About Us
THE GLOBAL story
How it all began. . .
International Women's Forum's story began when Elinor Guggenheimer – the first woman member of the New York City Planning Commission – went to a meeting in Philadelphia. When she arrived, she was told that the only women allowed in the building were waitresses and maids. Ellie found a maid’s uniform, put it on and took her rightful place at the table.
At that moment, she knew something more had to be done.
In 1974, Ellie started what eventually became the International Women’s Forum with three other incredible founders. It quickly spread to other cities across the country and eventually, around the world. At the time, women were just beginning to break into the highest levels of leadership. A woman ascended the Fortune 500 list as the first female CEO while another woman was about to scale Mount Everest.
Who we are today. . .
Today, we are those CEOs and mountain climbers. We are Nobel Laureates, sports legends and Olympic gold medalists; entrepreneurs, business leaders and film stars; astronauts, prime ministers and presidents.
IWF is the only global women's leadership organization with over 50 years of continuous growth. Through our 77 Forums and 8,400 members; IWF has a presence in 35 countries and across 6 continents.
We have elevated more than 500 international fellows – society’s rising stars – to accelerate the potential of the next generation, and to lead the world tomorrow.
The Vision. . .
A world where women have equal representation at every level of leadership.
The Mission. . .
To unite a global community of women leaders to advance women's leadership today and tomorrow.
IWF Arizona. . .
As an affiliate of IWF, the Arizona forum includes over 100 extraordinary women in fields ranging from business to the arts to government and academia, along with a host of non-profit participants. Our Founders gathered in 1982, and our official year with IWF was recorded in 1984. IWF Arizona is the hub for global women’s leadership in the state.
IWF Arizona members are committed to one another and to advancing leadership across careers, cultures and continents
Through IWF Arizona, members:
Build bridges that span the globe, forging personal and professional relationships within and beyond the Great State of Arizona by connecting with a network of more than 8,000 women from 6 continents, and 34 countries through:
- World Leadership Conferences
- International Cornerstone Conferences
- Private Dinners in members’ homes (locally and internationally)
Share ideas and take part in uncommon experiences that add depth and dimension to their leadership through events featuring:
- Top speakers in the fields of global and public affairs, business, government, science and the arts
- Joint programming with other organizations with international reach
- Topical events around subjects of interest
- “Behind the Scenes” programming locally and around the world
Engage in matters of importance, extending our reach and deepening our impact via:
- Global Fellows program
- Peer learning and mentoring
- Self-defined groups organized around common interests and passions
Together … Building Bridges and Stronger Leadership Locally and Globally
