Ashley Grandisch | Co-President

Ashley Grandisch is the Co-President of ANZA. She is an American citizen and grew up in the USA. In 2001 she started her international journey, living in Europe (Barcelona, Amsterdam and Berlin) for a combined 12 years.  Ashley, her German husband, and two teenage children then moved to SE Asia, living in Kuala Lumpur for 7 years, and now in Manila since 2022.

She served as President of The Barcelona Women's Network from 2012 to 2014. She was responsible for leading the executive team and overseeing the committees in the organization. The team successfully brought in sponsorship, supported several NGOs, and produced multiple events for the 250 members. Very similar to what ANZA is all about!

Ashley worked for 20 years in the IT industry, first as a graphic designer, and later as a project manager. Since 2014 she has been practicing as a credentialed professional coach, supporting executives to continue their personal and professional development through facilitating group workshops and individual coaching.

Ashley loves yoga, snorkeling, travelling, eating good food, and making amazing memories with lovely friends! 

Melissa Terry | Co-President

Melissa Terry is the Co-President of ANZA and originally from Hobart. Arriving in, June 2023, this is Melissa’s second posting to Manila. Her expat life began here in 2000 with her husband and continued to Jakata in 2003, giving birth to a daughter in each place, before returning to Australia and settling in Brisbane in 2008.  Melissa was Secretary of ANZA Manila and Co-President of MADS during her first stay here. Melissa is now looking forward to taking on a more active role within the ANZA community.

With over 20 years of experience as a Primary School teacher Melissa possesses strong communication and organisation skills, which will be invaluable to her role and ANZA's overall success. Melissa has a desire to be around people, a dry sense of humour and looks forward to making new connections and lasting friendships within the community

Melissa has many varied interests including learning the piano, playing tennis and golf, bookclubs, socialising, mahjong, charity work, buying art, home decor and clothes, travelling or visiting her daughters and two dogs abroad. .

Nikki Bennett | Secretary

Nikki Bennett is ANZA Secretary.  Originally from England, Nikki and her husband are also Australian citizens having emigrated to Sydney in 2008.  They continued their work and travel adventures in Hong Kong and Vietnam, arriving in Manila in March 2022.

Nikki worked as a tax adviser for over 20 years, mostly in the banking and finance industry and enjoys using the skills developed there in supporting the ANZA ExCo and community.

When not writing up minutes, Nikki loves playing netball, creating Islamic geometric art, meeting new people, travelling, good food, and looking after the BGC community cats; she’s a volunteer feeder and rarely is without a foster kitten at home.  She’s slowly getting around the Philippines and so far her favourite place is El Nido.

Lachlan Campbell | Treasurer

Lachlan Campbell is the Treasurer of ANZA. He is a qualified accountant with over 25 years' experience across a broad range of roles and industries.

Originally from Melbourne, Lachlan moved to Manila in January 2020 with his wife and 10 year old daughter. They arrived just in time for the Taal Volcano eruption and Covid lockdowns. It was quite an experience.

Lachlan enjoyed travelling throughout the Philippines and Asia with his family. Their favourite holiday destination is Siargao Island (unfortunately Lachlan is no good on a surfboard). When not travelling or working Lachlan can be found watching his beloved Richmond Tigers playing in the Australian Football League. 

Alice Cairn | Ball Coordinator

Alice moved to Manila in March of 2022 and attended ANZA's first in person coffee morning since the pandemic 4 days later! Originally from Wisemans Ferry in Sydney Australia, she is also our token dual citizen with her mother coming from Kati Kati, New Zealand!

Prior to moving to the Philippines Alice was a social worker in Boarding Schools and the Child Protection System, advocating for children and families who interacted with the Foster Care System. She served as our Social Media Coordinator from May 2023-24, took parental leave to welcome a baby and has now rejoined the team as Ball Coordinator and supporting the Charities role.

Martina Ryser | Events Coordinator 

Martina is the Events Coordinator of ANZA. She is Swiss and has a professional background in Marketing and Event Management.

