CANDIDATE BIO's
Here’s a little information about each of the women who have been nominated for roles.
Please take some time to review, before making your vote. You can vote online or in person at the AGM.
1). CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT
The President is answerable to the Board, is expected to further the interests of SOS, is the main contact with SOS, is responsible for providing a programme of activities for the year, is responsible for ensuring that relevant communications are circulated, and attends all SOS hosted events.
YVONNE ROBERTS
Co-President of SOS since 2011.
I'm proud of the impact of Sisters on Samui has had on our local community over the past 9 years - bringing ladies together for monthly lunches and community fundraising activities to help Samui Hospital, Samui Prison and Samui Rescue and those currently out of work due to COVID.
My experience is eclectic coming from areas such as working in numerous non-profit organisations from families in crisis in America, rehabilitation of animals in central America to King's projects in Northern Thailand to name a few - along with my passion for travel and art. Samui as a home has offered such fulfilment so a chance to give back through our SOS projects has been key in my being part of a caring community.
Over the coming months I look forward to formalising the structure of SOS into a Thai Foundation, and continuing our support of our local community with the wider involvement of our Board.
Here's to a great things ahead for SOS!
NICKY HOOD
Nicky is an active Samui resident of 16 years, runs her own VAT Registered Villa Management Company, helps arrange local fundraisers and loves dogs! Currently Honorary British Consul for Samui. Working with the British Embassy for 3 years, assisting expats & tourists in vulnerable and unusual situations, working with various officials of the Thai establishment. Trained with the Royal Thai Police - rape counselling, safety training and prevention. Previously, worked in hospitality for 15 years. As General Manager, launching venues, hosting training seminars. 2nd place ‘Business Person of the Year’ Northamptonshire and a BEDA Award Finalist. Nicky is looking forward to seeing SOS grow into a foundation, to move with the times. She would like to continue to assist all residents of Samui. Excited about working with the members - old and new- to get involved and put forward their thoughts, ideas and experiences to see the SOS flourish in future years.
2). CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-President presides over committee meetings and covers for the President in their absence. The Vice-President does not automatically fill the role of the President when the President retires.
JULIETTE BURROWS
First came to Samui in 2001 – island hopped then back in 2006. I have 2 children and manage 3 of my own businesses on Samui. Predominantly worked within the Hospitality and Catering sector and getting into Events and weddings on the island was a natural progression.
Attending a few SOS lunches, I loved what the group stands for – when Sue retired, I was approached by a friend who said I would be a good fit – when I went to meet Sue, standing there was Yvonne, she knew the two of us would work well & complement each other.
Over the 9 years I have been so proud to be Co President – from assisting set up different sections in the Woman’s Prison to the refurbishment of Nathon Hospital – and everything else in between. I am excited that SOS has started to get more recognition this year and am looking forward to what else we can achieve in the years ahead.
JANE OPENSHAW
I have lived and worked in Thailand since 2004, with my first holiday to Koh Samui in 2002. Samui is now the place I call home with my Thai partner and our two young children.
Over the last 10 years, as a member of Sisters on Samui, I have attended lunches and assisted in all parts of SOS with charity events, emails and am often seen at the door collecting money with Claudia. I now feel ready to take a step further and become more involved in the running of the organisation.
I am a teacher, businesswoman and property owner and hope to utilise my skills and local knowledge to benefit people on the island. I am excited to see SOS grow into a foundation, grow in numbers and strength, and continue to raise money for good causes within the local community.
3). CANDIDATES FOR TREASURER
Only 1 candidate nominated for this position (therefore no contest)
The Treasurer is responsible for receiving all monies from the Secretary, is responsible for maintaining the written financial records of income and expenditure of the Group and is responsible for running the finances.
CLAUDIA WILKINSON
Mature lady but young at heart with a Bachelor of Arts degree. A Personnel Manager to an Engineering Company and also ran several businesses with David. Always did the book keeping although, funnily enough, the one O level I failed was Maths.
