AWCL Welcomes New President on US Independence Day

On Saturday 4 July 2026, the non-profit organisation American Women’s Club of Luxembourg (AWCL) brought together its members for an Extraordinary General Meeting, held alongside a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (US).

Taking place on the symbolic date of US Independence Day, the event was hosted at Brasserie Alfa in Luxembourg-Gare. It centred on the election of a new president, the transition of several Board positions and reflections on the organisation's future.

Opening the event, Pierre Dorrell, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa, welcomed attendees and reflected on the 250th anniversary of the US. He recalled the hotel's historic connection to the Second World War, explaining that it had served as the headquarters of George S Patton during the Battle of the Bulge.

The meeting, attended by around twenty members, was formally opened by outgoing President Corinne Koenig, who formally handed over the presidency and will continue serving on the Board as Vice President. She reflected on her three years leading the organisation and thanked members for their continued support. "The club can only thrive if there is movement on the board. New ideas, old ideas - it all comes together, and the new board will find its own path," she said.

Corinne Koenig also reflected on the club's achievements during her presidency, including welcoming new members, strengthening partnerships, expanding charitable activities and further developing AWCL's increasingly international community.

AWCL Secretary Terri Weldon then officially opened the Extraordinary General Meeting, explaining that "the purpose of this meeting is to bring forth a new nominee for president. Under club bylaws, we must vote on that nominee," before introducing the Board transitions and the club's new President Rosanna Greco.

In her address Rosanna Greco paid tribute to the volunteers whose work often goes unnoticed, highlighting the effort behind organising the club's activities and initiatives. "People see the welcome events, the French classes, the hikes, the Gifts for Kids campaign. But what they don't see is the planning meetings, the WhatsApp messages, the emails, the phone calls. Every time someone steps up and says, 'I'll take care of it' - that's what keeps the AWCL going," she said.

She described herself as "Venezuelan by birth, Italian by blood but American by choice" and shared how she arrived in Luxembourg in October 2024 knowing only one person before joining AWCL a week later.

Looking ahead, Rosanna Greco said she wanted AWCL to become the place people recommend to anyone wondering how to meet people in Luxembourg. Reflecting on her first days in the country, she said: "I thought I was joining a club. Instead, I found my community," explaining that some of her closest friendships had begun through the organisation.

During the meeting, members also welcomed Vicki Hansen, President of the Schengen Peace Foundation, as keynote speaker.

Drawing on decades of experience in project management, international cooperation, humanitarian work and sustainable development, Vicki Hansen spoke about the foundation's mission to promote peace through recognition and collaboration. She presented its two flagship initiatives, the World Peace Forum and the Luxembourg Peace Prize, explaining how both have expanded internationally in recent years.

Under her leadership, the Luxembourg Peace Prize has grown from five to thirteen award categories and has recognised more than 100 laureates worldwide, while the World Peace Forum has expanded its reach from European Union (EU), the Middle East and the US to Africa and Asia.

Reflecting on her own international journey, Vicki Hansen also said she was grateful to be raising her family in Luxembourg, praising the country's multicultural environment and strong spirit of international cooperation.

The meeting concluded with brunch and informal networking among members and guests.