Board Members

President

I am an Italian medical researcher, food blogger, food writer who was born in Como (Italy) on the shores of the beautiful lake which bears the same name. My first love, chemistry and science, led me to a master’s degree in medical and pharmaceutical research.

I worked as a scientist in Belgium and Austria for more than a decade, and after returning to Italy I shifted my attention to cooking, nutrition and wellness – my lifelong passions!

I learned to cook primarily from my grandmother and her mother, two excellent cooks, and even today I like to experiment with different tastes and textures, tingeing from the Italian culinary culture to create my own personal recipes.

I  write a cooking blog called “Passion and Cooking” (www.passionandcooking.com), contribute to several national and international magazines and share anecdotes about Italian cuisine and culture during my cooking lessons.

Born in Turkiye and graduated as textile engineer in Bursa which is the silk capital of Turkiye. After university, in 2003 I arrived in Como-another silk capital, to volunteer for an association (CSV)in the frame of European Voluntary Service organised by European Commission.

Como Lake has been a milestone that changed my entire life, where I met my Turkish husband, had 2 lovely children and started my carreer.

I’m the founder of TESSIDEA, a consulting & sourcing firm (mainly in textiles) that connects Turkiye and Italy to the whole world.

I am a lifelong learner who adores travelling, reading&writing, cooking, crowded tables and cross-stitching. I’m really happy to be a part of the Como International Club that offers a multicultural platform for meeting new people, new cultures and sharing life experiences

Membership

Born in the U.K, but spent most of my life outside except for my boarding school years. I’ve spent time in the states, Italy, Spain, but mainly in South America.

I have been living in Moltrasio for almost 2 years’ as I have family living in the lake.

I was visiting on and off for the 5 previous years. I love travelling (using any excuse) exploring wherever, gardening, films and going up mountains, I will be in charge of membership as part of the 2019 CIC board.

From Russia, I worked as a translator and interpreter since my studentship.  I previously worked for an international company in the automobile industry in Russia. Starting from 2016 I live between Italy and Russia.

In addition to translation from English and Italian into Russian, I also write blogs about Como for COMO LAKE Today and create customized itineraries for tourists. I enjoy trekking, hiking, biking and skiing in my free time.

As a member of the club, I am responsible for organizing events that will help our members get acquainted with local cultural and gastronomic traditions.

Treasurer

I was born in Milan in 1970, I am married with one son, Luca, 16 years old. I graduated at Bocconi University in Economics and I am a Certified Tax Advisor and Certified Public Accountant.

I worked for 12 years for an International Tax and Law Firm in Milan. In 2004 I followed my husband in the Netherlands where we lived for 7 years; then we moved to San Paulo in Brazil and we lived there for 3 years. In 2013 we moved back to the Netherlands where we stayed for other 3 years.

I really liked the international experience, it changed my way of living and my approach to life. I like to travel, to go to concerts, to visit, to eat, to walk….and to chat.

Having the Russian origin, British husband, successful international career and long residence in Italy on the shores of Lake Como, I consider myself truly cosmopolitan.

I have been working in the wine industry for over 20 years. I am an award-winning journalist, as well as author, critic, educator, consultant. I run a Russian language wine website and organise various wine activities in Como.

Besides wine, which is both a job and a pleasure, I love cooking and gardening, opera and art, fashion and design, traveling and hiking.

As a board member, I organise enogastronomic and cultural activities.

Events

I am originally from Germany and was born in Lübeck on the Baltic Sea. I hold a diploma in wholesale and foreign commerce.

After travelling and working in different countries, mostly as a secretary in various companies, I settled with my Italian husband in Italy. We have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren.

Now retired from work, I enjoy being a member of Como International club and organising various events. My hobbies include travelling, sewing, gardening and playing the Burraco.

I am Silvia, an adoring mum, journalist and lover of everything art, fashion and travel. I come from an international background, starting from my father who was born in Egypt.

I love meeting people from around the world and learning about new cultures and their unique ways.

I speak English, Spanish and French. I am looking forward to organising great events for our members this year.