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 2022 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 >

Women's History Month

IWF is celebrating 50 years of IWF women changing the world. IWF NorCal member Jill Tarter, a highly acclaimed astronomer, and the co-founder of the SETI Institute in California, has spent her career focused on extraterrestrial life, peering through telescopes to the furthest reaches of the cosmos. She pays her knowledge forward by teaching future citizens and scientists about space exploration, and was the inspiration for the main character in the 1997 movie Contact. Listen to Jill's TED Talk here. 

Black History Month

IWF NorCal recognizes and honors our own black women leaders who are leading the way: Kimberly K. Brandon, Linda Calhoun, Paula Collins, Darolyn Davis, Sandra O. Floyd, Kaye Foster, Musimbi Kanyoro, Latanya Mapp Frett, Carrie Maultsby-Lute, April Miller Boise, Rhonda Morris, Tomiquia Moss, Nataki Myers, Eva Paterson, Debra Plousha-Moore, Amy Saxton, Deborah A. Sims, Fran Streets, Belinda Stubblefield, Nichole Walker, and Vanessa Washington. We are so proud to have you part of our community! 

Members in the News

March 11, We are saddened to share that IWF NorCal member Jill Tarter's husband and astronomer William (Jack) Welch passed away this week at the age of 90. Together, they co-founded the SETI Institute, which they built to become a world-class scientific research organization. Our deepest condolences to Jill and her family. Read more.

Recent Events

An Evening at the SF Ballet

March 22, Members and guests had a wonderful evening at the San Francisco Ballet. The evening started with a "Meet the Artist Interview," then the magical performance of A Midsummer's Night Dream, followed by an exclusive backstage tour. 

San Francisco Book Club

March 18, The San Francisco Book Club met at the lovely home of IWF NorCal member Lori Whitney for a delicious meal and great discussion of The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

IWF Western Region Cocktail Cafe

March 14, Over 100 members from 7 IWF forums joined to connect via the IWF Western Region Cocktail Cafe. With 14 gatherings hosted and attended by members from IWF British Columbia, IWF Washington, IWF Oregon, IWF Northern California, IWF Southern California, IWF Idaho and IWF Utah, it was a great way to meet with IWF sisters! 

East Bay Book Club

March 11, The newly created East Bay Book Club met for the first time at the lovely home of IWF NorCal member Karen Derr Gilbert. The group had a great discussion of A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them, by Timothy Egan.

A Toast to International Women's Day

March 8, IWF NorCal members gathered for an early morning toast in celebration of International Women's Day. Diane Knoll shared some IWD history and fun facts to kick things off and was followed by moving poetry readings by Linda Calhoun, Carolyn Vavrek, Nichole Walker and Barbara Adachi. A toast and remarks from President Heather Pelant concluded this wonderful mini-celebration. The inspiring poems shared are available here.

East Bay Supper Club

February 27, IWF NorCal members gathered for the first East Bay Supper Club of 2024. This is a quarterly event designed to connect women through conversation, networking, and community. It was a lovely time with an ice breaker where members shared and celebrated recent personal "wins" with each other.

BTS at SFO with Alaska Airlines

IWF NorCal members and guests enjoyed a special behind the scenes tour of SFO hosted by Alaska Airlines that spotlighted the airline's commitment and actions towards sustainable air travel. Their efforts include modernizing aircraft, re-training pilots, on the ground and onboard services and operations, and a commitment to increasing the availability and usage of SAF (Sustainable Aircraft Fuel) as well as several innovations still being tested. It was a fascinating and informative event! 

NEW Members see more>

Elizabeth Mooney

Partner
Capital Strategy Research of Capital Group Companies

Nataki Myers

Co-artistic Director
One Nation/One Project 

Theresa Noriega-Lum

CFO
Matthews Asia



Kara Newport

President & CEO
Filoli

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.

IWF NorCal President's Tea


A very special IWF NorCal tradition, the President's Tea, where past presidents come together to welcome the new president to her role. We are inspired by their leadership and appreciate everything they do to keep our community vibrant and thriving.

     PROGRAMS see all >

    Exclusive access; shared experiences; 
    by members, for members 

    Liars' Club 
    Tuesday, April 2 | 4:00 pm

    IWF Cornerstone Conference Teaser 
    Wednesday, April 10 | 5:30 pm

    East Bay Book Club 
    Monday, April 15 | 7:00 pm

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, April 16 | 5:30 pm

    Walk & Talk: San Francisco Presidio 
    Friday, April 19 | 9:30 am

    Walk & Talk: Lafayette Reservoir 
    Saturday, April 20 | 8:30 am

    Navigating the AI Revolution 
    Tuesday, April 23 | 4:00 pm

    Spring Dine Arounds 
    Thursday, April 25 | 6:00 pm

    East Bay Cinco de Mayo Luncheon 
    Friday, May 3 | 12:30 pm

    Hong Kong Tea 
    Saturday, May 4 | 11:30 am 

    San Francisco Book Club 
    Monday, May 6 | 6:30 pm

    Marin & North Bay Book Club 
    Monday, May 20 | 6:00 pm

    Peninsula Book Club 
    Tuesday, May 21 | 5:30 pm

    Candlelight Concert: Taylor Swift Tribute 
    Tuesday, May 28 | 7:00 pm

    Access Event: Pints for Paws
    Saturday, June 1 | 1:00 pm

    Bouquets to Art at SF de Young Museum 
    Wednesday, June 5 | 10:00 am

    East Bay Supper Club 
    Tuesday, June 25 | 6:30 pm

    Videos from past webinars available here.

     RESOURCES

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

    Champions of Racial Equality

    Community Corner

    Update Your Profile

    Nominate a New Member

    Download Member App

    IWF NorCal Facebook Page

    Member Directory 

    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