Our purpose
Our purpose is to provide a connecting point for English speaking Swiss and international women in Olten who share common interests in arts, dining and international culture in order to foster friendship, support and integration in a relaxed and fun network.
The IWGO was founded in 2016 by the five members below and has since grown to a group size of around 80 women from all around the world. We are proud to unite these international women in our global town of Olten!
These are some of our members' countries of origin: Australia, India, New Zealand, Korea, USA, Haiti, Poland, Serbia, England, Japan, Spain, Pakistan, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Indonesia.
The IWGO was founded in 2016 by the five members below and has since grown to a group size of around 80 women from all around the world. We are proud to unite these international women in our global town of Olten!
These are some of our members' countries of origin: Australia, India, New Zealand, Korea, USA, Haiti, Poland, Serbia, England, Japan, Spain, Pakistan, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Indonesia.
Who's behind this
SIMONE
Originally from Switzerland, I spent my childhood and teenage years in Switzerland, Indonesia and the US. This exposure to cultural diversity sparked a life-long passion for international settings and the English language. Later, work and studies brought me to South France, London, Boston, and India before working as a secondary school teacher in Zurich. In 2011, my Canadian husband and I moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where both our sons were born during our four-year stay. Our most recent move brought us to Olten in 2015. I teach English and art as a secondary teacher and am excited to be part of creating an international women’s group in Olten. My interests include photography, singing, swimming and being in nature with my family on foot or on our bikes. |
MARIE
I am from Sydney, Australia. I was born in South Korea and grew up in the Canary Islands, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia. I graduated with a combined degree of law and international studies and worked for the Australian federal government as an in house lawyer before marrying a lovely Swiss guy and moved to Switzerland in 2009. Currently, I am a stay at home mom with three spirited, gorgeous little ladies. I love the idea of an international Olten Women's interest group as a platform/network for building and strengthening friendships and giving back to the local community. |
SANDRA
After my Law and Business Administration studies in my hometown, Pamplona, Spain, I moved to Australia and then back to Madrid. I was then transferred together with my husband to Switzerland, where we have been living for the last five years and both our kids were born. I am a passionate traveller and I had the chance to visit during my private and professional life close to 60 countries. I also volunteered for quite a few years in Human Rights NGOs. I currently combine my role as mum with my job as Financial Compliance Director in a multinational company. I love swimming, cooking, taking pictures and I am looking forward to seeing the International Women’s Group Olten growing! |
DANIELLE
I am American originally from Boston. I relocated to Olten in 2009 to be with my Swiss husband, a local jazz musician and guitar teacher. After working many years as an artist and in the art worlds in Boston and New York, I have been happy to begin a new chapter of life here in Switzerland. I continue to enjoy a creative life together with my young son Liam, and also work part-time both as an English and Yoga teacher. I love walking, being in nature, yoga & meditation, healthy vegetarian cooking, and all things cultural! I`m happy to be a member of the International Women`s Group Olten, where I hope to continue to find and build inspiration together with other ladies in my community. |
A little unknown fact: I had a Lori parrot named “Otto” for over 20 years, and he loved to eat salami.
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JENNIFER
I am half German and half Indonesian, grew up in an International school in Jakarta/Indonesia and pursued my studies in Art & Design/Industrial Design in London, Paris and Milan. After 15+ years of professional experience in creating seamless brand flows across multiple channels, in digital, retail, social and commerce, and working on international long-term projects in UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Indonesia, I have settled down in Olten since 2009. Currently I am married to my wonderful Swiss husband and have two lovely kids. The 12 years I have spent in Italy, have taught me the enjoyment of slow-food and la vita bella, but I am still searching on what I want to become when I grow up :) |