2024 Unsung Heroes

Meet Your Community’s Unsung Heroes for 2024!

Everyday throughout the community, there are neighbors taking it upon themselves to positively impact those around them, especially those who need it the most. They bring their talents, presence and a helping hand with a generous spirit. These Unsung Heroes, and so many others in the community that they represent, are who make Lake Oswego an extraordinary place. A community is defined by those people within it and we are all fortunate to count these individuals among those who illustrate what Lake Oswego community is. Join the City of Lake Oswego in honoring the recipients of the 2024 Unsung Hero Award!

Alexis Zou

Alexis’ talents were introduced to us through her volunteerism with The Springs at Lake Oswego, a local retirement community. One Sunday a month since 7th grade, Alexis has been “wooing and wowing” the residents with her piano skills. Alexis has grown and refined her skills as an accomplished pianist and has been invited to play at Carnegie Hall. She spends hours planning the slate of songs and prints the program so that residents can follow along. Alexis’ volunteerism goes beyond The Springs—she is a Co-Leader of the Asian American Student Union and is involved in Keys to the Heart, a student-run organization that unites communities, brings people together across all races, ages, and all identities through student-led benefit concerts.

Auveen Shafaei

Auveen has proven to be an effective communicator through a podcast, “Let’s Go Lo!”, spotlighting community issues and leaders. Her passion for others comes through her various volunteer activities, such as her role as President of the Lake Oswego High School Students Against Food Insecurity Club. Under her leadership, the club has provided and transported over 1,000 sacks of food to food insecure students. She serves as a board member at our local food pantry, Hunger Fighters Oregon and serves as a youth member on the City’s DEI Advisory Board. Auveen is also a member of the City’s Youth Leadership Council, a program that engages our youth with how City government works.

Billy Brooks

Billy was nominated for his contribution with Hunger Fighters Oregon—our local food pantry that serves our Lake Oswego community and beyond. In addition to keeping the shelves stocked with food, he rolls up his sleeves and mops and cleans the Hunger Fighters facility every Sunday. While Billy’s physical contributions are appreciated, it is his giving spirit that shines bright. Billy is known for his outsized personality and light-hearted humor. He possesses the gift and ability to make the client shoppers feel both welcomed and appreciated.

Arlene Stebbins

Arlene has been volunteering with the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center’s Meals on Wheels program since 2011. Arlene welcomes diners to the center every Wednesday and seats them, answers questions, while entertaining them with her quick wit. For some, Arlene might be the first person a dining participant has talked with that day. In addition to volunteering in the dining room, Arlene was an active participant in the accreditation process with the National Institute of Senior Centers. Arlene’s contributions go beyond the ACC’s walls—she has served on the board as Secretary for the Lakewood Center Associates and volunteered to manage the Re-Runs store staffing schedule.

Kathleen Fox Wiens

Kathleen is known for her volunteerism ever since her arrival to Lake Oswego about 10 years ago. Her involvement includes being an active member or board member in various organizations such as, the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, Oswego Lake Watershed Council, Friends of Luscher Farm and Arts Council of Lake Oswego, to name a few. While her area of passion is an expression of the arts and the environment, it is her passion for people and her innate ability to make, build and sustain positive connections between others that speaks volumes.

Thank You to the recipients of the 2024 Unsung Hero Award who make our Lake Oswego community a better place to live, work and play!

Lake Oswego’s 2024 Unsung Heroes

Left to Right: Kathleen Wiens, Billy Brooks, Arlene Stebbins, Alexis Zou, Auveen Shafaei and Mayor Buck