An able amazon with humility and humanity takes charge at Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan.
Like the sun illuminates all that it reaches, Yvonne Somukieni Iwo-Brown beams a powerful searchlight on the dark corners of society, illuminating lives of the less privileged and the vulnerable.

A seasoned fashion retailer, business supplier, philanthropist, and a mother of two brilliant teenage boys, brings a wealth of expertise in strategic management and financial acumen to the prestigious Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan as its 8th President 2024-2025. Her middle name Somukieni is in epie, an Ijaw dialect for, “It is good for us”. She has been a true reflection of her name and is indeed good for her Rotary Club and for humanity at large. Her vision “is to strengthen the membership and unity in the Club, to work together in reclaiming its pride of place in foundation giving and executing sustainable and impactful projects”.

Yvonne Iwo-Brown is a rare gift. She says “giving and serving humanity is in her DNA”. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on society. She is an active member of several charitable organizations and is involved in community service especially through her active participation in Rotary International and a Trustee of the R.E.A.C.H Nigeria ( Reach Every Available Communal Household ), a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization established at the onset of COVID-19 Pandemic to feed and support the most vulnerable in our communities.

Yvonne’s philanthropic efforts reflect her values and the desire to contribute to the betterment of society. Her commitment to giving back to her community is evident through her involvement in different philanthropic endeavors. She actively supports other local charities, the arts and entertainment, and contributes her time and resources to other initiatives focused on empowering underprivileged individuals, promoting education and entrepreneurship, and community development. Her involvement in philanthropy is a reflection of her passion and the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Yvonne Iwo-Brown joined the Rotary of Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan on 5th April, 2018 in fulfillment of her innate desire in touching lives. She has served the club and humanity in several capacities, holding positions of increasing responsibility with dignity and decorum. She was Club Treasurer 2019-2020, Club Membership Chair 2023-2024, and Club Vice President 2023-2024. She has also served as the SAA (Sergeant at Arms), ensuring orderly, dignified, and effective Rotary Club meetings, and served in several committees over the years. She is a 3rd level Paul Harris Fellow. Her election and investiture as the Club President for 2024-2025 is a fitting testament to her commitment to excellence, humility, integrity, and service.

Like the proverbial elephant of common mythology, Yvonne Iwo-Brown is a woman of many parts. With over 20 years of corporate experience in various industries across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, she has established herself as a respectable figure. Born in 1973, she began her career in the oil and gas sector as a Youth Corper serving in accounts, administration and geology departments of Geoservices Nigeria Ltd before transiting to the banking sector, where she gained valuable experience in different sections of the defunct Allstates Trust Bank at both the head office and branch operations. She later moved to the United Kingdom for further studies, where she worked in different part-time financial positions with notable companies like GE Capital, NHS Finance, etc. whilst studying for a master of science degree in accounting. She later moved to the United States to join her husband where she worked in retail and manufacturing, precisely, Viessmann Manufacturing and later in hospitality and public sector on her relocation back to Nigeria alongside running her fashion retail business broadening her industry knowledge and honing her skills in operations and supply chain management.

Yvonne Iwo-Brown is a Peace Ambassador of the Institute of Economics and Peace, she holds a Chartered Strategic Management Professional Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, United States, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategic Management from the European Global University, a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting from Leeds Beckett University (Leeds Metropolitan University) UK, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in business operations, financial management, and strategic planning.

Her career highlights are characterized by her ability to navigate dynamic business landscapes and adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Her strategic acumen and innovative approach have allowed her to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for growth. One of her notable achievements is turning around a struggling business, transforming it from a loss-making venture into a profitable, competitive, and popular brand. She has built a thriving fashion retail business, catering to a wide range of customers and establishing a reputation for quality and style. Her ability to create a diverse collection of products, analyse market trends, identify operational inefficiencies, and implement strategic initiatives has been instrumental to her success.

Her international experience has broadened her industry knowledge and cultural understanding, allowing her to adapt to diverse business environments.
Over the course of her career, Yvonne Iwo-Brown has taken several courses and training in various academic and professional areas. She believes in the importance of staying up-to-date with industry advancements and embracing new technologies to drive business growth and innovation.

In addition to her professional career, Yvonne Iwo-Brown maintains diverse interests and hobbies. She is passionate about art, finding inspiration in its various forms and expressions. Yvonne also enjoys traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, and exploring new destinations. In her leisure time, she finds solace in playing golf and engaging in other forms of exercise, which provide her with a sense of balance and personal well-being.
Looking ahead, Yvonne is dedicated to further expanding her business profile and exploring new avenues for growth. She aims to leverage her experience and expertise to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and empower them to achieve their goals. She envisions herself as a catalyst for positive change, which she brings to Rotary.

Overall, Yvonne Somukieni Iwo-Brown is a visionary fashion retailer, business supplier, strategic leader, and ardent philanthropist. Her educational background, diverse international experience, and commitment to excellence have positioned her as an influencer. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and giving back to society.