Darlene Oglesby

President

My family moved to Bordeaux in 2019 BC – in times we now call "Before Covid". Fortunately, this American managed to make it to a luncheon before the world closed all the doors. The interesting, creative women I met that first day have carried me as I have adjusted to a new land, a new language and a new way of living. Since then, I have found that our club members love nothing more than sharing their friendship, experience and sense of adventure.

As President, I can't wait to meet you at our luncheons, meet-ups, events, bike rides, book clubs and outreach opportunities.

Cynthia Hart-Soden

Secretary

I’m American by birth and a naturalised French citizen. After earning my MS Degree from the University of Michigan, I began my working career as an environmental engineer then moving on to teaching after moving to Europe. Finally settling in Dordogne 29 years ago, I raised my 2 sons alone in a small village in Dordogne, I appreciate first-hand how important a supportive social network can be. I joined the BWC in 2008 and while my work timetable did not allow me to attend many lunches, the Club still provided me with a welcoming group to turn to. Now retired, recently remarried and a budding ceramicist, I am looking forward to my role as Secretary in this dynamic team!  

Kit Seguin

Vice President

Community Outreach Coordinator

The BWC became an important part of my life with our precipitous move from Brazil to rural Aquitaine in 1998.  As an American with iffy French, I was overwhelmed with moving in, children's school adjustments, and my husband's failing health. French member Martine kindly introduced me to the BWC, where I so appreciated the quiet support of new friends.  I found solace in a reading group begun with another French member, Isabelle (Turning The Page Book Club - still going strong). 

After a teaching career, I joined the Statutes Committee and now also work with Community Outreach, BWC's charitable program for women, girls and children.  A social club with a social conscience ? - I approve ! 

Katey Murray

Treasurer

I have lived in France since 2003. I am British with Scottish, Liverpudlian and Irish origins. I am married to a French man and we have two boys born in 2013 and 2015. I have been a member of the club since 2017 and I was appointed as Treasurer in 2020. I studied law in the UK and France. From 2012-2017 I worked as an in-house lawyer and personal tax lawyer for an accountancy firm near Bordeaux. Since 2017 I have been working as a Financial Adviser for the English-speaking expatriate community. I like attending the luncheons and the Walks and Talks when I can. I love the way the BWC members support and celebrate each other. 

Marie-Noëlle Grousset

Officer-at-Large

I am French. My husband and I retired in the Entre-2-Mers.

Because of my husband’s job, we had the opportunity to live near New York City. We felt so welcome in the United States! Even 35 years later, we are still close to our dear American friends. Being in the BWC for 30 years has reminded me of this period of my life. I was introduced by Sheri Thompson, a previous member and President. My volunteer work in the Club is my way of showing how thankful I am.

I enjoy meeting all these open minded ladies coming from all over the world.

Linda Dench

Officer-at-Large

I’m British and have been living in France for over 40 years, the last nine of which in Pessac.

I’m involved in several associations and try to give something back to each of them. 

I was delighted to discover BWC, because part of me was missing the intercultural mix. The more I see of Bordeaux Women's Club, the more impressed I am. Lively, intelligent and enthusiastic women. And I can honestly say that I know of no other organisation which is so well structured. You just KNOW that it is the result of years of hard work and good team work. And BWC ladies are SO generous with their time. For the last couple of years, I have been a joint neighbourhood coordinator for the South-west suburbs.

I’m looking forward to being part of the Board.

Mercedes Rosiefsky

Officer-at-Large

I'm of Spanish descent, grew up and lived for many years in Paris. I also spent several years in Spain, Germany, and Switzerland which gave me the opportunity to learn Spanish, French, English and German. Although my husband is German, English is our language at home. Currently residing in Saint Sulpice et Cameyrac, I'm  involved in my community as a volunteer for Les Blouses Roses, and as a scholastic tutor at the local école primaire. 

I joined the BWC in 2019 when we moved to Bordeaux and since then the Club has allowed me to meet very interesting and varied women. It has surprisingly been the best way to feel at home in Bordeaux.