Meet Jessica Mayberry

Jessica Mayberry was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Jessica attended Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she majored in English with a minor in Film and Visual Culture, graduating in 2008. Currently Jessica is an Office Manager at AnswersMedia, a Chicago based production company specializing in original programming, commercials, and interactive media. As the office manager, Jessica serves as an ambassador for the company managing daily activities and overseeing the intern client services training program. In addition to working at AnswersMedia, Jessica freelances as a Production Associate for various projects in the Chicagoland area. In her spare time Jessica enjoys dancing, traveling, bargain shopping, and trying new cuisines. Jessica is ecstatic to have the opportunity to explore Gujarat and all of its many jewels through Rotary’s Group Study Exchange program.

Meet Dana Bellich

Dana was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She has now been in the city for two years living on the North side, near the lake! Dana graduated from Marquette University and earned degrees in Psychology, Education, and Spanish. During that time, she had the opportunity to work and study in Spain. She continues to travel back to Spain and many other places, as she love to learn about new cultures and see new places. Now, since she is back in Chicago, she is starting her third year teaching at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, which is on the South side of Chicago. She teaches Spanish to children who have emotional issues. After the workday, she is completing a Master's Degree in Special Education. With this degree, she plans on working the the Orthogenic School for many more years. Besides teaching and going to class, Dana enjoys learning the guitar, knitting, and playing sports. Dana is thrilled to be visiting Gujarat to learn about a new culture, meet new people, and share what she learns with her students!

Meet Ayo Jimoh

Ayo Jimoh was born in Atlanta, GA but spent his youth in Boston, MA and then St. Louis, MO. He went on to attend Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in Management Science & Engineering in 2007. After graduation, Ayo moved back to the Midwest and joined the Systems department at McMaster-Carr Supply Co in Elmhurst, IL, just outside of Chicago. He is currently a Systems Project Manager and his team designs and develops new features for the company website, www.mcmaster.com. Outside of work, his hobbies include playing soccer, writing music, supporting Boston/St. Louis sports, and enjoying all of the social activities Chicago has to offer. He is extremely excited for the trip to Gujarat as it will be an educational and cultural experience like none other he has experienced. He has enjoyed getting to know the other team members and the team leader, and is counting down the days until departure in December!

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to our blog! Here you'll be able to follow Dana Bellich, Elliot Hunt, Ayo Jimoh, and Jessica Mayberry as we embark on the District 6450 Group Study Exchange to Gujarat, India. We'll share stories, pictures, and videos as we prepare for our trip here in Chicago, and as we travel to various sites and location once we meet up with District 3060 in Gujarat!

Namaste!