Donna Raycraft
District 1 Governor
Zonta Club of Concord, USA

What makes me laugh?
What provokes me to laugh instantly are babies and small children giggling nonstop. Throw a kitten in there and I giggle and melt.

Donna Raycraft has been a member of the Zonta Club of Concord for 21 years. She has served as the president, a board director and the membership and program committees chair. She was also a part of the ways and means and service committees. She has served as the lieutenant governor, the district membership committee chair and was on the district board.

Donna's most recent employment was as executive director of a crisis center for domestic and sexual violence, which has made the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign near and dear to her heart.

For 24 years, Donna worked in various positions at a community mental health center. She volunteers with Granite VNA Hospice, journeying with people who are dying and facilitating grief groups. She also sits on the board of directors of several nonprofits, including a women's counseling center and a daycare center. Most importantly, Donna is a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. These experiences have encouraged Donna to work with others to build a better world for women and girls.

Amy Quinn
District 2 Governor
Zonta Club of Adirondacks, USA

What makes me laugh?
I like good dog memes, extremely clever world play, my friends and Mindy Kaling.

Amy Quinn is a charter member of the Zonta Club of the Adirondacks, formed in early 2017. She was the chartering club president until 2019 and remained on the club's board of directors through May 2023. She also served her district as lieutenant governor and service committee chair for the 2020-2022 Biennium and is currently the governor.

Amy works for the New York State Unified Court System as a principal court attorney, where her professional responsibilities surround issues of intimate partner and gender-based violence. In 2021, she completed a professional certificate in restorative justice. She has two adult sons and lives in Lake Placid, New York with her husband. Amy enjoys reading, traveling and spending time in the woods.

Amy is excited about working with other Zonta leaders to help grow Zonta's voice while capitalizing on its rich history. She is passionate about obliterating systemic and cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential.

Dorothy J. Knauer
District 3 Governor
Zonta Club of Essex County, USA

What makes me laugh?
Having fun with friends and family, being with young children and cartoons, especially in "The New Yorker" magazine.

Dorothy J. Knauer treasures the many opportunities to empower women and girls she has had throughout her 35 years of Zonta membership. She has been club president, area director and conflict mediation, resolution committee chair and lieutenant governor. She is currently the governor.

Dorothy has a distinguished 35-year career as a nonprofit leader and community advocate, directing a large multi-service youth development and community building agency, engaging more than 15,000 volunteers and 24,000 Newark youths and families. She is an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University and holds a Ph.D. in urban systems from Rutgers University Newark and New Jersey Institute of Technology. She resides in Newark.

As an incoming governor, Dorothy will bring her expertise in leadership, administration and collaboration, as well as her Zonta Spirit and commitment to supporting and celebrating all clubs and members in her district. Her vision is Zonta's vision: a world where all women and girls are empowered to reach their full potential and where women's rights are viewed as human rights.

Jane Newman
District 4 Governor
Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada

What makes me laugh?
I laugh many times a day, so it is very hard to answer. My grandchildren, my patients, a funny story on the radio — life is too short not to laugh!

In 1982, Jane Newman joined the Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. Although her children and work kept her busy, she has always found time for Zonta. She has been club president and chaired many committees. She serves her district on the awards committee and chairs the membership committee. Jane enjoys attending international conventions as well as inter-district meetings. At the past North American Inter-District Meeting (NAIDM), she participated by presenting in a workshop on fundraising and membership.

Jane lives in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, in a small town called Elora with her husband, Doug and their cat. They have four children and three grandsons. Their oldest son lives in Berlin, Germany with his family.

As an optometrist, Jane successfully built a large practice in Waterloo. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling. She recently did the Inca Trail Hike into Machu Pichu in Peru this past spring, followed by a week in the Galapagos, which she highly recommends putting on your bucket list. Jane also enjoys tennis, squash, cross-country skiing, cycling and kayaking.

Jane is excited to work with President Salla and all her fellow governors to build a better world for women and girls.