Martina moved to Manila from Bangkok with her husband and her little daughter for her husband's work in April 2022. Back then, Manila was still coming out of all the pandemic restrictions and could feel like a very lonely place at times. She can still remember her first ANZA coffee morning and how happy it made her to meet so many nice and welcoming people.

Martina has been to most ANZA events ever since and is looking forward to giving back to the expat community in her new role. 

In her free time, she loves to binge watch TV series, do yoga or enjoy a glass of wine and good food with family and friends. She is also a passionate traveller and has visited almost all countries in South East Asia, as well as most parts of Australia and New Zealand. 

Beige De Lange | Membership Coordinator

Born and raised in Manila, Beige's life has been characterized by a spirit of adventure and exploration. Despite spending the majority of her life overseas, her connection to her roots remains strong. 

Beige had a long career in the airline industry, during which she worked as both a cabin crew member and an instructor in Korea. This both honed her skills in hospitality and instilled a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and effective communication. Fluent English, Dutch, Korean and Filipino, Beige embodies the essence of multiculturalism and effortlessly bridging gaps.

Amidst global challenges in 2020, Beige relocated from Singapore to the Philippines with her Dutch husband.  She found a sense of belonging within the ANZA Manila community, playing significant roles in organizing events post-pandemic and on the ANZA ball committee.  As a Memberships Coordinator Beige wishes to leverage her extensive background in hospitality to enhance member engagement and satisfaction. Her goal, together with her co-coordinator Christina Maningo, is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all ANZA members, ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected.

Christina Maningo | Membership Coordinator

Originally from the United States, Christina has spent the past 17 years immersing herself in the vibrant cultures of Asia, with time in China and Singapore before settling in the Philippines in 2015.

With a diverse background in industries like fashion and hospitality, Christina is now following her true calling as a dedicated Health & Wellness Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Wellness Retreat Host.  In addition, Christina manages operations at the boxing gym she co-founded with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys indulging in gourmet cooking, exploring the world through travel, and cherishing moments with close friends.

Christina joined ANZA back in 2021 as ANZA was the first club to do face-to-face events and it was the best decision she made! She found a new community of friends and is grateful for this opportunity to now give back as Co-Membership Coordinator with Beige De Lange. Together, Christina and Beige aim to grow this community and foster a welcoming atmosphere for all members, whether they are new arrivals in the Philippines or long-time residents. 

Aysa Marie Smith |Charities Coordinator

Aysa Marie Smith joined ANZA in 2022 and immediately fell in love with the organisation and in particular the chance to help support their good causes and charities.

Originally from Digos, a small town outside Davao City Philippines, Aysa’s career was in the hospitality industry working in hotels in Singapore and then Manila before taking a break to focus on her family and raise her 2 boys, who are 5 & 1 years of age.

Aysa loves travelling, both locally and abroad, enjoys keeping fit by playing tennis and will never turn down a chance to sing a bit of karaoke if the opportunity arrives.

| Communications Coordinator

Bio coming soon

Julie Boulet |Social Media Coordinator

Born in Germany to a French mother, Julie grew up in the south of France until she moved to Paris at the age of 17. After studying international relations and global communications, Julie worked in the press in Paris and Tunisia. She was the political officer for the British Embassy in Tunisia, where she focused on multilateral relations and climate diplomacy.

After moving back to Paris, Julie explored the beauty industry by joining a skincare company before becoming the head of Social Media & PR for niche fragrance brand Juliette has a Gun.

She now resides in Manila with her husband and cats where she works as a freelance communications manager, and has been enjoying Pilates and learning how to fly.

She joined ANZA for the fun, friends, and the great experiences led by a team of mostly strong women who work on making day to day life better for both the local and foreign community!

Katie Zacharska| Social Media Coordinator

Katie is one of ANZA's Social Media Coordinators. Originally from Poland, she moved to Manila in August 2022 to embark on a new adventure. After 3 years of wearing boots and heavy winter clothes in Japan, Katie loves wearing flip flops all year around.

Katie and her husband moved to Asia ten years ago and they never looked back. During this time, they lived in China and Japan where she discovered many new places, cultures and formed lasting friendships.