I was a full time carer to David for 9 years until his death and now find I have time on my hands to devote to the good work done by the SOS.
4). Candidates for secretary
The Secretary is responsible for receiving all cash and transferring it to the Treasurer, is responsible for convening the AGM – sending out a notice to all participants and all matters relating to the AGM including the election and re-election of the committee members and recording the minutes and related action points, is responsible for maintaining the register of all participants who have signed up with SOS, is responsible for minutes at any meeting where the President/Co-President is in attendance, and can appoint an alternate if needed in an emergency.
MAYA WAHRENBERGER
Being a reliable person who has an honest approach to all life matters, I believe to be a good fit for the Sisters on Samui. Most of my professional life I spent in offices - as a secretary. My many years of professional experience in a variety of environments have made me a multilingual all-rounder. The last few years before retiring, I was working part-time as a CareGiver with homebound elderly people as well as in a home for mentally disabled and handicapped adults. I have been living on Koh Samui a year and a half and am a proud grandma of a gorgeous ten months old girl. Staying on this island and considering the work of the Sisters on Samui outstanding, I would be honoured to be part of the action for the good.
HANNAH SCARD
I have been a member of the SOS group since moving to Thailand over 5 years ago, attending monthly lunches with my mum, Maureen. Currently, I work at Melati Beach resort in Plai Leam as the weddings and events manager and also as their communications strategist. Previous work in the UK was in sales and operations, so I am a very organised and dedicated person. I always help out where I can for good causes and charity events, with SOS Christmas and the Green Market being my most recent commitments. I hope to assist SOS as secretary and be involved in all aspects of the group.
5). CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
The Associate Directors (x3) provide guidance with regard to business and finances.
Nat Kamolwattanasoontorn
A Samui girl on and off since 2006, I fell in love here with a special man, the island and the country. Thailand has been home 14 years on Koh Samui, Koh Chang, Phuket and Koh Samui again. All the while on my islands I have managed resorts, with a career spanning 26 years in Hospitality.
2020 has seen me step away from hotels into our Engineering business based in Ban Tai. I have always loved what SOS has done and had the pleasure of hosting SOS lunches in my resorts; now I have the chance to assist this fab group of ladies in giving back to our community and feel I have skills that would fit the role of an Associate Director.
Thank you for considering my suitability.
Saraid CAREY
With 17 years in the hotel industry with Hyatt Hotel Corp; complimented by 7 years of not-for-profit sector in Australia; a designer to world stage foodie and fashion events and marketing deliverables; Saraid is a highly motivated leader driven by the beauty of service, brand and overall experience.
TAMMY WADE
Hello, my name is Tammy. I’m a small business owner with experience in marketing, technology, events and fundraising. Prior to moving to Samui in 2015 I had a career in Marketing and served with the Dress for Success Sydney charity. I am currently on the Free Yoga Community Samui board, and in June this year I organised the FeedSamui raffle which helped raise over 250K THB for SOS. I also helped complete the new SOS website (pro bono).
I feel that my broad skills and experience will be suitable for the role of Associate Director.
Sandy Cacchione
My name is Sandy Cacchione and I’m 36 years old. Before moving to Thailand in 2011 I was employed by a Swiss Bank, working my way up from Cashier to Advisor in Private Banking and getting my Bachelor degree in Banking and Finance.
After 8 years I left that career in search for new adventures and a change of lifestyle. I swapped my suits for wetsuits and became first an underwater photographer, then a Scuba Diving Instructor and eventually I managed a dive centre on Koh Tao.
4 years ago my husband and I moved to Koh Samui, which is when I shifted from managing to working online as a Marketing Consultant and Booking Agent.
Additionally, I worked part-time for PADI (Professional Scuba Diving Association) in Customer Service and Tech Support for 5 years until the end of last year. Since my baby girl was born in January 2020 I’ve been a full-time mum, which is why I now have the time to be more involved in this wonderful organization. Koh Samui and it’s community are close to my heart, even more so since I will be raising my daughter here. I would be happy to help SOS succeed as an official foundation and with the many future projects.