Kimm Hrdlicka-Tigges
District 5 Governor
Zonta Club of Columbus, OH, USA

What makes me laugh?
My silly dogs, Duke and Elvira!

Kimm Hrdlicka-Tigges has been a member of the Zonta Club of Columbus, OH for 18 years. Her Zonta club experiences include chairing several committees and being the president and foundation president. At the district level, Kimm was an area director, has chaired the advocacy, PR & C and UN committees, served on the district nominating committee and was lieutenant governor. She has also served Zonta International as a PR/communications committee member for three biennia and trained at multiple conventions and North American Inter-District Meetings (NAIDM).

In college, Kimm studied theatre and now uses her degree to speak for organizations and events. Retired as an independent district manager and sales trainer for an international health company, she is a minister who officiates weddings and funerals. Thanks to her experience at Zonta, she also guest lectures on women's advocacy and was honored to emcee at the flag ceremony at the 2018 Yokohama Convention.

Kimm and her husband Steven are celebrating 35 years together. They have two adult children and a teenaged granddaughter. Kimm loves traveling, reading, writing, puzzles, girlfriend time and relaxing with pups at her lake cottage.

Isabel M. Vidal
District 6 Governor
Zonta Club of Lincoln, USA

What makes me laugh?
A child's belly laugh is pure joy to me and so contagious. My dogs are also hilarious to watch.

Isabel M. Vidal has been a member of the Zonta Club of Lincoln since 2015, serving as vice president and president. On the district level, she has served as an area director and lieutenant governor.

Isabel was corporate law in-house counsel for State Farm Mutual at their headquarters for 29 years. Her responsibilities included creating, training and supervising a team of outside counsel in virtually all 50 states in the USA throughout her career. She retired on April Fool's Day in 2021.

Outside of her Zonta commitments, Isabel is the board secretary for Market on the Hill Inc., a community-owned grocery store focusing on local food. She helps with annual retreats at church where she designs the menu, cooks, and puts together a team to serve all the retreat attendees their meals for the weekend. Isabel enjoys fundraising and serves on several boards. She is the president of Love Repeated, a 501(c)(3) charity that sponsors a hospital and secondary education for students in Tanzania, and is a board member for a nursing home group in Central Illinois.

Jane E. Austin
District 6 Governor
Zonta Club of Minneapolis St. Paul Area, USA

What makes me laugh?
The surprising mismatch between what we expect and what actually happens.

Jane E. Austin has been a member of Zonta since 1999. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including club president, area director, district advocacy chair to the USA Caucus and lieutenant governor. She was also active in the first years of Zonta Says NOW to Gender Equal Climate Action in the international working group and the USA Caucus Gender-Equal Climate Action Committee.

Professionally, Jane was a research wildlife biologist, working for the U.S. Department of Interior for nearly 30 years on waterbird and wetland issues. Semi-retired, she remains involved in the ecology field as an editor and consultant for species conservation in both the U.S. and internationally.

Stephanie Adams
District 8 Governor
Zonta Club of Pocatello, USA

What makes me laugh?
I know it's awful, but "America's Funniest Videos" is a guilty pleasure. I would DIE if any of this happened to me!

A resident of Pocatello, Idaho, Stephanie Adams demonstrates multifaceted achievement through her diverse roles and commitment to community service. As a wife, dog mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, volunteer, employer and activist, she seamlessly integrates these responsibilities into her daily life.

After graduating with a degree in biology from Idaho State University in 2001, Stephanie's career in zookeeping and pet care unfolded across multiple states, including Idaho, Texas and Florida. In 2008, she founded Pocatello Pet Lodge, which earned statewide acclaim for "Best Pet Boarding" in Idaho in 2022 and 2023.

Stephanie's public recognition includes the 2020 Idaho State University (ISU) Business Leader of the Year Award and Zontian of the Year in 2018 and 2022. Actively engaged in civic activities, Stephanie is vice president of the ISU Alumni Association, among other leadership roles. Stephanie balances her professional success with a few pets and personal interests like camping, Netflix and medium-distance running. She strives to embody professional excellence, community dedication and the joy of life's diverse pursuits.

