In Memoriam

With great sorrow we are sharing the news of IWF NorCal member Mary Kay Higgins Crockett's passing on Thursday, October 3rd at her home at Carmel Valley Manor. She was 94 and will be deeply missed. Her obituary is available here. A ceremony of her life will take place on January 11, 2025 at her beloved Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach, CA at 1 pm, followed by a celebration.

Recent Events

Ovaries May Be The Key To Aging

​October 9, IWF NorCal member Jan Yanehiro hosted members and guests in her lovely home to hear from new member Jennifer Garrison who is Co-Founder and Director of the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality and a faculty member at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Jennifer is dedicated to finding the key to women and aging. She shared her astonishing findings and her cutting edge experiments over an amazing potluck spread.

From Passion to Action: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact

October 7, The East Bay Community Foundation team, led by President and CEO Brandi Howard and VP of Philanthropy Elle Fersan, held an informative conversation with IWF NorCal members, outlining the role of women and communities in advancing and supporting work that builds and shapes how we live in community. Their extraordinary strategic leadership focused on advancing communities is an inspiration. Members may watch the recording here.

Mahjong 101 Over Tea in Chinatown

October 5, IWF NorCal members gathered to play mahjong over tea and sweets at Jade Chocolates in San Francisco Chinatown. Denise Brosseau, Eleanor Chang, Margaret Conley and Mary Jo Potter taught the group both American and Chinese styles of the game. It was a very fun time!

The Power of A Few Kind Words

October 1, IWF NorCal member Lori Whitney organized a special session with Tracey Gates, Wellness Coach, Speaker and Author, where she shared inspiring personal stories she experienced writing an unexpected letter of appreciation to a different person every day for one year. It was positive and affirming with tangible ways to experience a more meaningful, productive, and connected life. Members may watch the recording here.

Psychedelics and Religion

September 26, Special guest Professor Sam Shonkoff led a virtual discussion on psychedelics and religion, exploring how insights from the histories and spiritualities of religions might shed crucial light on the past, present, and future of psychedelics. It was a fascinating and informative session brought to IWF members by Mary Jo Potter. Members may watch the recording here. 

Discover What Makes You Tick

September 25, IWF NorCal members and guests attended an interactive workshop with transition coach Laura Riordan, PhD, to better understand “what makes us tick,” which can set the stage for a joyful career and a meaningful life. It was a helpful workshop to prioritize goals and next steps as we all look towards the future. Members may watch the recording here.

Mother Lear at Cal Shakes

September 24, IWF NorCal members and guests enjoyed a very special magical night at Orinda Shakes for a performance of Mother Lear, which was emotional and so well done! 

2024 IWF Western Region Retreat

September 20-22, IWF members experienced an unforgettable harvest weekend in the quaint small-town of McMinnville, Oregon. Nestled in the heart of Oregon wine country, members from seven west coast IWF forums: Oregon, Washington, Northern California, Southern California, British Columbia, Idaho, and Utah enjoyed connecting with each other over shared experiences and scrumptious food and wine in a beautiful setting.

Rosie the Riveter Museum Tour

September 20, IWF NorCal members and guests had a special time at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park, where the group was joined by a real Rosie who shared her personal experiences and stories. It was an informative and inspiring event celebrating amazing women in U.S. history. 

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