 
Read on to learn about our Board of Directors, Facilitators
and Founder and Executive Director
Lauren Grossman, Founder and Director
After living in Chicago for about ten years Lauren Beznos Grossman had become quite familiar with the wonderful diversity of our city but at the same became sadly familiar with how segregated our city is. Lauren was lucky to grow up with a diverse group of friends and wanted to insure that all Chicagoans had the chance to develop connections and relationships with people whose backgrounds and perspectives are different from their own.
Lauren's experiences in non-profit leadership began when she founded and led Broadtree Adventures in Education, an outdoor education and social change program dedicated to empowering teens to create positive change in their lives, communites and world. Lauren was inspired to found Broadtree from her experiences as an English teacher at Chicago's Kelvyn Park High School.
In all of her work Lauren has loved working within Chicago's diverse communities and has loved the energy and creativity that goes into creating and leading new and much-needed organizations. Always a fan of having delicious meals and diving into interesting conversation, Lauren thought that there is no better venue for people from all of these communities to come together than over the dinner table and so, Across the Table was born!
Andre Petty, Across the Table Board Member
Photo: Andre volunteering for Across the Table at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market
André Petty is a long-time Chicago resident and a Conventual Franciscan friar. Brother André is the Executive Director of Caring Connections for Seniors, an organization dedicated to serving the elderly in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Before entering religious life, André practiced corporate tax law at several law firms in Chicago and also taught seventh grade in the Chicago Public Schools.
Board Member Alex Heinrich and friend of Across the Table, Scott Kagawa Photo: Alex and Scott welcoming guests to
"Chicago's Largest Conversation"
Alex Heinrich, Across the Table Board Member
Alex has been a board member of Across The Table since April of 2010. Originally from Northern Germany, Alex lived in Buffalo NY for six years prior to moving to Chicago in the Fall of 2004. Living as a foreigner in a diverse culture, such as the U.S., has continually peeked his interest for what it is that influences our thinking, drives our views and values and makes us all unique and so very similar at the same time. He is excited about the opportunities for conversation and contemplation that Across The Table delivers to its diners. Outside of his job as a consultant in the advisory practice of a Big 4 Accounting Firm, Alex pursues varied competitive athletic interests (such as golf and tennis), is an avid musician and fan of live music, and a hopeless caffeine addict. He resides in the River North.
Megan Kelly, Across the Table Board Member
Megan is a Chicago-area native who grew up in Homewood and, after spending time in both St. Louis and New York for school, eventually settled down back in Chicago where the rest of her family still resides. Megan currently works as an associate at the law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP focusing on commercial finance transactions. When she is not working, Megan loves running (she has completed five marathons and counting), trying new restaurants (which ultimately inspires a lot of her running), reading and spending time with friends and family.
Nat Slavin, Across the Table Board Member
Nat has lived in six different Chicago-area neighborhoods since moving here in the 70's. His passion for experiencing as many diverse points of view as possible and his love of food are just two of the myriad reasons his involvement in Across The Table is a natural fit. Nat has been a journalist, editor and publisher and now spends his time working with law firms to help them improve their relationships with their clients. Nat loves music, booksand theater of all kind and is always looking for the next big adventure (including learning how to surf in Nicaragua this past April). He currently resides just steps away from the Magnificent Mile.
Laura Meister, Across the Table Board Member
A Chicagoan of 12 years residency, Laura stumbled upon Across the Table at the Lincoln Square Farmer’s Market and after learning about its mission, immediately signed up for her first dinner. Like many, Laura moved to Chicago after college eager to experience the wealth of culture and diversity a large city offers but was disappointed at Chicago’s compartmentalized cultures: culture is here, it’s just not always mixed with those around it. Taking part in Across the Table Dinners and joining its board have been the highlight of Laura’s 2010. In her spare time, Laura is a food enthusiast (she’s determined to conquer French macaroons), avid reader (books to cereal boxes) and (working on becoming) reincarnated runner.
Meet Our Facilitators
Constance Moylan, Facilitator
As the youngest of 8 kids, I had a front row seat on amazing family dinners growing up – amazing not just because my mom was a great cook – often from her large garden – but because the 22 year age span meant all sorts of topics would arise during dinner and be passed around almost as much as the salt and pepper shakers.
As time moved on, the dinner table became Conference Tables, Volunteer Board Meetings, Corporate Board Meetings, picnic tables of toddlers and even solitary dinners. Jobs have come and gone, degrees were earned (Northwestern), families raised and scattered but my love of gathering food & food for thought in one buffet of ideas remains a passion of mine.
Currently, I live on the North Shore, but my work as a residential and small commercial Realtor takes me over a broad intersection of Chicago land neighborhoods. At home, I can be found gardening (especially herbs and antique roses), refinishing furniture, practicing yoga, biking, working on my perpetually rusty French skills or reading anything I can lay my hands on. But, that is when I am home – I am a travel addict and when not on the road, I am pursuing armchair travel or planning my next (fantasy or real) trip.
Some of my favorite Chicago moments: going to concerts at the Millennium Park and then walking the bridge to the open-late Art Institute or paying for a $1 chess game on the sidewalk, discovering hidden gems of architecture in the most unlikely places, Steppenwolf Theater, any club playing jazz, and the numerous small eateries popping up daily in the city like daisies on an abandoned lot.
I am thrilled to be able to assist in this great opportunity to facilitate conversations with fellow Chicago land members.
Marissa Burack, Facilitator
Marissa grew up in Michigan but has lived in Chicago for the past several years. She is a Social Worker who works with older adults and their families. Besides work she keeps busy planning her next backpacking trip, reading, and riding her bike. Volunteerism has always been important to her and she's been involved in various projects, ranging from working at a senior center in Central America to doing disaster relief work in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Marissa was drawn to Across the Table because she recognizes the importance of bringing together diverse groups and allowing people to develop connections and relationships with people from different backgrounds. She believes gaining a better understanding of both our similarities and differences allows people to live together in better harmony (whether on the same block or in the same city). She looks forward to seeing everyone at dinner! |