Gloria Salas
District 9 Governor
Zonta Club of Burbank Area, USA

What makes me laugh?
My husband's corny jokes and my puppy's "Charlie Chaplin" walk and goofy face!

For 10 years, Gloria Salas has been a Zonta Club of Burbank Area member, serving as an officer in the club and foundation and chairing several committees. She first joined Zonta because of its mission to empower women and work toward eliminating violence against women. She has held several positions in her district, including area director and advocacy committee chair, lieutenant governor and is presently the governor.

Gloria belongs to various organizations that align with her passion for promoting gender equality, inclusivity, human rights and diversity. She is a Burbank Business and Professional Women member and a Burbank Human Relations Council and Burbank Armenian Association board member. Gloria represents her club on the Burbank Domestic Violence Taskforce. She is also active in her church's Peace and Justice Ministry. She has volunteered with the National Council of Jewish Women - Los Angeles on its Eye on Trafficking events and has spearheaded anti-human trafficking forums.

Gloria was recently honored by her state senator as a Woman of Empowerment and her assemblywoman as a Woman of the Year.

Shelly Baumgartner
District 10 Governor
Zonta Club of Austin, TX, USA

What makes me laugh?
Laughter is contagious. Being around others and having a good time puts me in a good mood. Bunny videos and Kirby Star also make me laugh.

Shelly Baumgartner joined the Zonta Club of Austin, TX in 2006. At the club level, she has been president, vice president, secretary, director and scholarship committee chair. She was elected governor, lieutenant governor, area director, service committee chair and parliamentarian in her district. Shelly has appreciated the opportunity to interact with Zontians worldwide and work with others to build a better world for women and girls.

For 20 years, Shelly has worked in the financial industry and is currently a senior manager with Charles Schwab Trust Bank. She leads a team of client service managers in providing excellent service to governmental and corporate retirement plan clients.

Shelly and her husband, Jason, enjoy spoiling their bunny rabbit, Kirby Star. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and Zonta.

Maria Crowley
District 11 Governor
Zonta Club of Miami Lakes Area, USA

What makes me laugh?
All the cute and funny moments with my cat, Buttons!

A part of Zonta since 2012, Maria Crowley is a member of the Zonta Club of Miami Lakes Area. She has served as club president, director, area director and lieutenant governor. She is committed to encouraging young professionals to join Zonta and showing them that you do not have to be retired to serve in these positions.

Maria is an architect with a bachelor's degree in architecture and an MBA from the University of Miami. She has served as chief of community development for Miami Dade County and director of planning and zoning for the town of Miami Lakes. She led major urban planning initiatives for the county, with an annual budget of US$11.7 billion and a population of 2.7 million. Her work has been highlighted in numerous urban design journals, and her projects have been recognized with awards by the American Planning Association and the National Association of Counties. Maria also teaches architecture and urban planning at the University of Miami.

Maria is enthusiastic about the future of Zonta and her district and wants to promote continuity and collaboration.

Debbie Sundberg
District 12 Governor
Zonta Club of Billings, USA

What makes me laugh?
Great friends, enjoying life and children that come up with the darndest observations.

As a fifth-generation Montanan, Debbie Sundberg is very proud of her state. She has been a member of the Zonta Club of Billings since 1996 and has served on almost all committees as chair and has been all of the officer positions except treasurer. Debbie has also served as the district YWPA committee chair. This biennium, her district has spread awareness for membership and has chartered a new club, the Zonta Club of the Wyoming Bighorns, and is working to develop two more clubs.

Debbie has attended three Zonta International conventions in Nice, France; Yokohama, Japan; and Hamburg, Germany, along with two North American Inter-District Meetings in Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Debbie's career has been in business. After graduating from Montana State University in home economics/business, she worked in sales management and as general manager for four radio stations. She is currently a financial advisor at Edward Jones where she works to serve long-term investors.

