Connect
steered by new member Leila Doering!
March 20, 2025 at Fellini Chelsea, 231 8th Avenue
6-8PM
Hanafi in his own words:
"I am honored to join the Rotary Club of New York and be able to contribute modestly to its noble mission.
I was born in Algeria. Once I completed my Bachelor of Arts in English studies and literature, I taught business
English at the Algiers Business School and worked as a translator/interpreter for Japanese corporations.
I was born in Algeria. Once I completed my Bachelor of Arts in English studies and literature, I taught business
English at the Algiers Business School and worked as a translator/interpreter for Japanese corporations.
In 1994, I took up a position at the United Nations Secretariat as one laureate of an international competitive
exam for French-language verbatim reporters.
As part of a team, I was in charge of transcribing (in French) the minutes of the Security Council and General
Assembly meetings.
In 2004, I joined the Official Records Editing Section where I ensured that the French text of UN resolutions
and decisions was faithful to the original - usually English - version.
exam for French-language verbatim reporters.
As part of a team, I was in charge of transcribing (in French) the minutes of the Security Council and General
Assembly meetings.
In 2004, I joined the Official Records Editing Section where I ensured that the French text of UN resolutions
and decisions was faithful to the original - usually English - version.
As a retiree, I am involved in numerous volunteer activities – as a member of charities helping seniors (in NYC)
or female students (in Burkina Faso), and of ‘Editors Canada’.
I enjoy cinema as well as a wide range of musical genres, and I am interested in historical figures through their
biographies.
My favorite travel destinations remain the East Coast [in the US] and…Paris."
or female students (in Burkina Faso), and of ‘Editors Canada’.
I enjoy cinema as well as a wide range of musical genres, and I am interested in historical figures through their
biographies.
My favorite travel destinations remain the East Coast [in the US] and…Paris."
Flaviu Simihaian in his own words:
"I was born in Romania and played tennis since I was 5 years old. My father was a Rotarian and when I was 14, an American Rotarian (Susan Smith) stayed with us in Romania (through GSE) and offered me the opportunity to come to the US and play tennis for a summer. I stayed with her and her husband Bob in North Carolina and a summer turned into a year of school, and then another, and eventually I went to college at Davidson College. After playing tennis for Davidson College and receiving a BA in Economics, I pursued a Masters in Software Design and then started iMedicare, a software business helping small pharmacies help seniors find cheaper medications. In 2020, I sold this company and began working on another company, Aventi Health, which also serves pharmacies and hospitals to help lower the cost of medications, which I still work on today. I am married to Jen Wieczner, a senior writer for New York Magazine and have 2 kids, Vara (3 years old) and Lima (8 months old). We live in Tribeca and like to dance and go biking."
Fozia Chugtai
"Fozia Chughtai is a dedicated leader with a passion for community service and social justice. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, she made history as the first female student in a boys' college to study social work and later became the Chairperson of the Nida Welfare Society. As Charter President of the Rotary Club Nida Pakistan, she has actively contributed to various humanitarian projects both locally and internationally. Fozia has attended Rotary conventions around the world and has worked on initiatives funded by national and multinational organizations. Since May 2019, she has been the CEO of Altawakal Tours and Travels. Fozia moved to California in 2016, where she furthered her studies in Child Behavioral Development, and in 2017, she moved to New York to study Social Justice Leadership. Her continuous learning and commitment to making a positive impact inspire all those around her."
Claudia in her own words:
"I am honored to join the Rotary Club of NYC and become part of a community committed to service and impact. Originally from Valencia in Spain, my journey has taken me across the globe—I studied law in London, spent two years in Singapore, followed by two and a half years in Munich, where I completed my master’s in law. Early last year, I moved to New York City as a visiting researcher at Columbia University. My career has spanned international law firms, and I now lead operations and compliance at an early-stage cybersecurity startup; Dune Security.
Beyond my professional life, I play tennis and enjoy running in Central Park. For the past three years, I’ve been running half marathons and plan to continue challenging myself on the road ahead. I look forward to contributing to the club’s mission, forming lasting connections, and making a meaningful impact in our community."
