President's Message

American Women's Association Of Singapore

This month marks my seventh year in Singapore. Throughout my time here, the AWA has been a constant during all the phases of my Singaporean experience. From arriving with an 18-month-old daughter while pregnant with my second and joining AWA Playgroups, to discovering Tiong Bahru & Monkey God’s Birthday with AWA Local Tours, to improving my backhand at the AWA Tennis clinic, to volunteering at Food from the Heart with AWA Community Service, to staying connected as a return-to-work mom through AWA Trivia Nights, to virtual learning during the pandemic through AWA Workshops, this organization has enriched my Singaporean life.

One would imagine, then, that the secret to making the AWA such a strong organization for over 80 years is the impressive range of volunteer, social, special interest, sports events and activities.

Although the above is true, the foundation of the AWA is really our people - our AWA Chairs, who pour their hearts into planning events and activities that they think will be meaningful for our members, pivoting to virtual events when the situation calls for it; our AWA Communications Team, which spends countless hours highlighting the range of activities and resources available while tirelessly finding new ways for us to connect and engage; Our AWA Board Members, who are able to lead our organization through the steepest challenges it’s faced; and, not least of all, all of you — our AWA Members — a sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance our Singapore experience through fun and fulfilling volunteer-led activities.

It therefore is my honor and privilege to begin serving as AWA President for the 2021-2022 term. I am humbled by this opportunity and will strive to do my best. During this year, my goal is to help our organization continue to navigate through this pandemic and foster our volunteer spirit, giving back to the broader community, which is especially in need of support during these trying times.

While we begin another chapter at the AWA, I would also like to take this moment to thank all of our current and former Chairs and Board Members who have contributed so much to the AWA, including our outgoing Board Members Venta Norvilas (Major Events), Emily Ludwick (Corporate Relations), Caitlin Fry (Historian), Ali Donaldson (Treasurer) and Lorraine Graybill (Communications). I would especially like to thank our outgoing President, Deb Minnock, for her leadership and generosity for which we will always be grateful.

As we look ahead, I hope this will be a year of community, connection and compassion.

Stay safe.

Linda Schindler