In her spare time, Debbie enjoys traveling and has visited 16 countries and counting. She also likes painting, party planning, gardening, going outdoors, hiking and enjoying time with family and friends.

Rūta Jasionienė
District 13 Governor
Zonta Club of Alytus, Lithuania

What makes me laugh?
New experiences, being in a good company and success. I laugh when it's funny. I laugh when I love, especially when I love myself!

Rūta Jasionienė has been a part of the Zonta Club of Alytus since 2009. She has gotten to know Zonta by serving on positions such as club vice president, president and area secretary. For her district, she has served as secretary, nominations committee chair, lieutenant governor and as a member of the UN, public relations and Council of Europe committees.

A graduate of Vilnius University, Rūta studied Lithuanian philology and journalism. Over the course of her career, she has edited 22 books, both alone and collaboratively. For 30 years, she worked in the editorial office of the newspaper, Alytaus naujienos (Alytus News). Currently, she is a specialist for the Alytus City Municipality's communication department and has been educating young journalists at the Alytus Youth Centre for the past 20 years.

Rūta has attended six Zonta International Conventions in San Antonio, USA; Turin, Italy; Orlando, USA; Nice, France; Yokohama, Japan; and Hamburg, Germany, along with six district conferences. Having visited more than 50 countries through her travels, big and small, Rūta is learning tolerance and openness to the world, and Zonta is one of her wise teachers.

Jutta Trube
District 14 Governor
Zonta Club of Aschaffenburg, Germany

What makes me laugh?
My cat always makes me laugh when she feels safe and secure, and then does crazy things.

A member of the Zonta Club of Aschaffenburg, Jutta Trube has served as treasurer, vice president and president and helped establish a Golden Z club in 2021. Along with chairing the club's fundraising committee and her district's Women in STEM committee since its establishment, Jutta has been a mentor in the Great Girls Meet Great Women mentoring program since 2021.

As a physicist and woman in business, Jutta saw first-hand the difficulties of moving to lead positions in a male-dominated field. After joining Zonta, she realized the organization was a great way to share her experience with others and help other young women find their way.

Outside of Zonta, Jutta has worked in research and strategic leading positions mainly in the equipment industry for different markets, such as photovoltaic, architectural glass as an energy-saving element, storage technology, display technology and others. Although she officially plans to retire in 2024, Jutta will continue to be a board member in different research institutes and enjoy her life with her husband and daughter.

Gail Johnson
District 8 Governor
Zonta Club of Pontiac-North Oakland, USA

What makes me laugh?
Many things - books, movies, friends, my cats, my husband, a good satire, a good parody. Life can make me laugh.

Gail Johnson joined Zonta International for its mission and was impressed with the level of commitment to the UN and having active representatives in every UN location around the world. Her passion was also fueled by the members having the strength and compassion to lend their voices, time and service to help women around the world.

Gail remained active when working full-time and traveling for her career. Now that she has retired after 43 years in the communications/information technology sector from IBM, she has a unique opportunity to give back to Zonta and help shape the path forward in her district. Gail's Zonta journey has provided her with unexpected leadership opportunities. Her Zonta mentors sit on her shoulders and whisper words of encouragement, confidence and inspiration. Gail is married to her college sweetheart, Richard and is a proud mother of one amazing daughter and three cats. She loves reading, baking, movies and laughter.

Jennet "Jen" A. McKinlay-Birkin
District 16 Governor
Zonta Club of Wellington, New Zealand/p>

What makes me laugh?
The UK comedians Bill Bailey, Billy Connelly, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French and, more recently, New Zealand comedians Flight of the Conchords and other antipodean comics, all of whom specialize in making fun of ourselves rather than others. I was brought up on a diet of puns, wordplay and laughing at life’s ridiculous moments.