Josef Klee shown here with PE Malika Abrous at our RCNY Breakfast with guest speaker - RIP Josef 
RCNY International Breakfast at the UN - February 20, 2025
Chair of Breakfasts Malika Abrous, Guest presenter Dr. Daisy Khan (Honorary RCNY Member) and PP Gerard Schriffen
President Shawn visiting our sister club in London yesterday on February 17 2025
A long history connects our two clubs going back to the 1920s
Patricia Lynne Duffy (Pat Duffy) is a retired United Nations staff member, former instructor for the UN Language and Communications Unit. She taught work-related and language skills, including Report Writing and Presentation Skills, both before and after retirement. Based at UN headquarters in New York, she conducted staff training at multiple duty stations, including Addis Ababa, Arusha, Entebbe, Kigali, Monrovia, Nairobi, and Port-au-Prince.
Pat founded and led the UN Staff One Percent for Development Fund’s "Authors-for-Literacy" series, which featured distinguished writers such as Pulitzer Prize winners Elizabeth Strout and the late Oscar Hijuelos, novelist Paul Auster, poets Major Jackson and Cecilia Vicuña, UN historian Stephen Schlesinger, and Dag Hammarskjöld’s biographer Roger Lipsey. The series supported literacy initiatives in the Global South.
A published author, Pat wrote Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittens: How Synesthetes Color Their Worlds, exploring synesthesia, and has contributed articles to various journals and online publications.
Pat is very pleased to be a member of the Rotary Club.
RCNY International Breakfast at the UN guest presenter on February 20, 2025 @ 8.30am
Daisy Khan, A Bridge Builder
Davide in his own words:
"My name is Davide Romeo and I was born in Milano. I’m passionate traveler, food and wine lover, and follower of Italian soccer. I’m always seeking new experiences and adventures, especially when they involve great cuisine and the thrill of Serie A. I graduated in Dentistry in Milan and later specialized in Prosthodontics in the USA, which allowed me to refine my skills and expand my knowledge in the field. Today, I own a dental office with my wife, Michelle, where we work together providing comprehensive care for our patients. We are also involved in research and education in universities and with private dental companies.
Whether it's sharing insights about the world of wine and food, helping our community or fostering connections with fellow members, we are excited to be part of this organization."
Leila in her own words:
"I am excited to join the Rotary family as a new member and to contribute to our shared mission of service above self. As the founder of Doering Consulting, a consulting company specializing in logistics and supply chain management, I bring a wealth of experience from my background in global trade, particularly as a logistics sales manager. Outside of my professional life, I have a passion for sailing and kitesurfing, which invigorate my spirit and keep me grounded. The motto "enter to learn and depart to serve" from my high school days continues to inspire me, along with the values instilled in me by my family. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Rotarians on meaningful projects, forming lasting friendships, and making a positive impact in our community"
On February 2nd 2025 Andreas Runggatscher, Executive Director RCNY visited the Fraternite Notre Dame at their Church in Scranton, PA.
They do fantastic work with their Soup Kitchen in NYC and the Toy Drive in the same location and do equally good in PA offering free schooling to underprivileged kids
Dave B. Messics - March 13, 2025 at 12 noon
Consulate NYC Restaurant - 44 West 56th Street
Director of Development, Mid-Atlantic Region
Delta Waterfowl Foundation– a 501 © 3 conservation organization
Prof. Dr. Tobias Thomas
The presentation:
Europe's Economy at a Crossroads: Recovery After Several Crises or Stuck in Stagnation?
Europe's Economy at a Crossroads: Recovery After Several Crises or Stuck in Stagnation?
March 6, 2025, 1:00 pm note time change to accommodate presenter - Consulate NYC Restaurant - 44 West 56th Street
Inspiring presentation by Yannick Benjamin at this week's RCNY meeting
We thank the Ronald McDonald House for its hospitality
Sergei Isakov - Artificial Intelligence
February 27, 2025 at 12 noon
Presentation via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82378865195
David Ellis/Marcia Lehman - Haiti Air Ambulance
Via Zoom - February 13, 2025 at 12 noon EST - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85434976872
Yannick Benjamin, Founder Wine on Wheels and Sommelier of the Year
February 6, 2025
Ronald McDonald House Conference Room - 405 East 73rd Street
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If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Andreas Runggatscher at executivedirector@nyrotary.org |
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