About Us
| Welcome to the American International Women’s Club (AIWC)Founded in April 1971 with just 30 members, the AIWC has grown into a vibrant, English-speaking community of over 300 women from more than 35 countries. We’re a registered non-profit, non-political, and non-denominational organization supporting the international community in Frankfurt and the greater Rhein-Main region—generally from Bad Homburg to Darmstadt, Wiesbaden to Hanau. |
What We DoWe offer friendship, support, and connection to women and their families—whether you're new to Germany or a long-term resident seeking an international network. Our members enjoy a wide range of activities, services, charitable events, and interest groups. Even during COVID, we stayed active and connected—proof of what this incredible group of women can achieve. Our MissionTo maintain and grow our non-profit, English-speaking women’s club—providing support, friendship, networking, and social and charitable opportunities for newcomers and long-term residents of the Rhein-Main area. Giving BackWe believe in making a difference.
CARES ProgramOur CARES (Crisis Assistance Resources Emergency Services) program offers confidential support for members facing challenges. It also promotes wellness through workshops and recognition—because lifting each other up matters. Make New FriendsEvery member belongs to one of six local “Neighborhoods”:
Neighborhood Coordinators host monthly meetups, and members are welcome to attend events in any neighborhood. Support Settling InFeeling out of place? We’ve got you.
Activities for EveryoneWe offer something for every interest:
Stay ConnectedOur monthly newsletter, website calendar, and private Facebook group keep members informed about events in and around the Rhein-Main region. Networking & GrowthWith a diverse international membership, AIWC offers great opportunities to connect with other professional women in the area. Volunteer & LeadWe’re powered by volunteers.
There are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. Join UsThe AIWC is committed to helping members enjoy their time in Germany while giving back to the country that has welcomed us. Come be part of something special—and help us live our motto: When Women Support Each Other, Incredible Things Happen! |
A Note From A Former President
A Note From A Former PresidentI first came to Germany for work years ago as a single woman. Someone at work suggested I join this club. I was skeptical about having time for it, but found out I could participate a little or a lot, so decided to give it a try, and found others in the Working Women’s Group “like me". I came back to Germany some years later as a working mother of a young child and re-joined to take advantage of the Mother’s Corner group, and to my relief, found others “like me", and raising a third culture child. When I left my corporate job, I found responsibilities in the club that fulfilled my project management/leadership need, and again found others “like me". Other people move here with a working spouse and are skeptical if they will ever find a place here in a foreign land. The language, the culture, the system structure - all seemingly different from what you are used to can be quite overwhelming at first. But with a little courage and mindfulness, and as the Beatles song goes, “a little help from our friends” (albeit new ones), the experience can be so rewarding.
For myself, and many alike, the AIWC has provided just that. In the time I have been a member I have seen the positive impact it has on my local community, and also for myself. With the many groups under the umbrella of the AIWC opportunities are there for everyone: from taking a sabbatical from the usual responsibilities back home, feeding that desire to travel, giving time, talents and treasures for a charity, taking on a board position, tapping into your inner Picasso to create a masterpiece, or even sweating it out on the tennis courts, the opportunities are endless - and it’s only a matter of finding what fits you.
This community is a physical representation of so many possibilities and opportunities. Because at the end of the day, the club is only as great as the people who make it up. Each of us come together with our own experiences, knowledge and ideas, bringing something new each and every day to the community. So to both our current members and those yet to be, I hope the AIWC will help you discover how to make your time here in Frankfurt simply unforgettable, and so importantly, to know what a positive impact you make.
I wish you all the best in finding your place here and helping others find theirs too!
Danita Waterfall-Brizzi |
Current Executive Board
Current Executive Board Cenita Ettl | President aiwcfrankfurt.president@gmail.com Born in the US and raised and educated in California, I moved to Frankfurt in 2002 for love and a new job. After years of balancing career and family, I took a break from my career in 2018 for more time with my family and other meaningful pursuits. I joined the club to play in the tennis league but quickly realized that the club offered so many more interesting options, including the chance to join the executive board as 2nd VP. It’s been a mentally and emotionally fulfilling year during which I’ve worked with an amazing team and learned about how the club runs. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a leader in a new role. |
Renee Fozouni | First Vice President aiwcfrankfurt.1vicepresident@gmail.com
Born in Ohio but my husband and I are on our 7th move, most recently living in Connecticut for the past 11 years. This is our second go around in Germany, this time as empty nesters, leaving behind our two kids (one in college, the other graduated). I have experience volunteering with school organizations as well as serving on the boards of two non profits. My volunteer work is in various capacities including leadership, database management, treasurer, and event planning. I was the AIWC President 2011-2012 and loved all the community the club provided then and I am looking forward to being involved once again! |
Emily Read | Second Vice President aiwcfrankfurt.2vp@gmail.com |
Beth Frasunkiewicz | Secretary aiwcfrankfurt.secretary@gmail.com
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Heidi Jung | Treasurer aiwcfrankfurt.treasurer@gmail.com Originally from New Jersey, I lived in London for six years, where I met my German husband. We moved to Germany in 2010 and settled north of Wiesbaden near his family. We now have12‑year‐old twin boys in 6th grade, and life with twin boys certainly keeps things lively. My background is in finance, and I’ve served on the Executive Board as Treasurer for three years, President for two, and this past year as Advisor. I look forward to rejoining the Board and contributing to the club’s ongoing growth and success under Cenita’s leadership. |
Regina Wagner-Raic | Membership aiwcfrankfurt.membership@gmail.com I was born in Passau, Bavaria, and grew up in a nearby village. As a child, I learned to play the zither. I studied international export finance in Regensburg and later worked at a bank in Munich, where I met my husband. With our two sons we moved frequently, mostly within Germany and Vienna. After moving to Bad Homburg in 2002, I joined the club/Mothers' Corner, and before we moved to Bahrain in 2017, I worked for a bank again. We lived over 4 years in Kuwait, and through knitting groups I connected with local women. We moved back to Bad Homburg last August, and I rejoined AIWC. I enjoy activities in art, culture and the book club. I love meeting women from different nationalities and playing my Bavarian instrument. |
