Swedish Women's Educational Association
The Swedish Women's Educational Association, referred to as SWEA but officially designated SWEA International, Inc., is a global non-profit organization and a network for Swedish and Swedish-speaking women who reside or have resided outside of Sweden. SWEA is represented in many locations throughout the world and plays a major role in the Swedish State Department's emergency management plan. SWEA is a politically and religiously independent organization. Organization. SWEA International is the largest non-profit organization promoting Sweden outside of Sweden with the goal of promoting the Swedish language and spreading Swedish  culture and tradition. Each year, SWEA International awards three scholarships of US$10,000 each: In addition, SWEA International selects a Swedish Woman of the Year annually. Locally, SWEA International's chapters make donations and present scholarships that total about 2 million Swedish kronor (US$250,000) per year. SWEA International provides members with support as they relocate and move between countries, as well as welcoming and supporting members when they return to Sweden. SWEA International has approximately 7,000 women members in approximately 70 local chapters in about 30 countries on five continents. SWEA International's chairman since 2016 is Christina Hallmert . History. In 1979, SWEA International was founded in Los Angeles by Agneta Nilsson. Princess Christina Mrs. Magnuson is the association's honorary president. Swedish Woman of the Year. Since 1989, SWEA International has selected a Swedish Woman of the Year (abbreviated ÅSK, for "Årets Svenska Kvinna") annually. The recipient is announced during SWEA's annual meeting each spring and is recognized during the annual "Sweden dinner" organized each summer by one of the chapters located in Sweden. The recipient must be a Swedish woman who, through her accomplishments, has represented and brought attention to the Sweden of today in the  greater world. The following women have been recognized as Swedish Woman of the Year: