President's Message

Who run the world? Girls!
––Beyoncé

Dear Friends,

In an episode of my favorite program, Glee, the character Britney S. Pierce, is running for President of the Student Council. When invited to give her campaign speech she launches into a dance routine singing, 'Who run the world? Girls!' Naturally, she wins, as in Hollywood anything is possible. Here in Zurich who runs the world? Why the women of the AWCZ, of course. This month's issue of The Round Robin celebrates women and the work they do. Reading through the stories of many fellow members is inspiring.

Yet, I need look no further than to the talented and dedicated women I have worked with at the AWCZ for inspiration. As a member of the AWCZ board for over seven years, I can truly say the AWCZ women rock! During the past two years in my role as President I have been especially grateful for the incredible team of women who sat at the table with me, working to support the AWCZ. My heartfelt thanks goes to: Jean Froehlich, Holly Duboc, Constance Wahab, Deja Penev, Lynne Creasy, Vicki Taber, Erin Kelly, Emily Burrow, Julie Norman, Gwen Kade, Joan Stewart, Sheila Ohlund, Katie Fox, Clare Ardley, Starr Schoell, Naz Martin, Lynn Frey, Elaine Vautier, Anne Cameron- Ruschmann, Kelly Fitzgerald, Allie Geer, Lyndy Swansson, Kathy Lyon, Tasneem Ahmad, and Sue McKenna. In addition to these fellow board members my thanks go to Mary Seidler and Kelly Dycus for working as behind the scene assistants for Clubhouse operations and events.

Sadly, there is not enough space here to include the names of the many others who offered their helping hands and talents during my tenure as President. I hope to offer a more personal thank you to each of them at the volunteer appreciation luncheon on May 14. As I step aside from the AWCZ board, I extend my best wishes to the incoming team who pick up the reins as they ensure the AWCZ girls run the world.

See you at the Club!
––Gretchen Du Peza