Meet the BESIG committee

JOINT COORDINATORS

Marjorie Rosenberg

Marjorie Rosenberg (she/her) has been teaching business English in adult education institutions, in companies and at tertiary level for almost forty years in Graz, Austria, often drawing on her experience working for major advertising agencies in New York City. She has published extensively in ELT and in business English and has authored methodology books, photocopiable resources and co-authored several business English course books.

Marjorie has been an IATEFL BESIG member for close to thirty years and has been active both in the SIG as Coordinator from 2009 – 2015 and in IATEFL where she served as President from 2015 till 2017. As she is committed to working with colleagues in the field of BE, she is excited about being more involved again in the running of the SIG.

Silke Riegler

Silke Riegler (she/her) is a dedicated educator with a passion for business and intercultural communication. As a freelance intercultural trainer and lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences in Landshut, Germany, she enhances her students' learning experience by leveraging her business expertise and love for cultural diversity and the English language. She is committed to promoting learner autonomy through customized training programs and actively incorporates digital learning innovations into her teaching.

Silke's involvement with IATEFL BESIG began at the Stuttgart conference in 2012, sparking a long-term commitment. In 2021, she stepped up as a volunteer to assist the IATEFL BESIG Events Coordinator, contributing to the annual conference and organizing online workshops and webinars. Her dedication and skills led to her appointment as the IATEFL BESIG Online Events Coordinator, where she brings together a diverse array of speakers to foster continuous learning for members.

THE COMMITTEE

Birte Horn

Administration and Membership Coordinator

Vicky Margari

Conference Events Coordinator

Birte Horn (she/her) has been a dedicated lecturer of English as a Foreign Language for over two decades, focusing on tertiary education. She has primarily worked at universities, teaching business English, English for Specific and Academic Purposes, Intercultural Communication and Academic Writing. Birte aims to equip her students to thrive in a globalised environment by blending English language instruction with critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and communication. Her research interests vary and include intercultural competencies, 21st-century skills and the integration of AI in the classroom. Birte holds a master’s degree in English Studies and History as well as a Ph.D. in English and American Studies. She also works as a freelance copy editor specialising in academic texts and coaches learners working on degrees and other professional development.

Birte has been a member of IATEFL BESIG since 2017 and a volunteer for the past six years.

Vicky Margari (she/her) is a dedicated freelance trainer specializing in digital and global communication for remote teams. With a Cambridge DELTA and over 20 years of experience in managerial positions in Insurance, Hospitality, and Customer Service, she brings a wealth of experience to her training sessions. She supports companies in their digital transformation journeys as their communication needs evolve in digitally connected and globally diverse environments.

Currently training to be a leadership coach, Vicky is committed to helping individuals assess their leadership skills, design personalized development plans, and enhance their communication and decision-making abilities, particularly in remote and international teams.

Vicky has been an active IATEFL BESIG volunteer since 2020, contributing as a BESIG Online Team member, Media Coordinator and Webmaster. Since November 2024, she has taken on the role of Conference Coordinator and loves working with the other committee members to plan the best conference experience for delegates. Vicky looks forward to welcoming delegates to future conferences.

Katerina Apostolaki

Media Coordinator

Shweta Paropkari

Publications Coordinator

Katerina Apostolaki (she/her) is a dynamic professional whose expertise spans EdTech, educational program management, and innovative instructional methods. With a keen ability to amplify the impact of learning through cutting-edge technologies and engaging experiences, she excels in enhancing learner outcomes and ensuring seamless alignment between instructional design and strategic objectives. Her professional focus includes creating immersive digital learning experiences, coordinating high-profile events, and leading English language education initiatives. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of educational excellence, Katerina is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in every endeavor.

Katerina has consistently contributed to organizational success, demonstrating a verifiable history of driving impactful results. She is a proactive member of IATEFL, and belongs to both the Learning Technologies and Business English Special Interest Groups. Prior to being elected as the Media Coordinator, she served as a volunteer Design Assistant for IATEFL BESIG from August 2022.

Shweta Paropkari (she/her) is a certTESOL Qualified Teacher and Teacher Trainer with expertise in Business English, IELTS and ESP, a certified Cambridge Presenter, and a qualified Emotional Intelligence practitioner. In 2020, she won the Maria Keller First Time Speaker Scholarship at the 33rd IATEFL BESIG Conference and 2022, the Ray Tongue Scholarship at the 55th IATEFL Annual Conference in Belfast. Shweta is the Co-founder of Business Communication Facilitators’ Association of India (BCFAI) – a newly formed organisation for ELTs working or intending to work in the field of Business Communication in India. Currently, her focus areas are Teacher Training, Business Communication, Language & Cultural Competency training, and Workplace Skills for pre-service students. As the IATEFL BESIG Publications Co-ordinator, she aims to showcase and promote the IATEFL BESIG brand, its members, its volunteers, and the work they all do.

Uma Tadema

Online Events Coordinator

Uma Tadema (she/her) is an experienced educator with a B.A. in Economics and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics. After earning her CELTA and Cert TEB, she specialized in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and currently runs a language school in Germany.

She particularly enjoys teaching English to healthcare professionals and coordinating an English book club. As a qualified solutions-focused coach, Uma is passionate about learner agency and supports learners take ownership of their learning journeys.

As part of her role as a telc speaking examiner and team leader for Cambridge exams, she is actively engaged in the world of international English assessments.

Uma also dedicates a significant part of her time to volunteer work, including at BESIG, where she thrives on learning, networking, and contributing to the professional community.

As someone who has lived and worked in India, Germany, China and Australia, Uma feels at home in many parts of the world and loves exploring our beautiful planet both in person and through books and films.