Jennet "Jen" A. McKinlay-Birkin has been a Zonta member for 21 years. Although she has spent most of her time with the Zonta Club of Wellington, she was a part of the Zonta Club of Tauranga for 3.5 years after moving to the area in 2018.

Being in Zonta has given Jen many leadership opportunities. She served as club president and board member and became vice area director and area director from 2018 to 2022. Jen learned about Zonta and life and was welcomed for who she was and what she could contribute whether it be to a service activity, fundraising event or membership drive, and got to know amazing women nationwide.

Leading her district board has allowed Jen to give back some of what Zonta has given her. She lives by the motto, "Ma mua ka kite a muri, ma muri ka ora a mua," which means, "Those who lead give sight to those who follow. Those who follow give life to those who lead."

Winnie Wong
District 17 Governor
Zonta Club of New Territories, Hong Kong

What makes me laugh?
Silly jokes and exchanging silly incidents with good friends.

Winnie Wong joined the Zonta Club of the New Territories in 1996. She has served as club president and the service, fundraising and SOM committees chair. On the district level, she has been area director, nominating committee chair, Z and Golden Z club committee chair and lieutenant governor.

For Winnie, Zonta is a place to serve, learn, grow and have fun. She finds working with great leaders in her district challenging and rewarding and treasures the valuable experiences and paths set before her.

Professionally, Winnie worked as a registered architect in the U.S. for 10 years. She then returned to Hong Kong, supervised a group of 10 non-governmental organization (NGO) schools and founded an interactive children's museum and children's theatre. Winnie has also authored children's literature and composed songs for children. She is now semi-retired and supervises Chan’s Creative School, which she co-founded 30 years ago.

Winnie is married and has an adorable 2-year-old grandson. She loves music, sings in the choir and plays the church organ.

Opeibea Omaboe
District 18 Governor
Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana

What makes me laugh?
When expectations are going well and a good joke.

Opeibea Omaboe is a charter member of the Zonta Club of Accra II and has been an active Zontian for 27 years. She has held leadership positions at club and district levels including district nominating committee chair and district conference chair. She was an installation officer for the new board and members of the Zonta Club of Kigali New Voice in Rwanda. Opeibea was also the membership committee chair and lieutenant governor.

In the 2022-2024 Biennium, Opeibea and her district successfully established Zonta clubs in three new countries: Rwanda, Congo and Madagascar and have three additional Zonta clubs in formation in existing Zonta countries.

Professionally, Opeibea is a business executive and managing director of Furnart Ghana, a furniture and joinery manufacturing company employing more than 100 artisans. Since joining the company, she has created opportunities for women to work in this male-dominated industry. Opeibea’s interests are cooking, traveling, listening to music and dancing. She loves outdoor activities and welcomes meeting new people with similar interests.

Berta Rückert Aranda
District 19 Governor
Zonta Club of Santiago-Chile, Chile

What makes me laugh?
Children's pranks, a clever joke and ridiculous situations.

Berta Rückert Aranda has been a member of the Zonta Club of Santiago-Chile since 2016 and was the club president.

Born in Santiago de Chile, Berta spent her childhood in Lumaco, Malleco Province, IX Region of Araucanía. In 1962, she returned to Santiago and began her studies at the Sankt Thomas Morus German Catholic School, graduating from high school in 1973. In 1974 and 1975, she studied trilingual secretarial work focusing on marketing and foreign trade.

Berta and her husband Jorge formed a company dedicated to importing and distributing hardware for furniture assembly. They currently specialize in machinery for cutting chipboard. They are also parents to their children, Jorge Armin and Ignacio. In March 2006, Berta joined the Rotary Club of Santiago, where she served as club president and district governor and worked on different committees.

Pirkko Grönroos
District 20 Governor
Zonta Club of Raseborg-Raasepori, Finland

What makes me laugh?
Humor with a clever twist and everyday sitcom.

Pirkko Gronroos has been a Zontian since 1989 and is a member of the Zonta Club of Raseborg-Raasepori. She has served as club president, club secretary, vice area director, area director, as a district committee member and lieutenant governor.

