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. 

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

Walk & Talks

April 19 & 20, IWF NorCal members gathered at the San Francisco Presidio and Lafayette Reservoir for pre-Earth Day walking adventures.

IWF Cornerstone Conference Teaser

April 10, IWF Hong Kong members Vivian Lau, Bonny Wong, and Anne O'Riordan provided a sneak peak of the plans for the upcoming IWF Cornerstone Conference that will be taking place in Hong Kong in November. It was a wonderful way to learn about this beautiful destination and all of the exciting behind the scenes and dine around planning underway to welcome IWF members from around the world. Members may watch the recording here.

Liars' Club

April 2, IWF NorCal members enjoyed a session of "Liars' Club," which was facilitated by Barbara Creed with "contestants" Barbara Adachi, Kathy Anderson, Rebecca Barfknecht, and Denise Brosseau. Participants voted on who was providing the correct definition of several obscure words. It was a fun time for all! Members may watch the recording here.

Maximizing Philanthropic Impact 

March 28, Representatives of the San Francisco Foundation provided an engaging presentation on how community foundations empower donors to bring their philanthropic visions to life. They shared principles to help each of us become more intentional and impactful with our own charitable giving. Members may watch the recording here.

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. 

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