Club Committee

Meet the ladies who are making City Women Speakers the most inclusive, diverse and friendly public speaking club for women.

President – Carrie Gow

I’m excited about being President of City Women Speakers for the 12 months from 1 July to 30 June. This is my 4^th committee role on the club but it’s my first role ever as a Team Leader, which ties in perfectly with the Dynamic Leadership path I have chosen in the Toastmasters education programme. I have a fabulous committee this year, comprised of 7 women, each of whom are bringing fresh ideas (like this new website!) and a vibrant new energy to our club.

This is the perfect time for you to join and reap the rewards of membership with our club.

Immediate Past President – Esmé van Herwijnen

I’ve been a member since January 2017

Secretary – Zori Trifonova

I am a recent member of the City Women Speakers Club, but I already feel like part of a family! It’s an excellent opportunity to meet wonderful people who inspire and go out of their way to assist others.

My current role at the Club is to take an active part in committee meetings, keep track of agreed actions and most importantly, to support the Vice President of Education in helping our members achieve their goals. Outside of Toastmasters, I am a Chartered Certified Accountant and I have worked in the asset management and banking industry for over 8 years. Whatever questions you have, whether it’s understanding Pathways, meeting roles or something else, I am happy to help!

Sergeant at Arms – Jo Zhou

She took on Sergeant at Arms role for committee Year 2019-2020. She says that the role makes her committed to regularly attending the club meetings, setting up events and making the meetings happen on time for members and guests.

She likes the club diversity as the members are of all backgrounds, ages, professions and years of experience. Also, because the club is all about helping members to achieve personal growth.

Vice President Education –Agnieska Rzesniowiecka

Vice President Membership – Katie Overton

Katie discovered Toastmasters by giving directions in the street to a young Spanish woman who was off to a “speaking club”. Random she thought, however also immensely intrigued and since finding City Women Speakers it’s been a revelation for her, discovering it is actually possible to get a handle on the fear of speaking in public after decades of sweating buckets.

In addition to actively taking the stage at club meetings she’s keen on helping new members settle in at our club and works closely with the other committee members to keep things running smoothly.

Vice President Public Relations – Veronica Bogdacenco

Even though I joined City Women Speakers less than a year ago, I quickly realized the fantastic development opportunities it offers, so I decided to join the committee.

My primary role as a VP of Public Relations is to improve and promote the club’s online presence. I am the geek of the team, the one-man band that built this website.

Treasurer – Rowena Griffiths

Rowena joined the precursor to CWS in 2013 (WIBF Speakers City Club) and was appointed as SAA in her first year. She then became Treasurer and has been enjoying the post ever since. Rowena joined in order to improve her speaking skills prior to delivering a series of seminars on Financial Planning.

However, she now gets more out of the social and networking side of things. She says this is a great club to develop skills in a supportive and fun environment.