 
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.
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