AIWAV
est.2019
Partners
We are a member of the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas.
We are interested in being partners with other organisations.
Please email us if you'd like to discuss.
Who are we?
AIWAV brings together the international women of Venice in all our diversity of origin, circumstance, and ambition.
We're a diverse group of all nationalities, ages, interests, ethnicities and beliefs from around the world — resident in Venice and not — and we're growing.
Everyone is encouraged to participate, initiate and support.
Founding Ideas
Our mission is to build genuine community, to give our members a platform and a voice, and to stand as a vital part of Venetian life — for every woman who has chosen to call this extraordinary place home.
We believe this city is enriched by our collective presence and we can offer a supportive way to make that presence count.
Charitable Giving.
Each year we donate money — raised from events or residue fees — to organisations doing work that improves the quality of community life in Venice.
This year, we will donate to ANIMA VENEZIA: Children's health services organizing free activities for seriously ill children, especially oncology and terminal patients, while also supporting cultural, educational, and civic initiatives linked to Venice's social identity.
Past recipients have included the Women Artists of Venice Program (SAVE Venice), Centro Anti-Violenza, Iside Cooperativa Sociale, assisting with long-term social inclusion.
Our first (small) Honorarium in 2026 was given to Venetian Heritage.
AIWAV is in the process of being formally incorporated as a nonprofit association which will allow us to have an official bank account.
We will be eligible for some benefits of nonprofit status including receiving 5x1000 donations.
Volunteering is part of the core values of the Association — it's how our community works.
Volunteering is part of the core values of the Association — it's how our community works. It means each one of us is playing our part in dedicating time and energy to our group goals.Every member who lends time or skills keeps the association alive and connects us more deeply to the city we call home.
Why it matters:
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Connection. Volunteering is the fastest way to meet other members and build real friendships, not just acquaintances.
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Impact. Our events, groups, and charitable projects run because members step up. Your time directly shapes what AIWAV can offer.
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Growth. New skills, new confidence and new perspective are some of the gifts of volunteering, in return for what it also asks.
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Giving to Venice. Beyond our own community, volunteering lets us support the host city that has welcomed us, through charitable causes and local partnerships.
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Whether it's an hour a month or leading a project, there's a place for you. Reach out and tell us where your interests lie — we'll help you find your fit. Contact us to get started.
We look forward to seeing you become an active member.
LEADERSHIP 2025/2027
AIWAV changes its Leadership Team every two years. The team is made up of Administrative and Advisory roles plus a FAWCO representative.
The most recent vote was in June 2025.
Hermione Bushong
President
Hermione believes AIWAV has an important role recognising and supporting residents by choice. She has lived in Venice with her family for 10 years.
Olivera Jovanovska
Vice President / Secretary
Ex-journalist and founder of MamaRent baby gear rental. Olivera writes the newsletter and Instagram posts.
Diahann Hughes Hawkins
Treasurer
Diahann has been tracking numbers for various causes over the years, aided by a background in Economics and project management.
Nicole McKevitt
Adviser
Nicole has a background in performing arts and nonprofit leadership. She holds our institutional memory as a founding member.
Irene Woodbury
Adviser, FAWCO Rep
Irene has lived in Italy for most of her adult life and has been in Venice for over a decade. She is the mother of two bilingual boys and works as a Language Expert at the University of Venice Ca' Foscari. She became an AIWAV member in September 2023 and started work as a FAWCO Rep for the club in January 2025.
Irene also hosts Go Crab Go.