Hard to believe that an informal social club has a Board, yet it’s an important part of the club. The IWC Breda is officially registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce) as a non-profit association. As such, we must follow certain laws and regulations to maintain our official status and to ensure the financial health of our club going forward.
The board comprises a team of people working together to govern and represent the IWC and its members. Individual members are elected by the general membership at the Annual General Meeting and each member is required to fulfil a minimum two year term. Being a Board member involves behind-the-scenes responsibilities so that our club functions smoothly and all members can enjoy our community. We organise and attend events, communicate with activity organisers, manage the finances, maintain our website, social media and welcome members when they join. Within the Board we strive to have fun together while we get the job done.
We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming monthly meeting or club event!
Renée Willems-Ong
President
I was born and raised in Hong Kong, studied in Australia and worked in Singapore before settling down in The Netherlands with my Dutch husband in 1999.
Over the years, IWC Breda has provided me with many friends that have similar experiences immigrating and living in different countries. Many of these women have become lifelong friends.
Serving on the board is both challenging and fulfilling. Being part of this team gives me an opportunity to work with many different members and friends.
I look forward to meeting you at the club’s activities.
Patricia Lynn-Smink
Treasurer / Webmaster
I was born in the USA and lived a large portion of my life in Canada. I moved to Breda area in 2000 with the intention of staying 10 years. I has now been 22! I joined the IWC Breda to connect with other internationals in the area and continue building a life here in the Netherlands as an expat.
I enjoy playing an active role in the “back office” of the IWC. My business background and experience in The Netherlands has come in handy as the treasurer. The webmaster role is an opportunity to tap into my creative and technical side. I’m looking forward to a socially active club year!
Carina de Boon – de Beer
Activity Coordinator
I was born and raised in Tilburg and shortly after graduating moved with my husband-to-be to Germany. We moved back to the Netherlands after 3 years and stayed until 2000 when we moved onto Thailand with our 4 children. After three years In Thailand we moved to Canada. In 2007 we finally moved back to the Netherlands.
In all places we lived I was a committee member of the international club and participated in the PTA of the children’s school. This is a great way to get to know new people, make new friends and experience different ways of living and culture. Being a member of these clubs helped me to get settled and feel at home in a new environment. The IWC did the same for me when I returned to the Netherlands. I made new friends, participated in many activities and felt at home here again.
Being the activities coördinator is sometimes challenging. Finding activities throughout the year that appeal to members can be difficult. I actively participate in our club activities and doing so gives me a feeling of belonging. I fully enjoy being a board member.
International Women's Club Breda 