ABOUT WICE

Treasurer

Originally from Kazakhstan, Gul’sum is a vibrant member of the WICE community who moved to Paris in 2019. After a very successful career in corporate finance, she turned her attention to meaningful new commitments and—among other things—discovered WICE and became a volunteer.

As a finance professional, Gul’sum has been bringing her skills and knowledge to help better organize and codify WICE’s finance processes. And she has been a fountain of ideas for organizing new events. Her involvement reflects WICE’s spirit of community and volunteerism.

French Liaison Officer

Born in Bordeaux, where she grew up and studied finance and management, Elisabeth started her career in the wine business before moving to Paris to work as an executive in the Industry. 
After 15 years in Paris, she  went back to her passion, oenology, by passing the WSET (Wine  and Spirit Education Trust) Diploma  in London.  As a certified WSET Educator, she’s  been training other wines/spirits lovers and also collaborates with the Bordeaux Wine School as well as the  BNIC  (Bureau Interprofessionel du Cognac), for courses or events.

Elisabeth also loves cinema, cultural life in Paris, traveling, and making new friends. She joined WICE to practice English, and to be a more active member. She has been on the Board of Directors since 2024. 

Director of WICE Languages

Jay has been a full-time Paris resident since 2017, and a member of WICE since 2018. Before that she was founding partner and creative director of a boutique advertising agency specializing in direct marketing.  She attended Barnard College, majoring in American and English literature, and has a passionate interest in cinema, books, and fiberart.

Acting Secretary

Peter is the Secretary at WICE. A native Michigander from the USA, Peter is an oncology nurse by training, and has worked as such in New York City.  He has lived in Paris with his husband since 2023 and spends much of his time thinking about his next meal and fussing at the potted plants on his balcony. His favorite animals are his two cats.

President

Born in New York and raised in France, Pam received her Bac after spending a year at Sciences Po, Paris. She moved to Washington, DC and attended the Foreign Service School at Georgetown University. After working in publishing at Random House and Condé Nast, she then went on to a career in Special Events, working at Macy’s and then for several New York City museums in their Development departments. In 2004, Pam moved back to Paris, to live with her now-husband Jean-Paul Combastet. She serves on the Board of the American Aid Society and is the incumbent AARO secretary.

Administrative Officer

Mike is WICE’s Administrative Officer, where he oversees contracts, préfecture interactions, material management, and WICE’s insurance policies.

Born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area, Mike lived in Michigan his entire life until moving to Paris, France in 2023. He attended Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University, and completed a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications in 1981 from MSU. He worked in a family business for a several years before moving on to a career in international transportation as an export specialist. He retired several years before moving to France, and joined WICE soon after. 

Team Leader for the Volunteer Department

Michael is the Team Leader for the Volunteer Department. He oversees all aspects of volunteer on boarding and subsequent training.
Having recently retired from Corporate America, Michael and his husband, Eric, moved to Saint Germain-en-Laye in October 2024. Originally from the Midwest, Michael is a New Yorker by choice, having spent most of his adult life. He was very active in the community, and most recently served on the Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign. He was also part of the Red Bucket Brigade for Broadway Cares, and served on the Hospitality Committee at his church. Michael is excited to be working with WICE and helping to support all the great programs!

Vice President for Programs

Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, David lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 30 years before moving to Paris in 2024 with his wife Elaine, after retiring in 2023 from a career in information technology. He also lived in Germany and Brussels.

David’s hobbies include photography, bicycle touring, cooking and getting out to see and enjoy as much of Paris and France as possible.

Secretary

Susan hails from Wellington, New Zealand via London.  She loves hosting BBQs and aspires to run a half marathon… one day. When she isn’t busy trying to drain the EU’s wine lake, she writes short stories, practices her downward dog and looks after five demanding cats. She is passionate about history and handicrafts, and she is an avid reader who frequents the WICE Café Littéraire book group meetings. She has been the Secretary of the Board of Directors since 2024.

Vice President, Communications & Marketing

Shanna leads communications and marketing at WICE, bringing a fresh perspective to how WICE engages with its members and the international community in Paris. 
Shanna is a Punjabi-American hailing from San Diego, California, bringing nearly a decade of experience across NYC, London, and Miami in client-services, specializing in brand and marketing strategy across luxury, beauty, consumer goods, and tech. She speaks English, Spanish, French, Hindi, and Punjabi.
In 2023, Shanna moved to Paris for her MBA in Strategic Marketing & Management from HEC Paris, she also holds a BA in International Business and Economics and minors in French and Political Science from Drexel University in Philadelphia (Go Birds!). 
When she’s not working, Shanna is likely hunting down hidden gem restaurants in NYC or Paris or adding to her ever-growing reading list. You can find her on a Parisian terrace alternating between espressos and champagne.