Dear AWNY Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! We are both honored and excited to serve as your co-presidents for 2024. With each of us originally hailing from Queensland, we have 30+ years of combined experience in New York City. This year, our focus will be continuing the great work our volunteers and executive team have done to take Australian Women in New York (AWNY) to new heights. We must thank Jacquelyn Drozdoff, our immediate past president, who did an incredible job leading the organization for three years. She will stay on to help support us all in a Senior Advisor role.
Our vision for AWNY in 2024 revolves around collaboration, inclusivity, and community connection. These fundamental principles will guide our efforts to create a dynamic and engaging space for all members.
We aim to forge stronger partnerships with fellow Australian organizations and businesses in New York. Coming together can magnify our impact and spread AWNY’s mission across a broader spectrum. We hope to plan exciting joint events and initiatives to expand our Australian community network.
This year, we plan to host a few signature ticketed events, each offering a distinctive and memorable experience alongside our monthly community coffees, family meetups, social drinks, and more. These events will cater to diverse interests within our community, ensuring a year filled with exceptional gatherings.
AWNY’s core is the sense of belonging and camaraderie among members. We will nurture these connections this year through regular networking events and social gatherings. We encourage all members to actively engage in our community initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship programs. Together, we will continue to build AWNY into a genuine home away from home.
We know that diversity is our strength and plan on reaching a broader membership base. Our goal is to create specialized programs and events that resonate with different segments of our community. AWNY should be a welcoming place for all women, regardless of background, age, or profession.
Our patrons and supporters are invaluable to AWNY’s success. We are fortunate to have the honorable Heather Ridout, AO, Consul General of Australia in New York, as our AWNY patron. We look forward to many incredible partnered collaborations that will provide exclusive opportunities and benefits to our cherished members.
We will bolster our online presence through social media, newsletters, and a refreshed website to connect with more Aussie and Kiwi women in New York. Look out for targeted marketing campaigns designed to expand our reach even further.
We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you and eagerly anticipate a year filled with growth, connection, and empowerment. Your ideas and feedback are always welcome, so please do not hesitate to reach out. As a united community, we will make 2024 a remarkable year for Australian Women in New York.
Warm regards,
Toni Wendtmann and Sarah McLellan Mee
Co-Presidents, Australian Women in New York (AWNY)
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 