Aside from her love for travel, Katie also has a passion for sports. She become an avid skier while living in Japan. In Manila, tennis has become her thing, and she can often be found on the court honing her skills. 

Kerry Barlow-Herbosa | Sponsorship Coordinator

Kerry, a California native, embarked on a remarkable journey when she relocated to the Philippines in 2012 to support her husband's social enterprise endeavors. Prior to this move, Kerry had established herself as a dedicated advocate for social causes, contributing her talents to various NGOs, an HIV/AIDS health initiative in Oakland, creating a scholarship fund for former Hayward Vice Mayor Jimenez and her active participation in the Women's Conference.

In the Philippines, Kerry continued her philanthropic pursuits, focusing on the well-being of the Indigenous Tribe in Mindanao. She played a pivotal role in  a book project in collaboration with USAID to empower and uplift this marginalized community. In 2018, Kerry resided in the vibrant city of Auckland, New Zealand, experiencing its rich culture and diversity.

Beyond her altruistic endeavors, Kerry cherishes her free time enjoying the coastal beauty of diverse locations around the world (especially in the Philippines). She's an avid pickleball enthusiast and finds creative joy in crafting, all while cherishing precious moments with her beloved family.

Magda Kroszynska | Sponsorship Assistant

Bio coming soon

Karen Lam | 

Karen is ANZA’s Administration Coordinator marking her first official officer posting within the organization after joining ANZA as an active member upon moving to Manila from Hong Kong in August 2022. Karen brings experience from her 15 years in banking where she was predominantly responsible for leading a team to grow a diverse set of corporate client relationships.

Karen and her husband Jonathan are the parents of two children and two cats. Karen is a travel enthusiast and has visited over 40 countries around the world. She is also a foodie and yogi and loves spending time with her family and friends.

The Board of Trustees

Joshua Manoharan | Chair

Josh is a Filipino-Sri Lankan physiotherapist and fitness professional who graduated from the University of the Philippines - Manila. His involvement in the Australian community started through F45 BGC which he ran for 6 years.

He has trained and worked in various clinics and gyms locally and abroad and is also the founder of a telehealth and home health startup company called Kakayanan Digital Rehab Inc., which offers opportunities for Filipinos of all socioeconomic demographics to access physiotherapy services online and in person. He is also one of the go-to physiotherapists of expats based in Manila.

Outside of this innovative work, Josh is a creative multimedia and social media superstar and in his spare time enjoys staying active through regular strength training, trying out different sports recreationally and enriching his artistic side through cultural immersions when traveling. Naturally social, Josh can immerse seamlessly into any community as he can easily pick up any local language, as the situation calls for it, and truly connect with people with much ease.

Jenny Moriarty

Jenny joined the board in 2023 having been a member of ANZA since 2015 and has enjoyed participating in all events and meeting new members of the community.

Originally from Sydney Australia, Jenny, her husband Chris and two kids Bella (now 18) and Will (now 16) moved to Manila permanently in 2012 to set up a family-owned BPO and for Jenny to take up her first International teaching position at British School Manila (BSM). Jenny has now been with BSM for more than 11 years and just finished a 7-year stint on the PTA organising many large scale events for the school, including the BSM Fete and Guy Fawkes Night.

When she is not teaching she absolutely loves travelling around Asia and spending time socialising with friends and families discovering new restaurants (and bars) to try. 

This is a new role for Jenny and she is looking forward to working with the ANZA Board to organise lots of great events and to provide support to new people moving to Manila.

Shakira Snowdon 

Shakira Snowdon served as Co-President of ANZA with Daisy Pope-Brien from May 2021 to May 2024, having previously been Treasurer for a short time. Shakira and her husband moved to the Philippines from Australia several years ago, and have both been based working here since.

She is the Country Head of a Philippine BPO office, servicing the ANZ financial services industry. She holds an MBA and Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership. 

When not working, Shakira and her husband love to travel. Internationally, when possible, but they also really enjoy visiting the spectacular islands here in the Philippines. They have met many interesting people during their time here, having amazing adventures together. They love really great food, a decent bottle of red wine and singing videoke with good friends.