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 2024 Annual Report. 

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

We are always interested in organizing community impact events!

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 >

Member News

May 8, Congratulations to IWF NorCal member Kirsten Rhodes, Vice Chair and Client Relationship Development Leader at Deloitte, who was named Financial Women of San Francisco's 2025 Financial Woman of the Year. This award recognizes exceptional women leaders in finance and financial services. Read more.

Congratulations to IWF NorCal member Katarina Bonde who is receiving the IWF Women Who Make a Difference Award, which celebrates the tremendous accomplishments and contributions that IWF members have made to their communities and the world. We look forward to celebrating Katarina's exceptional leadership and accomplishments at the upcoming IWF World Leadership Conference in Seattle. Read more

Recent Events 

Mission Bay Walking Tour

May 3, IWF NorCal members had a wonderful blustery day in SF learning about the history and recent developments in Mission Bay. Grace Lee from SF Walking Tours was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. The changes in the area are amazing and in most cases very positive for the city and people of SF.

Historic Tao House Tour

April 26, IWF NorCal members had a wonderful day at the Tao House in Danville, where Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill crafted his final and most memorable masterpieces. The Docent was very knowledgeable and gave our group a thorough tour and understanding of how he lived his life.  

Beginner Welding Workshop

April 19, IWF NorCal members and guests had a hands-on experience with Rossi Sculptural Designs In Sacramento to learn safety and basic welding techniques. Everyone had a fun time and created a unique piece of art to take home.

Walk & Talk: San Francisco Presdio

April 11, IWF NorCal members met at the San Francisco Presidio for a fabulous morning "walk & talk." It was the perfect way to start the day and kick off the weekend.

Spring Dine Arounds

April 10 and 11, IWF NorCal members gathered in six locations around the Bay Area for our annual spring dine arounds. These intimate dinners were held in member homes and local restaurants, and were a wonderful way to connect and get to know each other. As always, the dine arounds were full of great fun, friendship, and food!

Mahjong at Meadow Club

April 6, IWF NorCal members got together for an afternoon of mahjong at the Meadow Club in Marin. It was a fun time as members learned and competed in both American and Chinese style play.

Unveiling Hidden Paths: An Urban Adventure 

April 5, IWF NorCal members were joined by a few furry friends to explore several secret stairways and hidden paths of Berkeley and Oakland on an urban adventure like no other. The weather was perfect for this heart pumping, fascinating walk led by Ellen Jacobs.

Shell Ridge Hike

March 29, IWF NorCal members got together for a lovely hike at Shell Ridge in Walnut Creek. It was the perfect way to start the day, taking in the sunshine, fresh air, and breathtaking views, together, among friends.

Sacramento Supper Club

March 25, IWF NorCal President Heather Pelant and President-Elect Diane Knoll joined members for the Sacramento Supper Club at Mulvany's B&L. It was a wonderful gathering! 

NEW Members see more>

Cigdem Gencer

Founder, Fazilet Consulting




Heather Ogan

CFO, FLG Partners, LLC

Kate Stille 

Co-Owner and Chief Impact Officer, Nugget Market, Inc.


Janet Watson

Founder/Principal, Watson Coaching & Consulting

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

To commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, IWF NorCal is celebrating our AAPI leaders. Please join us in honoring these extraordinary IWF NorCal members who are making an impact on the world and our IWF community. Barbara Adachi, Adriane Armstrong, Jenny Brandemuehl, Eleanor Chang, Margaret Conley, Julie Do, Loretta Doon, Melinda Yee Franklin, Sheryl Hingorani, Celia Huber, Sonita Lontoh, Anna Mok, Theresa Noriega-Lum, Karen Pajarillo, Ami Palan, Jill Reinemann, Sandra Shirai, Marsha Takagi, Van Ton-Quinlivan, Thuy Vu, and Jan Yanehiro. We are very proud to have you part of our IWF Community and sisterhood!

     PROGRAMS see all >

    Exclusive access; shared experiences; 
    by members, for members 

    Marin & North Bay Book Club 
    Monday, May 19 | 6:00 pm

    IWF Western Region Retreat 
    Saturday, May 24 | 1-:30 am

    Walk & Talk: San Francisco Presidio 
    Friday, May 30 | 9:30 am

    Bouquets to Art @ SF de Young Museum  
    Tuesday, June 3 | 10:00 am

    Get Inspired for an African Safari Adventure!
    Wednesday, June 4 | 4:00 pm

    IWF NorCal Member Orientation 
    Thursday, June 5 | 4:00 pm

    Access Event: Give One Dollar A Day 
    Thursday, June 5 | 6:00 pm

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, June 17 | 5:30 pm

    Signature Event: New Connections Luncheon
    Saturday, June 21 | 11:00 am

    San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration
    Sunday, June 29 | 9:30 am

    Summer Camp 
    July 11 - 13

    Workshop: Get Rewired for Your Next Act 
    Tuesday, July 22 | 4:00 pm

    Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream 
    Sunday, August 17 | 5:30 pm

    Oregon Shakespeare Festival
    September 11 - 14

    Videos from past webinars available here.

     RESOURCES

    > Stay informed President's Message Spring 2025...and other messages from the President are available here.

    Community Corner

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