History of the 

American International Women's Club

Happy 50th Anniversary AIWC!

The American International Women's Club was founded in February 1971 (under the name American Women's Club of the Taunus), under the leadership of Shirley Brendtke. The Club, a nonpolitical/non-profit organization, was established primarily for social and charitable activities, as well as personal support, for Americans living in the Frankfurt Taunus Rhein Main region of Germany. The Club has been a proud member of FAWCO, (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas), for many years, linking us to over 60 international member clubs in 30 countries worldwide.  

From its first meeting in April 1971, with thirty members present, the Club reached a highpoint of nearly 1000 members. Of course times have changed and the expat demographics with them. Membership is currently comprised of many different nationalities and includes a significant number of women from our host country. The AIWC still provides many avenues for newcomers to receive support as they adjust to living in their new home, as well as providing a dynamic international community for locals. Members can easily stay in touch on our private Facebook page and turn to their Neighborhood Coordinator for advice on day-to-day needs. 

All Club events such as monthly coffees/cocktails, soirees, fundraisers and holiday parties are frequently held and always fun social occasions.  Neighborhood events are great for meeting other members who live nearby. Numerous and always evolving interest groups allow for a connection with others who share the interest. 

Mother's Corner provides a wonderful network of support for expectant mothers and mothers with small children. The CARES group is available to assist our members in personal emergencies and other more difficult situations.  Our Tennis League has long been a mainstay of the club and is hugely popular. Volunteer opportunities abound to support the running of the Club. We have creatively faced the challenges of Covid restrictions with many activities being held virtually, and we look forward to meeting in person again soon.

Charitable giving and giving back to our community has been a priority since inception, with many wonderfully festive Galas held over the years. We are proud as a Club to have raised over 650,000 euro in support of local and international charities.  We currently focus our ambitions on four charitable categories; Women, Children, Health, and Animals, with specific charities aligned to those needs.  Covid restrictions did not slow us down, we simply adapted to the situation with personal fundraisers created by our members rather than events.

The Club has certainly evolved over the last 50 years.  But the heart and intent of the club has not changed. We hope to continue to provide friendship, support, and to enrich the lives of women living in the Frankfurt Taunus Rhein Main region over the next 50 years.  We will continue to support those in need. We will continue to live our motto:

When Women Support Each Other, Incredible Things Happen!

Presidents of the American International Women's Club 

Shirley Brendtke   1971-1972      

Rosemary Shute   1972-1973      

Otti Sullivan   1973-1975      

Peg Bierschback   1975-1976      

Edice McGill   1976-1977      

Betty Jean Stammers   1977-1978      

Cathy Basinski   1978-1979      

Diane Atkin   1979-1980      

Greer Garner   1980-1981      

Carolyn Levin   1981-1982      

Edda Steinmeier   1982-1983      

Barbara Flynn   1983-1984     

Nancy Botcheller   1984-1985      

Anita Hedeen   1985-1986      

Joanne Suley   1986-1987      

Billye Hodits   1987-1988      

Joan Ford   1988       

Billye Hodits   1989       

Ellen Schauff   1989-1990       

Priscilla Kim Park   1990       

Marie Miller   1991       

Ellen Schauff   1992       

Terry Danaher   1992-1993       

Dale Koepenick   1993-1994       

Susan Meyer   1994-1995       

Jo Vossburg   1995-1996       

Rosanne Merrill   1996-1997       

Evelyn White   1997-1999       

Janet Sodell   1999       


Maria Ashe   1999-2000

Valerie Ghoussaini   2000-2002

Angela Pilgrim   2002

Peggy Muehlbradt   2003-2004

Marline Holmes   2004-2005

Susan Benham   2005-2006

Vera Thiers   2006-2007

Amy Davis   2007-2009

Karen Parzuhoski   2009-2010

Elaine Kuether   2010-2011

Renee Fozouni   2011-2012

 Jennifer Lapina   2012

Alicea Williams   2012-2013

Patricia Boekhout   2013-2015

Misty Waters   2015-2016

Teresa Zink   2016-2019

Danita Waterfall-Brizzi  2019 - 2021

Mary Grace Gerstner 2021 - 2023

Heidi Jung 2023 - Present

American International Women's Club e.V. -  Frankfurt, Taunus, Rhein-Main

+49 (0) 6171 580835

aiwcfrankfurt@gmail.com

 
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