SWEA, Swedish Women’s Educational Association has come a long way since the first SWEA chapter was born in California in 1979. 125 SWEA members recently convened in New York City, for the annual regional meeting for Eastern Americas.

The October 8-10, 2010, SWEA International Region Eastern Americas was one of seven SWEA regional meetings held all over the world in October. Those attending were treated to a rich and varied program, arranged by the local SWEA New York chapter, and fabulous warm autumn weather.

The program started with a visit to the United Nations for a guided tour followed by lunch. In the evening everyone mingled at Scandinavia House where the group was greeted by Sweden’s Honorary Consul General in New York, Mr. David Dangoor (http://www.swedennewyork.com).

The Saturday annual meeting was held at the Roger Smith Hotel (http://www.rogersmith.com), where Ulrika Bengtsson offered her Swedish sisters a royal treat. Those not taking part in the annual meeting had an opportunity to visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and enjoy brunch at White Slab Palace (http://www.whiteslabpalace.com), run by Swedish born Annika Sundvik. Saturday night was spent cruising on the Hudson while enjoying dinner and entertainment. The sunset was beautiful, seeing Manhattan from the water quite spectacular, and coming so close to the illuminated Statue of Liberty unforgettable.

On Sunday the choice was between taking part in a “Sex and the City” bus tour, or a brunch with the Harlem Gospel Choir. At the latter event five SWEA members ended up on the stage with the Choir. It was the culmination of an altogether great weekend.

Text: Margaretha Talerman
Photo: Maria Manse

More information about SWEA, see www.swea.org.

Our longer story in conjunction with the 2009 30th anniversary celebration of SWEA: http://www.nordstjernan.com/news/organizations/1238/