With my own spouse having been President of the International Women's Club of Belgrade, I know very well what a complex organizational, logistical, financial stewardship and quite literally diplomatic role Valerie Stulikova performed in heading up IWCKyiv. In addition to managing an annual mega-event (the biggest in the Kyiv international community), there was an intense calendar of working and interest groups to coordinate, as well as charitable social project decisionmaking and monitoring. Given that members and stakeholders came from dozens of countries, cross-cultural skills, active listening, and empathy were key Valerie Stulikova attributes that made the collaboration of our Canadian Embassy (and indeed all resident diplomatic missions) with IWCKyiv under her leadership such as success.

Roman Waschuk
Ex-Ambassador (to UA, SRB, MK, MNE); Current NGO Board member and pundit

Thanks to your guide and hospitality, I felt welcomed with the toddler, in the big busy city, without being scared/intimidated/nervous. You showed and took us to Family and Kids friendly, accessible places, that’s why we could have an amazing visit both two times. We wouldn’t have known where a good place to go with kids was, how to find easy, fun places without big effort and complications without you. You helped us to understand what to expect, and you made me feel comfortable, so I was able to have fun because I didn’t have to worry about those things.

You introduced us to a lot of outside time which is so important for kids and adults. You took us to the zoo, to ride a little boat to cross the river, to walk in the woods on an accessible stroller path with the little kids. It was eye opening  that you took us to outdoor cafes and restaurants with big outdoor play areas that kids could play close by while adults could relax, had drinks, which made everybody happy. You also took us to a beautiful flower garden and historic places even though with kids.

I think Prague is a very family oriented, kids friendly city,  but we wouldn’t know how to find those places and get around, unless we live there for a long time to discover and learn on our own, which is not easy especially with young kids. 

That was exciting for us to be able to see both real life in Prague and historical /tourist parts. 

Aya Holmstrom

I highly recommend Valerie. I have attended her events and activities for both children and adults over the years. She is kind, empathetic and adventurous. She always has great new ideas to bring people from different backgrounds together to try something new, to learn and, most importantly, to enjoy.

Neda from Australia 

I was organising IWCK Charity Bazaar three years as a Head of Fundraising and two years supervising as a President of the Club. IWCK Charity Bazaar was the flagship of our organisation (IWCK), its main goal was to raise money for Ukranian charity projects and show cultures from 5 continets to the Ukrainian public.This traditional pre-Christmas charity event was organised together with 40 embassies, attended by 8000 visitors and supported with 50 international companies as sponsors.