Before retiring as a dentist, Pirkko’s work life was two-fold: she ran a private practice for 30 years and was active in the Finnish Dental Association. She was also politically active from 1999 to 2012 in her hometown and in healthcare politics at the county level.

Now 64-years-old, Pirkko lives with her husband on the southern coast of Finland in a small town called Raasepori (or Raseborg in Swedish). She has three children: the older two, a woman and a man, are twins turning 40 years old next year, and the youngest is a woman turning 35 years old next year. The best part of Pirkko’s life outside of being a Zontian is being a grandmother to her four grandchildren. She also takes care of her 94-year-old mother, who is living on her own but suffering from memory loss, which rapidly increases the need for help.

Margareta Munge
District 21 Governor
Zonta Club of Växjö, Sweden

What makes me laugh?
I laugh at my own mistakes and want to share them with others to show that life is too short to take everything too seriously.

A Zontian since 2006, Margareta Munge has held various leadership roles including club president, vice area director and area director and is currently the lieutenant governor. She has participated in many area and district meetings and Zonta International conventions.

Margareta believes life is far too short to not try her wings. Since she was young, she has taken on leadership roles at different levels in pharmacies and was one of Sweden's youngest pharmacy managers. Throughout her career, Margareta has managed hundreds of employees and is proud of the ones she has elevated to higher positions. She has supported many women through her work and is passionate about gender equality.

Living in Växjö, Sweden, Margareta is married and has two biological daughters and two “bonuses.” She likes to grow tomatoes and relax in her flat in Spain. She also graduated as an organist at a young age and still plays and sings in a choir. As an incoming governor, Margareta offers Zonta laughs, energy and creative solutions.

Petra Ladwig
District 22 Governor
Zonta e-Club of Queensland Inc, Australia

What makes me laugh?
Playing with my dogs, a bulldog named Mycroft and a Shar Pei named Leia. They give love and joy every day.

Petra Ladwig is proud to be a Zontian for more than 22 years and to be a member of the Zonta e-Club of Queensland Inc. Born in Australia to migrant parents, Petra’s mother left school at 13 years old in post-war Europe, instilling in her daughter a belief in the value of education and giving back.

Petra is a gynecologist and proud single mother of Alexandra, who is now at university. She lives with her dogs and horses in a semi-rural area.

Petra looks forward to working with an amazing international team of governors because there is still much to do with rising rates of gender-based violence and inequity in access to education, health care and housing. She believes Zonta can make a difference by working together and collaborating with many like-minded groups and individuals and feels only then can we build a better world for women, girls and everyone.

Debbie Schmidt
District 23 Governor
Zonta Club of Geelong Inc, Australia

What makes me laugh?
Many things make me laugh. I am generally happy and enjoy jokes, funny stories, humorous memes and funny mishaps. My dog, Chloe and her antics always make me laugh.

Debbie Schmidt has been a Zontian since 2002 and is a member of the Zonta Club of Geelong Inc. She has served her club as president, treasurer, secretary, board member and nominating committee chair. Now the lieutenant governor, Debbie has also served her district as an area director and secretary and was on the advocacy and Z and Golden Z club committees.

As an incoming governor, Debbie will work to ensure clubs and members have the support and information they require to increase Zonta’s awareness and impact in their local communities. By encouraging diversity in clubs, continuing to embrace the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, Zonta Says NOW to Gender-Equal Climate Action and the 16 Days of Activism campaigns, she wants to continue to build on the strengths already achieved.

Outside of Zonta, Debbie is a customer service officer in the tourism industry, and her last position was an accounts receivable/billing manager with an advanced accounting certificate. She loves cooking, traveling, reading, volunteering and walking.

Bernardine Guy
District 24 Governor
Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc, Australia

What makes me laugh?
My grandchildren, especially the youngest, Hunter. I also laugh when watching funny antics of animals on Instagram, being with family and friends and laughing at our memories of many decades.

