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.

Sofia is a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist originally from Stockholm, Sweden. She moved to Switzerland in 2014 after falling in love with her Swiss husband. After settling in his French-speaking hometown, the family relocated to Kloten in 2016, where they raised their two young children. In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sofia returned to work as a healthcare professional, compelled to contribute during this challenging time. Her top priority in the association is the physical and mental well-being of women, Especially considering the challenges and loneliness of adjusting to a new city or country. Outside of work, Sofia is an avid singer. She performs in both a choir and a quartet, and she also leads a children’s choir. Her extensive experience with associations includes serving as president of her university student chapter and holding leadership roles as vice president and secretary in various choirs.

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.