Our Story
Read about ours…
Our Beginning
A deep wish to help others, who are in the same situation as so many of us were once, was the key driver to building this association, which has grown unbelievably fast since our foundation in December 2014.
Our Beginning
A deep wish to help others, who are in the same situation as so many of us were once, was the key driver to building this association, which has grown unbelievably fast since our foundation in December 2014.
Our Founder
Simone Zaminer Founder & Former President (2014-2025)
Born and raised in Germany with Austrian roots, Simone has always felt deeply Italian at heart—a connection that brought her to call Modena home in 2014. That same year, she founded the International Women’s Association of Modena to create a space where international women could connect across cultures, support one another, and thrive both personally and professionally.
Over the following decade as President and Vice President, she grew IWAM into a well-established, vibrant community that bridges cultures and continents, creating lasting and meaningful connections.
Having worked and studied across the world and traveled to over 70 countries, Simone brings a genuinely global mindset and deep curiosity for people and cultures. Her passion for empowering women—especially those navigating moments of transition—is the same foundation that led her to create IWAM and now drives her as founder of a transformative travel business for women at crossroads, ready for more.
She stepped down in 2025 to make space for new energy and leadership. Her heart remains closely connected to the flourishing community IWAM has become.
