Analesa's Speech at the 30th IFC Anniversary

Thirty years ago, on October 8, 1996, when I was working in the cross-cultural training profession, I invited about 12 people who were clients to my home. We had what I now call a “collective” meeting. Depending on what people were excited about was how this was formed.

Some people weren’t interested in sharing different cultures, but because those who were interested stayed, we have what continues to be an incredible club.

There are 40 countries represented in our club. Pretty consistently, we have about 120 members locally. Now there are 132 members. I am very proud of that. As I have said to some people, other than raising my two wonderful sons, I am most proud of IFC and that it has helped so many people over the years.

My goal in my cross-cultural work and in starting this club has always been world peace. I did not care if the companies made money! (lol) They did, because we taught them how to operate in different cultures. But for me, I want people to care about each other in our world. And that really happens in this club. It brings me to a real heart space when I think about that.

We live in a world with a lot of divisiveness out there. And as Carol, our current president, said, I stick to this mission. We represent what the world can be and is, here and in other places.

I want to commend so many of the volunteers and say how many people have stepped up. In IFC, there are opportunities to be a leader, whether it is heading an interest group, being on the board, or your first time doing a talk. This year, we had several members doing talks for our monthly meetings, and I know it was a stretch.

This club allows you to be courageous and to step up and to enjoy whatever you enjoy with all these beautiful interest group offerings.

I really applaud you all for being part of it. I am so grateful you are here. I was away after five years of founding the club and being the first president. When I came back to New Jersey in September 2024, I went to the coffee meeting. There were over 40 cars from women who were attending. It was so overwhelming and really wonderful to see.

There are some testimonials on your tables. Thank you to all who wrote in. You are all welcome to still write and send them in. We will have them on the website, so newcomers will know how this club has helped other people.

People often come up and thank me. I appreciate that. I came back from living in Japan, as you may know, and I missed my international friends. My clients were having a hard time finding their way here, so here we are!

I want to especially thank the past presidents. Please stand up, Rita. I get teary every time I see Rita because if it weren’t for Rita taking over the presidency when I moved, we wouldn’t have a club. Thank you so much, Rita.

One of the testimonials says this: “The most wonderful thing about the IFC is that it is entirely run by selfless volunteers willing to share their interests and give their time to make the club what it is; the club would not exist without them, and I am forever grateful to them. Thank you!”

I could have written that myself. That is certainly today’s theme. I hope IFC serves you for many years to come. Thank you all.