Bernardine Guy is a member of the Zonta Club of Northern Beaches Inc. She is a team player and passionate about women’s rights and empowerment. She has served as club president, area director and has been a member of club and district boards. She is currently the lieutenant governor.

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Bernardine migrated to Australia with her parents as a toddler. After high school, she traveled to Europe to reconnect with her family. On her return, she studied teaching at Kuring Gai Teachers College, majoring in early childhood. After being a preschool teacher, Bernardine found a new interest in marketing, working in South Australia, South East Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) as an area manager for more than 20 years. She later developed a career in finance working with the National Australia Bank (NAB), one of the big four banks in Australia, in various roles in retail, lending and private banking. Now, she operates in business development with educational suppliers across NSW, launching newly developed products.

Bernardine is married and has four children and six grandchildren. She enjoys reading, walking, traveling and socializing and is a keen knitter dabbling in designing her own patterns.

Dr. Zareen Delawar Hussain
District 25 Governor
Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, Bangladesh

What makes me laugh?
I look forward to attending stand-up comedy shows. I not only laugh my heart out but also my lungs out.

Dr. Zareen Delawar Hussain has been a proud Zontian for 22 years and is a member of the Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka. She is passionate about empowering women and girls with a focus on menstrual health, climate justice and ending child marriage.

A diverse pioneer, healthcare professional, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Zareen has significant accomplishments in all areas she has ventured. She is a leading cardio-thoracic anesthesiologist and is a professor and head of the anesthesia department at Mandy Dental College. After being in the medical profession for more than 28 years, Zareen changed her orbit toward the pharmaceutical industry and founded Integro Pharma Limited to bring the world’s topmost branded products at an affordable cost. She has received honorary doctorates for her revolutionary concept in the healthcare sector and multiple accolades and awards across the globe for her diverse work.

Zareen believes in only chasing herself to find the highest and best version of herself. Believing in challenges, she feels you must come out of your comfort zone to evaluate your confidence, strength and beliefs.

Michiyo Wadatsu
District 26 Governor
Zonta Club of Naruto, Japan

What makes me laugh?
I can't say it well, but it's a happy time. After all, I am a “foodie,” so I guess it is when I eat something delicious, like sweets and chocolate!

Michiyo Wadatsu has been a member of the Zonta Club of Naruto since 1990 and is currently serving as lieutenant governor. Since her previous Zonta positions as an area director and district committee chair, she has continued to be increasingly fascinated by Zonta's meaningful activities.

For more than 40 years, Michiyo has taught piano to children in her neighborhood after graduating from her university’s department of music. Following an injury in high school that left her handicapped, she became interested in the effects of music on the human mind and body. Michiyo decided to study psychology in graduate school to research the relationship between humans, health and music. After receiving her master's degree, Michiyo continued her research in the doctoral program and experienced a variety of clinical settings in music therapy, using music to maintain and restore physical and mental health.

Michiyo has scaled back on her activities as a music therapist and now focuses on serving as conference chair for the local annual music therapy conference. She also provides mentoring and learning opportunities for younger generations.

Ria Matthijssens
District 27 Governor
Zonta Club of Antwerpen, Belgium

What makes me laugh?
The situational jokes of my family and friends.

Since 1986, Zonta has been an important part of Ria Matthijssens’ life. She enjoys taking responsibility for women and girls who need specific support through the organization, making new Zonta friends and exploring other cultures. She has been club president and area director and served on boards and committees at club and district levels. In 2013, she organized the district conference in Antwerp.

In 1977, Ria received her master’s degree, specializing in labor and social security law, focusing on negotiations with trade unions and restructuring companies. She started her own company, M-ProConsult, in 1996 and became a partner at Banco de Oro. Ria had the unique opportunity to combine the business approach with the theoretical approach by writing books and articles and developing legal databases.

Ria looks forward to being a governor in these fast-moving times and also to the challenge of which path we will take for Zonta. She will lead Zonta toward new horizons by contributing to this process.

