Interview with Marzia Schmiedlechner
Gracious Representative of Kyvian life and culture
GO2KIEV: Please tell us more about your role as Hospitality Coordinator for the Internationals Women’s Club Kyiv.
I have been a member of IWCK since 1995 and know from first-hand experience that this wonderful organization provides numerous opportunities for newcomers to quickly and easily adapt to Kyivian culture and life. Many of our members accompany their husbands because of an employee related job assignment and it is appreciated if the wife can find a way to survive those initial day s of shock and quickly find a niche of her own. IWCK provides various ways for its members to apply their managerial, creative, occupational, and artistic skills to use. My previous administrative position within the IWCK Steering Committee was as Vice President; in addition, I created several new interest groups for our members. For the past two years I have volunteered as the Hospitality Coordinator in which I strive to organize interesting and diverse tours, coffees or luncheons that is meant to warmly welcome and extend a sense of community and acceptance.
GO2KIEV: Share with us the Kyvian culture and life tours.
I believe a fantastic way for newcomers to know their new host country to get outside and walk around this historically rich city. The Lipki Tour is a walking tour in which one sees the many different mansions from the 19th century. The Trinity and Vydubichi Monastery and the Botanical Gardens Tour are perfectly organized in the month of May when the breathtaking lilac trees are in blossom. These walking ‘in the city’ tours are varied and attractive for our members because it allows for pleasant conversation and outdoor exercise. Of course, there are tours outside the city center which are highly anticipated by the IWCK ladies. One can travel to the St. Panteliemon Cathedral which is brightly painted red with white decorations; it is surrounded by a forest with two streams close by. This can be very picturesque during the springtime. The Umman Park Tour is a full day trip where members take a boat trip around the Island of Love, water cascades, ponds and underground canals. For those who desire a winter holiday excursion, we have The Glass Factory Tour where glass hand-painted Christmas ornaments are made.
GO2KIEV: For those members who do not want so much exercise, what other recreational opportunities are available?
We have many luncheons at ethnically diverse restaurants which a really nice way for all members to share in the ‘tasting experience’ of cuisines that come from our member’s home countries. Our Pot Luck Lunch is held at my home in which members bring a dish to share that is a hors d’oeuvre, salad or dessert. Again, a wonderful expression of preparing a dish that is indigenous to a member’s native country. For the artistically inclined, there are museum tours to the Ukrainian National Gallery, Russian Museum; in addition, there are Easter egg painting (pisanka) classes held at the IWCK office. Lastly, we offer a Newcomer’s Coffee where it is so easy to meet other new arrivals and reacquaint with seasoned members. The latest group activity that I am exploring is whether we can create a Culinary Master Class where a professional cook will show us how to prepare certain dishes that we can try to copy at home. Really, the activities for social, charitable, and professional enrichment are endless.
GO2KIEV: Why do you choose to volunteer your time with IWCK?
There are several reasons why I believe my time and effort as a volunteer with IWCK are important. As a 14 year member, I know that this non-profit women’s club is quite serious and dedicated to enriching and improving the lives of disadvantaged Ukrainians with its main focus on charity work and grants. The beauty about being a volunteer is that one can use one’s talents and interests to raise awareness, renew membership and make an overall positive difference for the club, its members, and the recipients of the charity monies. Personally, I have experienced the evolution of change and growth. I have learned how to calm my nerves and demonstrate public speaking – even on a spontaneous moment! I understand the value of my very public role within the community and how I am often regarded as a diplomatic representative of IWCK, Ukrainian businesses and multi-national corporations. My self-confidence has blossomed. Lastly, I believe I have the creativity and freedom to organize social events that entice members to step outside their homes and meet other like-minded women who share an interest in exploring Kiev and possibly making much needed friendships.
GO2KIEV: Please tell us about the IWCK Discount Program that you developed.
I wanted to find a memorable and ingenuous way to create a buzz and excitement for newcomers to join IWCK and seasoned members to renew their membership. The newly available IWCK Discount Program offers members services at the Hyatt Hotel, Planet Fitness and Kiy Avia Travel Agency. The travel agency “Kiy Avia” in cooperation with Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) have introduced an exclusive loyalty program especially for IWCK members with the advantages and privileges of a special Panorama card. Discounts include: 7% on all published fares (except specials and group fares) and 30% on “Kiy Avia” service charge for hotels, railway tickets, car rental, insurance, cargo (persona good “movers”) in Ukraine and worldwide. As well, there is a cooperation of loyalty program obtaining bonus miles through a personal account on Ukraine International Airlines. Planet Fitness offers a variety of health and fitness discounts; such as, group training in the aerobics gym, cycling studio, cardio gym and consultation with a sports doctor. The luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel has offered a day spa discount to members who book any kind of treatment (over 750 UAH) in the Spa Naturel and they will also receive a complimentary day pass (only valid during the week) to Club Olumpus Aqua facilities (swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.) I truly believe the IWCK Discount program will soon expand with more available services within the community and this will engender the club’s charity visibility, sponsorship, membership and fundraising.
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