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 2025 Annual Report & our Who We Are Brochure. 

Members are invited to "save the dates" for our 2026 Signature Events, Summer Camp, IWF Western Region Retreat, and IWF Global Conferences. 

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 >

Member News

IWF NorCal member Marsha Vande Berg has been appointed Chair of the President’s Leadership Council of The Asia Foundation, reflecting her long‑standing commitment to elevating leaders and strengthening organizations. We are proud to celebrate her new role and the impact she brings to our community. Read more.

IWF NorCal member Heather Pelant has joined Cresset as Managing Director, Wealth Advisor, bringing clarity, empathy, and strategic insight to her work. As Co‑Founder of Project Worth and a frequent voice in women‑focused financial forums, she continues to champion women’s confidence and capability around money and investing. Read more

IWF NorCal member Susie Cranston has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of Cresset, reflecting her steady leadership and people‑first commitment to thoughtful stewardship. We are proud to celebrate her new role and the impact she continues to bring to every community she serves. Read more

Recent Events 

Hormones, Menopause & Optimal Longevity

June 2, Dr. Ricki Pollycove, founder of the San Francisco Integrative Gynecology, shared valuable insights and data on "Hormones, Women’s Transition to Menopause & Optimal Longevity." Bringing her rigorous scientific background and 45 years of clinical practice and wisdom, the discussion was extremely informative and helpful. Members may watch the recording here.

"The Lunchbox" at the Berkeley Rep

May 31, IWF NorCal members had a fun day together, first enjoying the musical "The Lunchbox" at the Berkeley Rep, which had terrific music, great costumes, and a moving story. The lunch conversation after the show was also rich, enhancing the overall theater experience.    

Evolutionary Insights: Mysteries of the Female Body 

May 21, Deena Emera, PhD, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, shared some amazing vignettes about the evolution of female animals, such as ducks, frogs, and dolphins, and discussed how evolutionary insights can help us better understand the idiosyncrasies of our own bodies and lead to improvements in women’s health. It was an informative and fascinating presentation! Members may watch the recording here.

IWF Cornerstone Conference

May 13 - 15, The IWF Cornerstone Conference was an energizing gathering of more than 750 of IWF exceptional leaders from over 40 countries. We enjoyed insightful and engaging discussions, designed to provide the information leaders need to know to make informed decisions in today’s world. 

East Bay Supper Club 

April 29, The IWF NorCal East Bay Supper Club enjoyed a delicious culinary journey of Mediterranean infused Afghan cuisine at Saffron Kitchen in Oakland. Organized by IWF NorCal member Susie Hoganson, it was a delightful evening of great conversations.  

NEW Members see more>

Anna Baird

Madrona Ventures, Venture Partner, SeatGeek, BoD Member



Hamila Kownacki

CEO (retired), Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center

Cari Borja

Senior Advisor, Alice Waters Institute




Molly Cooke 

Professor Emerita of Clinical Medicine, UCSF


Community Engagement Opportunities

Meet the members of our Community Committee.  

The 2025 Holiday Gift Drive was held through December 31st. Thank you to all who helped us support this year's selected community partner La Casa de Las Madres. Read more

2025 Annual Report

IWF NorCal's 2025 Annual Report is now available here! 2025 was a wonderful year celebrating our community. 

     PROGRAMS see all >

    Exclusive access; shared experiences; 
    by members, for members

    Golden State Valkyries Game 
    Wednesday, June 24 | 7:00 pm

    AI in Women's Health 
    Thursday, June 25 | 4:00 pm

    Peninsula Supper Club 
    Monday, June 29 | 6:00 pm

    Psychosocial Stress/Cardiovascular Disease 
    Tuesday, June 30 | 4:00 pm

    East Bay Book Club 
    Wednesday, July 1 | 6:30 pm

    Women’s Health and Immunity 
    Tuesday, July 7 | 4:00 pm

    Summer Camp 
    Friday, July 10 - Sunday, July 12 

    San Francisco Book Club 
    Monday, July 13 | 6:30 pm

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

    Marin & North Bay Book Club 
    Monday, July 27 | 6:00 pm

    IWF Western Region Retreat 
    Friday, July 31 - Sunday, August 2

    Member Orientation 
    Thursday, August 6 | 4:00 pm

    2026 Santa Fe Opera Festival 
    Tuesday, August 11 - Sunday, August 16

    Cityscapes and Public Spaces Private Tour 
    Thursday, August 13 | 11:00 am

    San Francisco Giants Special Event & Game 
    Tuesday, August 25 | 3:00 pm

    Reception with IWF Global CEO 
    Thursday, September 17 | 6:00 pm

    Videos from past webinars available here.

     RESOURCES

    > Stay informed May 2026 President's Message...and other messages from the President are available here.

    Bridging the Future

    Community Corner

    Update Your Profile

    Nominate a New Member

    Who We Are Brochure 

    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