Kathrin Laubacher
District 28 Governor
Zonta Club of Liestal, Switzerland

What makes me laugh?
Laughing is infectious. If you start laughing, I will start laughing. I don’t even have to know what you’re laughing at.

Since 1997, Kathrin Laubacher has been a member of the Zonta Club of Liestal. She has served as club president and area director and has held several positions in her district. She is known as a motivator for other Zontians and supports those who need it. Besides Zonta’s mission, a special concern for Kathrin is finding new club members without losing current Zontians, some of whom have been with the organization for many years. She aims to work closely with Zontians to build a better world for women and girls.

Kathrin was born and raised in Basel, Switzerland. She started her professional life as a nurse. After 10 years, she switched to the pharmaceutical industry and worked in international quality and training positions at Roche, a Swiss multinational healthcare company, for 30 years.

Snezana Curuvija
District 29 Governor
Zonta Club of Bochum, Germany

What makes me laugh?
I do not need a special opportunity or reason to laugh because I generally laugh a lot and am naturally cheerful.

For more than 12 years, Snezana Curuvija has been a part of Zonta with conscience and enthusiasm in several functions and responsibilities. She began her Zonta leadership journey by serving her club as treasurer, vice president and president. She then moved on to become vice area director and area director and is now the lieutenant governor.

Snezana has worked as an economist for 25 years in finance and business consulting. However, voluntary work and engagement in social and political aspects have always been important for her, which led her to upgrade her education at the University of Bochum in 2017-2018.

Snezana wishes to support refugees on their way to integration and to make society and the local community open-minded to the challenges they have to deal with. Since 2018, she has worked as an educational manager and intercultural coach for a company that directly cooperates with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. In the meantime, Snezana has held a political office in her hometown for many years.

Yana Yaneva-Gencheva
District 30 Governor
Zonta Club of Bourgas, Bulgaria

What makes me laugh?
My kids, Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean, books by Sir P. G. Wodehousе and movies with Bulgarian actor Georgi Partsalev.

Yana Yaneva-Gencheva has been a Zonta Club of Bourgas member since 2009 and has served as president and board member. On the district and international levels, she has been a vice area director, area director and chair or member of numerous district and international committees. Yana is currently the lieutenant governor. As an incoming governor, Yana brings along her interests in advocacy, vibrant membership and fundraising.

Yana is a corporate lawyer who ensures that a company's transactions comply with corporate laws and regulations. As an owner of a law firm, her duties include managing a team, assessing partnerships and negotiating deals.

Her interests include migration law and human rights, especially protecting women’s rights. When Yana is not working or doing Zonta work, she enjoys reading, yachting, traveling and designing.

Diana Cheng
District 31 Governor
Zonta Club of Taipei II, Republic of China (Taiwan)

What makes me laugh?
While I am with kids, they always make me laugh.

Diana Cheng has been a member of the Zonta Club of Taipei II since 2013. She has served as club president and area director and is currently the lieutenant governor. As an incoming governor, Diana hopes to actively promote the service plan of Zonta International according to the structure of bylaws and strive to charter new clubs and increase the growth of members.

Diana also plans to promote service activities for vulnerable women and children in her district, hold training courses for all 29 of her clubs, hold the district conference and lead members to attend area meetings.

Hyo Sook La
District 32 Governor
Zonta Club of Daejeon, South Korea

What makes me laugh?
Conversing with people that I love and care about makes me laugh.

Hyo Sook La’s life in Zonta began in 1991, and she is a member of the Zonta Club of Daejeon. Her home, Daejeon City, is located in central South Korea. She has served as club president, area director and chair of her district’s Young Women in Public Affairs committee before she started her term as lieutenant governor.

For 38 years, Hyo Sook has worked in the education field as a teacher, principal and school inspector, establishing educational policies and teacher training. Apart from her main job, she has volunteered with the Korean Girl Scouts and the Korean Red Cross. Hyo Sook retired in 2016 and is now focusing her efforts on her duties in Zonta.