Welcome to the SAO Board: Anabel Wörner and Mike Helbling

Anabel Wörner 

My name is Anabel Wörner. I was born in 1995 and live in Winterthur. I got to know SAO through a presentation by Raquel Herzog at the Rotary Club Zurich au Lac - a moment that made a deep impression on me. Since then, I have followed the work of the association with great interest and a growing affinity. Later, I also had the opportunity to get to know Raquel Herzog and Eva Hammesfahr personally - and thus to understand the values that SAO stands for even better.  The topic of flight and human rights was central to my life from an early age: Even before my Matura, I worked in two asylum centres in Switzerland and dedicated my Matura-thesis to the topic of human rights in Switzerland, with a particular focus on the situation of refugees. During my studies, I accompanied Dr. Tareq Leyka, a Syrian doctor, and was able to experience his story of flight and the challenges of integration firsthand.

I have dedicated my entire professional career to NGO work in a wide variety of organisations and functions, gaining extensive knowledge and a growing network. But the work of SAO has never let go of me: The consistent focus on supporting women and children on the run - combined with an approach that creates authentic self-empowerment and sustainable perspectives - to enable change.

It is a great honour for me to support SAO at a strategic level as a member of the Board. I bring experience, a deep personal commitment, and a clear view of the challenges and opportunities in project work.

Anabel Wörner is now part of the SAO Board.

Mike Helbling 

My name is Mike Helbling, I was born in 1975, and now live in Steg im Tösstal. The first thing that connects me to SAO is my long-standing friendship with the founder, Raquel Herzog.  I was able to witness the creation and development of the organisation from the very beginning and have been a committed member and supporter ever since.  The well-being and safety of women are essential to me - especially in crisis and refugee situations where they are exposed to particular dangers. I am therefore delighted to be able to help shape and advance these goals as a member of the SAO Board in the future.

There are also some points of contact with the refugee issue in my private life. My partner works in the social sector and supports children with disabilities, including those from refugee families. My sister-in-law manages two refugee shelters in the greater Hamburg area. These personal points of contact deepen my understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and strengthen my commitment.  I am also involved in various cultural and social organisations, such as serving as a board member of Theatre am Gleis in Winterthur, participating in a food depot cooperative for fair and sustainable products, and working on a project for a family- and child-friendly café.

I have been working in the lighting industry for around 20 years, as a lighting designer, luminaire developer of high-quality custom-made products, managing director of a lighting manufacturer, and currently as a member of the management board of a manufacturer of intelligent lighting solutions in Gossau, SG.

I am delighted to be able to help shape SAO at a strategic level as a board member.

Mike Helbling is one of the two new SAO Board members.