IWF Northern California

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 8,000 diverse and accomplished women from 35 countries across 77 local forums. View the IWF Brochure and 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.

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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

The important work of IWF NorCal member and neuroscientist Jennifer Garrison is featured in this WSJ article "Step Aside Longevity Bros. It’s Time for the Longevity Ladies. [Her] study of hormones and ovaries could unlock the key to a longer life for everyone." Read more.

Recent Events

Come Play Mahjong!

July 27, IWF NorCal members gathered in San Francisco for a fun afternoon of mahjong. There was a mix of strategy, friendly play, and lively company with tables playing both traditional Mahjong and American Mah Jongg.

Impact Event: Pack with Purpose

July 26, The IWF NorCal Community Committee organized a wonderful impact event in San Francisco. Together, members made more than 150 sack meals to support those experiencing food insecurity and they were delivered to St. Vincent de Paul Society for immediate delivery. Each meal included a note from our members to the recipient.

Marin & North Bay Book Club

July 21, The IWF NorCal Marin & North Bay Book Club members had a wonderful dinner and discussion of "West With Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge.

Peninsula Book Club

July 16, IWF NorCal members were treated to a special meeting at Filoli to discuss Telle Whitney's new book "Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive." It was an engaging discussion with Telle, led by Denise Brosseau, in a magnificent setting.

San Francisco Book Club

July 14, IWF NorCal San Francisco Book Club members gathered at the beautiful home of Dottie Dutton for a potluck dinner and to discuss "The Flower Boat Girl" by Larry Feign. It was a fabulous evening.

Peninsula Supper Club

July 7, IWF NorCal members gathered at Rocca Ristorante in Burlingame for a lovely dinner filled with delightful conversation. It was a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends, get to know others better, and meet new ones. Afterwards, one participant said "This is why I have been a member for 23+ years!"

Signature Event: 2025 New Connections Luncheon

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Wendy Garen

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

Sima Patel

Co-Founder and CEO, Ridgemont Hospitality

Allison Bennington

Partner, PJT Partners

Barbara Giuffre

Founding Partner/Attorney, Work/Environment Law Group

Catherine Lucey

UCSF, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Elizabeth Cooper

CEO and Chairman of the Board, FourQ Technologies Inc.

Cynthia Wilusz Lovell

Managing Director, Wells Fargo

Melinda Stephenson

Founder, Impact Leadership Partners

Juli Betwee

Managing Partner, Pivot Point 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.

SPOTLIGHT ON...

2025 New Connections Luncheon

June 21, IWF NorCal members gathered at The Olympic Club in San Francisco for a delightful reception and luncheon. The annual New Connections Luncheon is one of our signature events and an opportunity to connect with new members, re-connect with old friends, and experience the joys of the IWF community.