Our Community

We are a true sisterhood representing collective values and interests. We serve both the IWF member community and the external community where we live and work, with a shared goal of giving back, including advancing the next generation of young women leaders. View our 2023 Annual Report. 

Members are invited to join the IWF NorCal Speakers Bureau as a way to give back to the community. Read more.

IWF Northern California is an affiliate of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), an invitation-only, member organization comprised of more than 7,800 diverse and accomplished women from 33 nations across 74 local forums. View the IWF Brochure and latest IWF news.

 NEWS see more >

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. 

NEW Members see more>

Janis MacKenzie

Founder & CEO
MacKenzie Communications


Alison Hagan

Managing Principal, SF
Deloitte

Lori Rianda

Sr. Vice President—Market Executive 
Bank of America


Michelle Young

Dean & Professor
University of California - Berkeley 

Community Engagement Opportunities

Meet the members of our Community Committee

Members are invited to share your expertise and experiences via the IWF NorCal Speakers Bureau, which was launched in February 2024. Learn more and join the speakers bureau here

2024 Hispanic Heritage Month


For Hispanic Heritage Month, IWF NorCal is celebrating members Denise Dunning, Ana Pinczuk, Amy Saxton, and Karilyn Van Oosten. Please join us in honoring these extraordinary IWF NorCal members who are making an impact on the world and our IWF community. 

     PROGRAMS see all >

    Exclusive access; shared experiences; 
    by members, for members 

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, October 15 | 5:30 pm

    A Day in the Life w/A Armstrong & C DiFeo  
    Wednesday, October 16 | 4:00 pm

    S'mores and Schmoozing 
    Thursday, October 17 | 7:00 pm

    East Bay Book Club 
    Monday, October 21 | 7:00 pm

    An Inside Look: California's Legislative Year 
    Tuesday, October 22 | 4:00 pm

    Marin Pop Up: San Anselmo 
    Wednesday, October 23 | 4:30 pm

    IWF Western Region Cocktail Cafe 
    Thursday, October 24 | 4:00 pm

    SCOTUS: Will The Court Come to Order? 
    Tuesday, October 29 | 4:00 pm

    Peninsula Pop Up: Hillsborough 
    Wednesday, October 30 | 4:30 pm

    East Bay Supper Club
    Thursday, November 7 | 6:30 pm

    Walk & Talk: Tennessee Valley Trail 
    Friday, November 8 | 9:30 am

    San Francisco Book Club 
    Monday, November 11 | 6:30 pm

    A Day in the Life w/Bielstein & Maultsby-Lute
    Tuesday, November 12 | 4:00 pm

    Marin/North Bay Book Club 
    Monday, November 18 | 6:00 pm

    Impact Event: SF-Marin Food Bank 
    Tuesday, November 19 | 10:30 am

    BTS: SF Asian Art Museum 
    Thursday, January 9 | 12:00 pm

    California Symphony Concert: Mozart 
    Sunday, February 2 | 4:00 pm

    California Symphony Concert: Tchaikovsky
    Sunday, March 23 | 4:00 pm  

    Videos from past webinars available here.

     RESOURCES

    > Stay informed President's Message Autumn 2024...and other messages from the President are available here.

    Community Corner

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    Visiting IWF Global Members

    Are you an IWF member visiting the San Francisco Bay Area? Please contact IWF Northern California's President at President.IWFNorCal@gmail.com to connect with local members while you are in town.


    Contact us at iwfnorcal@gmail.com           4580 Old Ranch Way, Folsom, CA 95630            415-227-9987