International Networks

The Women in Technology International (WITI) Foundation
This America-wide network was founded in 1989, and is dedicated to advancing women in technology through:

As well as organising two to three national conferences per year, the WITI Foundation also has 28 regional chapters throughout the United States, one in England, and one in Australia. These chapters meet several times a year to hear a speaker and to network.
More information, and dates of forthcoming meetings, is available at their website at http://www.witi.com.

A Portable Identity
A Woman’s Guide to Maintaining a Sense of Self While Moving Overseas. They are a resource for expatriate women and host a chatgroup for women to focus on how their identity is affected at any stage of a move overseas. A Portable Identity is an interactive book with exercises, stories, and information to assist expatriate women to take charge of the changes associated with a move overseas. You can contact A Portable Identity through their website www.aportableidentity.com

The ATHENA Foundation
An international non-profit organisation dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women. The Foundation works with hundreds of organisations including chambers of commerce, universities, major corporations and small businesses to implement ATHENA programs. Programs of the Foundation include the ATHENA Award program, which encourages communities to identify and honour women and men who assist women in reaching their leadership potential. The ATHENA PowerLink program helps women-owned businesses grow and profit with the expertise of professional advisory panels tailored to the business owner's specific needs. The ATHENA Leadership Model integrates the ATHENA core values into and innovative model of dynamic leadership. This new model will provide guidance to those seeking to develop leadership skills.
Contact the ATHENA Foundation on (800) 548-8247; Email athena@athenafoundation.org.

The International Alliance
TIA is a worldwide organisation that unites, supports and promotes professional and executive women and their networks. A network of networks TIA can help members to gain and implement competitive advantages, to make connections and increase their knowledge. The group encouragers the placement of talented women in senior executive postions and conveys executive and professional women' s interests to private and public policy makers.

Find out more at http://www.T-I-A.com or email sfeimer@prodigy.net.

Women Welcome Women World Wide (5W)
5W aims to foster international friendship by enabling women of different countries to visit one another. Members are of all backgrounds and come from many parts of the world. 5W is not about going away for a cheap holiday, it is about learning how other women live, fostering international understanding by cross-cultural friendship.

Find out more at http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk.

AARO: The Association of Americans Resident Abroad
The Association of Americans Resident Abroad was founded in 1973 by Americans, many of whom were wives of Europeans, to press for understanding and representation of issues affecting American residents overseas before Congress and the Administration in Washington. Inspired by nationality issues at first, the agenda of AARO has expanded to include voting requirements, inclusion in the US Census, tax issues such as the Alternative Minimum Tax, social security protection versus the Windfall Elimination Provision, Driver's Licence Reciprocity, possible representation in Congress and others which affect the lives and well-being of Americans abroad. A health care plan for Americans abroad is another advantage of membership.
Information about membership may be obtained by writing to AARO, 34 avenue de New York, 75116 Paris, France or via the website

AAWE : Association of American Wives of Europeans
An association which began when two isolated American women met in Paris 40 years ago and decided to put an ad in the International Herald Tribune, now includes about 600 members. AAWE hosts lectures and publishes manuals on such topics as bilingual education, job hunting, wills and testaments, marriage, divorce, and real estate. A monthly journal keeps members informed of the club's regular social, civic, and charitable activities as well as any local or international issues which might affect them - tax and citizenship laws, public policies, scholarships, etc. It is also a forum for expression of individual opinions. Members can chat with each other online where they receive regular pertinent announcements from the centrally located office. An annual membership and professional directory, published in conjunction with AARO (Association of American Residents Overseas), helps maintain communication.

AAWE is different from many expat groups in that the members are married into a second culture and raise their children bilingually.
Contact them at AAWE, 34, avenue de New York 75116 Paris, France; Tel: 01.40.70.11.80 Fax: 01.47.23.32.97; Website www.aaweparis.org Email: AAWE@wanadoo.fr