Meet the team

Originally from Canada, Darlene’s journey has taken her across the globe. She earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching in Australia before moving to Abu Dhabi, where she spent seven years teaching English and met her husband. In 2017, she relocated to Switzerland, navigating the challenges of expat life, including the language barrier. This experience inspired her to create a WhatsApp group in 2021, providing a space for women seeking friendship and support. What began as a small community has since evolved into Women of the World, a growing platform dedicated to fostering connections and empowerment among women in Switzerland. Alongside her leadership in Women of the World, Darlene is the founder of Treasures Switzerland, a handmade bath and body company and a dedicated wife and mother of two. Balancing entrepreneurship, community building and family life, she embraces every challenge as part of the adventure.

Hi, I’m Bonita, the new social media expert at Women of the World. Originally from Holland, I’ve been living in Zürich for 10 years. With over a decade of experience in social media and marketing, I’m excited to help grow Women of the World into a vibrant space where women can connect, share stories, and thrive together.

Hello, I`m Karla. Orignally from Brazil, I`ve been living in Switzerland for the past five years. I`m a proud mom to my six year old son and am married to a Swiss from Zurich. My expat journey began in 2018 and taught me the power of women supporting women. After moving to Zurich, discovering WOW (Women of the World) and meeting its inspiring community felt like coming home. With a background as an Executive Assistant at the New Zealand Consulate and Condè Nast Glamour Brazil, I later found my passion in beauty and self-expression. Today, I work part-time as a Make-up Artist and am studying Fashion and Image Consulting. As Events Coordinator, I`m excited to help create meaningful and inspiring experiences for our community.

Vicky Labaj joined the Women of the World committee in 2024, bringing with her a strong commitment to community-building and intercultural understanding. Originally from Hong Kong, she moved to Kloten in 2022 to join her now-husband and quickly experienced first hand the challenges of integration in a new country. In her first years in Switzerland, she struggled with loneliness and language barriers, but gradually found connection through local German classes and by meeting other international women living in Kloten. Her own experience with cultural adjustment inspired her to join Women of the World. Vicky strongly believes in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, heard, and valued. In addition to her role as secretary, Vicky works part-time as a webshop manager for a specialty coffee roastery and enjoys exploring Kloten on foot and trying out new vegetarian recipes.

Dr. Rashel “TrekHer” Wilson is the Podcast Executive Producer and Host at Women of the World. Originally from the United States, she now lives in Switzerland with her family and understands first-hand what it means to rebuild a sense of belonging after relocating to a new country. With a background in marine biology (PhD, University of California at San Diego) and many years in leadership roles within the biopharma industry, Rashel later shifted her focus toward wellbeing, transition, and human connection. She is a certified nature connections guide (Association of Nature & Forest Therapy) and the founder of Nature Therapy & Wellness, where she supports individuals and groups through periods of change by creating space for reflection, attentive listening, and open conversation. Rashel was drawn to Women of the World for its emphasis on genuine community and mutual support. Through the podcast, she enjoys amplifying women’s stories and hosting conversations that foster connection and understanding. Outside of her work, she spends as much time as possible outdoors with her family.

I`m Vasiliki Panopoulou, I`m from Greece and I am a certified Pilates and Group Fitness instructor. With international experience through the Erasmus program and an active roll in sports as a volleyball coach at Volleyball Dubi in Dübendorf. I bring a dynamic and well- rounded appoach to movement. I hold a BLS certification, with safety always as a priority. My goal is to help you build strength, flexibility, and body awareness through classes tailored to your needs. For me, the WOW group means being part of a team of women with whom I share the same concerns, as well as the same beautiful and difficult emotions.