I am a British teacher of English and have lived over half my life in Ukraine because my husband, the Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov, only ever wanted to live in his home city of Kyiv. We have 3 adult children, all living here at the moment.  I consider that charity projects are central to IWCK’s work in Kyiv, but the club also has an important role in making life easier and more interesting for Kyiv’s ex-pat community. I love singing and enjoy running IWCK's online Singing Group. 

I really want to stay involved by IWCK/Ukraine in this horrible times and I hope me and my husband will be able to come back to Kyiv soon, we only lived in Kyiv for 3 months when war started. Before I worked with (homeless) people in difficult situations as a social worker and I think that is the main reason why I feel head of charity will fits me the most.I have a Bachelor degree in Social Work. I worked 7 years for Salvation Army and 7 years for a menthal health organisation. I was a compulsory education officer with investigative powers for 3 years. I am a certified Rock and Water trainer/coach and NLP Practitioner. Also I volunteered for a refugee organization, and at an elementary school in a class for (Ukrainian) refugee children. Since we are back in Holland I immediately started collecting money and goods for Ukraine in cooperation with Angelina Kucheruk, she is originally from Khmelnytskyi and lives in Holland for over 12 years

As the spouse of a South African diplomat, I had the wonderful opportunity to live in Kyiv for the past four years. I must admit, I fell head over heals in love with this breathtakingly beautiful country with its history, rich culture, language and courageous people. Being an IWCK member also played a significant role in this life changing experience which I will forever treasure alongside the life long friends I made from around the world.   

I was privileged to serve as president of IWCK the past two years.  It was a great honour to fulfil this role during this tragic but consequential time in history in Ukraine. Even though we will soon move back to Pretoria, I will remain in service of IWCK in the role of secretary which I would be able to volunteer from the other side of the world. 

I am also blessed to be the mother of three handsome sons. After one year of military service, I obtained a BA-Law Degree from the University of Johannesburg. I also had the wonderful privilege to travel the world as a Flight Attendant.  Travelling expanded my views and opinions in a significant way and left me deeply intrigued and respectful of all the beautiful cultures and people of our planet.  It also exposed me to life’s injustices and the hardships of too many people.  As a young mother, I made a personal decision to dedicate my life in service of those less fortunate. 

In 2007 I started my journey in the NGO sector in South Africa where I gained immeasurable experience and skills as a frontline worker. I also had the immense opportunity to establish and manage a Not For Profit Organisation.

I have found my life’s purpose through the work that I do.  I am highly motivated, positive, resilient and unashamedly ethical. I will always give my best no matter how small or insignificant the task.  I strive to be a contributing member of society, feeling passionate to serve mankind and being part of making the world a great place for all. 

I joined IWCK to get involved with charity, the local community and meet like-minded international women. I hope the club continues and gets better with every new year and member

I worked for Panasonic in Japan for seven years and handled International Relations/Logistics. I have been living in Eastern European countries as a expat for more than 21 years, and it includes living in Ukraine for 11 years. Before Russian Invasion started, I taught Japanese language to Ukrainians. Currently I am living in Warsaw, and remotely joined Steering Committee as Membership.I would like to continue this role and contribute to keep IWCK going on in this unprecedented hard time for Ukraine, what I call home.

Hello, my name is Helen Garbuz, and I am originally from the United States.  I have lived in Kyiv since 1998 and have been an IWCK member since 2009.  I served on IWCK's Steering Committee from 2015-2018 as Secretary after a few months as Head of Membership. I also served several years on the Charity Committee.  I am married to a Ukrainian and have two children at Kyiv International School.  In addition to being a mother, I also grow organic fruits and vegetables marketed through "Helen's Veggies."

IWCK has meant a lot to me over the years, from providing support as I learned to be a full-time mom to providing growth, challenges and professional development opportunities.  I would be honored to serve as a Member of the Board of Supervisors for the 2023-2024 season.