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 8,400 diverse and accomplished women from 35 countries across 77 local forums. Learn more and see the latest IWF news.

Visiting IWF Members

Are you an IWF member visiting the San Francisco Bay Area? Please complete this short form to connect with local IWF NorCal members while you are in town.

 NEWS see more >

2024 Annual Report 

We are pleased to present IWF NorCal's 2024 Annual Report. It exemplifies our key tenets of Leadership, Inclusion, Community, Friendship, and Inspiration.

Member News

September 24, Bay Area TV news icon Belva Davis, who was an IWF NorCal member from 1978 to 2021, passed away at 92. She worked as a journalist in the Bay Area for nearly 50 years, and was the first African-American woman to become a TV reporter on the West Coast. She will be missed. Read more. IWF NorCal members may also go to our Community Corner for the family's statement and a food collection effort for the family.


Recent Events

U.S. Supreme Court Review

October 8, IWF NorCal member Barbara Creed conducted her annual program to discuss important trends on the Supreme Court, review the significant decisions of the last term, and preview some of the major cases the Court will decide in its term that began on October 6th. It was an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the U.S. Supreme Court and its decisions! Members may watch the recording here.

Peninsula Supper Club

September 29, The IWF NorCal Peninsula Supper Club had another delicious dinner together and friendships were celebrated over wonderful conversations. 

Private North Beach Food Tour

September 27, IWF NorCal members enjoyed a guided walking and food tour of San Francisco's North Beach and the Barbary Coast on this beautiful Saturday. As one participant said, "it was a wonderful day of food, frivolity, and friendship."

Pop Up! Sing-Along and Potluck

September 20, IWF NorCal member Elisabeth Zornes hosted a casual pop up get together in her lovely home. The evening included singing some tunes with the (player) piano, a potluck, and birthday celebration.

Forever Fly Free

September 17, IWF NorCal member Jenny Brandemuehl shared her journey to discovering the power of love and hope, and previewed her forthcoming book: Forever Fly Free. We are grateful to Jenny for a truly inspiring and engaging discussion! Members may watch the recording here.

Peninsula Book Club 

September 16, the IWF NorCal Peninsula Book Club met at the lovely home of Carol Langensand to discuss Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, and enjoy a potluck dinner.

East Bay Book Club 

September 2, IWF NorCal East Bay Book Club members gathered at the beautiful home of Heather Paquette where they discussed the book The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. 

NEW Members see more>

Siobhan Oat-Judge

Director, Public Policy, Tik Tok



Heidi Ho

Law Professor, University of San Francisco, and Executive Director, PONO Legal

Sima Patel

Co-Founder and CEO, Ridgemont Hospitality

Jane Einhorn

Owner, JE Communications



Wendy Garen

President and CEO (retired), The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation 


Elizabeth Cooper

CEO and Chairman of the Board, FourQ Technologies Inc.


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

2025 Hispanic Heritage Month


To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, IWF NorCal is celebrating members Denise Dunning, Jenny Flores, Ana Pinczuk, and Karilyn Van Oosten. Please join us in honoring these extraordinary IWF NorCal members who are making a positive impact on the world. 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  

    Discover the Value of IWF Membership 
    Wednesday, October 15 | 12:30 pm

    IWF Western Region Cocktail Cafe 
    Thursday, October 16 | 4:00 pm

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, October 21 | 6:15 pm

    Tell Me Your Story: Long Time Members 
    Thursday, October 23 | 4:00 pm

    Behind the Scenes: Gladstone Institutes 
    Friday, October 31 | 10:00 am

    Charcuterie Board Workshop 
    Saturday, November 1 | 10:00 am

    East Bay Book Club 
    Tuesday, November 4 | 6:30 pm

    Peninsula Supper Club 
    Monday, November 10 | 6:00 pm 

    Marin Supper Club 
    Thursday, November 13 | 6:30 pm

    Marin/North Bay Book Club 
    Monday, November 17 | 6:00 pm

    San Francisco Book Club 
    Monday, November 17 | 6:30 pm

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, November 18 | 5:30 pm

    IWF Higher Education SIG 
    Thursday, November 20 | 4:00 pm

    An Evening with La Casa de las Madres 
    Tuesday, December 2 | 6:00 pm

    Signature Event: Holiday Party 
    Thursday, December 4 | 12:00 pm

    Holiday Book Review at Book Passage 
    Monday, December 8 | 5:30 pm

    Pop Up: Cookie Decorating Party 
    Saturday, December 20 | 3:00 pm

    Videos from past webinars available here.

     RESOURCES

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

    Bridging the Future

    Community Corner

    Update Your Profile

    Nominate a New Member

    Download Member App

    Member Directory 

    IWF NorCal Tea Towels


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