Our Board & Contact Form
We would love to hear from you!
If you would like to contact us, please email by clicking on the button below.
For specific enquiries, email one of our Board members whose profiles and details are listed below.
The Board meets on a monthly basis (excluding the summer) to monitor progress, make decisions and plan for the future. If you have an issue that you would like discussed at a board meeting, please email our secretary at least 3 days before the meeting.
Our Board of Directors
2025
Isabell Guidastri
President
As a business consultant with 20+ years of experience, Isabell confidently supports companies through organizational change. Just as she helps international newcomers arriving in Modena in their personal and professional transitions with optimism, strong connections, and using a hands-on approach.
She is a committed networker who believes in turning ideas and dreams into reality—always together. Isabell lives by her motto: Love it, leave it, or change it.
Irem Sel Pacini
Treasurer
Irem was born and raised in Izmir in Turkey, known for its rich history and beautiful coastline. In 2020, she moved to Modena, with her daughter and Italian husband, starting a new chapter in life. Her journey from Izmir to Modena has been one of growth, and she continues to embrace new opportunities.
With 23 years of experience in accounting and finance, she has worked with international companies, specialising in accounting, finance, and auditing.
Beyond her career, she has a deep passion for travelling, particularly to seaside destinations, where she enjoys discovering new cultures and cuisines.
Kelly Louise Rooker
Secretary, and Website & App Director
Kelly is from England and came to Modena in February 2016 searching for a happier life. Within no time at all, she made friends, began learning Italian, and started her new life. With a background in art and teaching, she then studied online to teach English as a foreign language, and some years later, completed an Executive Masters in Human Resource Management.
She joined IWAM in May 2019 looking to connect with like-minded women in the area and started the Creatives interest group, hoping to start a creative community. She has volunteered for IWAM since 2020 in the Digital Team editing the website, eventually becoming the Website and App Team Leader.
Sabrina Sattler
Marketing and Communications Director
Sabrina is from Germany and moved to Modena in 2015 after spending more than ten years in the United States. She studied International Business in Germany before moving to Texas where she graduated with an International MBA and an M.S. in Business Administration. She has worked in various industries in Egypt, Germany, France and the United States and now works as a freelance research consultant. Her areas of expertise are qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and statistical data analysis.
In her free time, she enjoys travelling, scuba diving, skiing and discovering the beautiful Italian countryside.
Gisele Gurgel
Empowerment Director
Life for Gisele is all about riding the perfect wave. Her passion for adventure sports, especially surfing, has taught her resilience and adaptability. She loves inspiring others to embrace change and turn challenges into opportunities. She’s a global marketing and strategy expert with over 20 years of experience across various industries and thrives on leading exciting transformations and problem solving.
As the Empowerment Director at IWAM, her dedication to creating growth and support opportunities within a thriving community is profound. Currently training as a professional coach and committed to helping people unlock their potential while gaining new skills. She’s excited to bring her energy and strategic mindset to initiatives that drive positive impact!
Meredith Hansbury
Membership Director
Meredith was born and raised in Marin County, just outside of San Francisco, California. Her first trip (of many!) to Modena was in 2008 to visit her Italian relatives. After multiple summer trips, she finally decided to move in 2022 and call Modena home. Her professional journey has seen her transition from roles as a Winery Cellarhand in New Zealand to a Tasting Room Manager in California’s Central Coast, then onto Consulting Firm Recruiter, Automotive Operations Manager, and presently, an ESL Teacher in Modena.
Beyond her career pursuits, Meredith finds joy in collecting magnets while traveling, thrift shopping, and leisurely Italian Sunday lunches with friends and family.