What can we do today to protect our brain health for the future?

Two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women, making brain health an important, and overdue, conversation for women leaders and business owners. Understanding how to support cognitive health today can make a meaningful difference for the future.

Join IWF Chicago for a conversation about brain health, cognition and Alzheimer’s prevention. We’ll explore what the latest research tells us about protecting brain health and practical steps women can take to help reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Details:

• Wednesday, October 28 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Alzheimer's Association National Office | 225 N. Michigan Ave

$5 of each ticket will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Guests warmly welcomed. 

Speakers:


Delia Jervier
Delia Jervier is Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and has been with the organization for more than 13 years. Since taking the helm in Illinois in 2020, she has helped expand the Association’s visibility, reach and community engagement across Chicagoland. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives.


Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D.
Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., is Senior Vice President of Medical & Scientific Relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, where she leads global research funding and scientific initiatives focused on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She oversees programs advancing innovative treatments, prevention and risk reduction, and research into sex and gender differences in disease vulnerability, including the U.S. POINTER study. A recognized expert in the field, Dr. Snyder also serves in leadership roles with several national research organizations and has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

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New to IWF Chicago? Looking to meet our newest members or get more involved? Join us for an afternoon of connection and conversation as we welcome IWF Chicago’s newest members at the Woman’s Athletic Club.

The afternoon will include networking, a brief presentation and a reception with high tea service in the Silver Room.

Details:

Woman's Athletic Club
626 N. Michigan Ave. | The Silver Room
Tuesday, November 3 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm CST

*Admission is complimentary for new members who joined after 9/25/25. Contact info@iwfchicago.org for your registration code.

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What exactly is life sciences and why should it matter to all of us?

From new medicines and gut health breakthroughs to AI accelerating scientific discovery, life sciences are changing how we prevent disease, treat illness and live healthier lives.

Join us for IWF Chicago’s panel of women leaders as they take science out of the lab and explore what life sciences is, what innovations could mean for our health, and how discoveries move from promising ideas to real-world solutions.

Plus: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Portal Innovations, where scientists and entrepreneurs are developing the next generation of healthcare discoveries.

No science background required — just curiosity about what’s next for our health and healthcare.

Details:

Thursday, November 4 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Portal Innovations | 400 N Aberdeen St., Chicago, IL 60642

Guests are warmly welcome to attend.

Speakers:

Evonne Sepsis, Founder of ESC Advisors 

Evonne Sepsis has spent her career in the healthcare sector. She founded ESC Advisors, an advisory firm specializing in life sciences companies, advising clients on both mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and financings. Prior to founding ESC Advisors, Evonne was head of healthcare banking at Susquehanna Financial Group and was a Managing Director at C.E Unterberg, Towbin.  Evonne started her investment banking career at Salomon Brothers. Prior to business school, she worked at APM, a healthcare consulting firm. Evonne received her MBA from Yale and her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern.

Ritu Shah, CEO of ClostraBio

Ritu is a seasoned biotech executive with over 25 years of experience in drug development and strategic portfolio management. Currently, Ritu serves as the CEO of ClostraBio, and she specializes in scaling early-stage life science startups toward successful funding and acquisitions. Her track record includes leadership roles at Pyxis Oncology, Avexis, and Shire (now Takeda), where she led operations, M&A, and Portfolio Mgmt, including billion-dollar immunology portfolios. At ClostraBio, she is overseeing the commercial launch of their unique probiotic called CLB101™ as a dietary supplement for various applications related to maintaining and promoting gut health.

Moderator
Marianne Sutcliffe, Board Member & Consultant, Science for Life

Marianne is a strategic executive with deep experience across the healthcare industry. Over her 25+ year career at Abbott and AbbVie, she launched new businesses and revitalized major portfolios. She is known for leading transformation and growth, building high-performing organizations, and guiding complex mergers and acquisitions. Today, she serves on boards and advisory committees including the IWF Board as a Board Member at Large.

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Celebrate the season with IWF Chicago at our annual Holiday Joy gathering on Monday, December 7. Join fellow members for an evening of festive cheer, meaningful connection, and joyful celebration as we close out the year together in true IWF spirit.

This special evening will bring together the warmth of friendship, the energy of our remarkable community, and a few elements of surprise and delight along the way. Guests can look forward to cocktails, seasonal bites, and the opportunity to connect with fellow women leaders while celebrating the accomplishments and moments that shaped the year.

Whether you are reconnecting with longtime friends or meeting new members for the first time, Holiday Joy is one of IWF Chicago’s most cherished traditions — a time to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead with gratitude and excitement.

We hope you will join us for this festive evening of community and celebration.

LOCATION

The Fortnightly of Chicago | 120 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Monday, December 7 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

DETAILS

• Drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.
• Business attire is required for all members. No denim, please.