IWF Chicago's Philanthropy Committee is thrilled to partner with Nourishing Hope for a hands-on volunteer event on Wednesday, April 29th from 5:30–7:30 PM at their headquarters, where we will come together to pack hygiene kits for neighbors in need across Chicago. This is a fun, feel-good opportunity to make a real impact in just two hours, plus we’ll enjoy wine and cheese while we work! With Nourishing Hope CEO Mitzi D. Baum and Kayla Carter, Director of Institutional Partnerships at Nourishing Hope joining us for a brief information session, you’ll get to see firsthand how these kits support families experiencing food insecurity and housing instability.

Spots are limited to 25 participants, so don’t miss the chance to roll up your sleeves, connect with colleagues, and leave knowing you helped make life a little easier for so many people. 

In addition to reserving your spot on the IWF Chicago site, please also use the link below to register at Nourishing Hope:

Register as a first-time volunteer: Registration Form Link

Returning volunteer: Login into your personal volunteer site (link here), click Volunteer Calendar, and enter the group code 3519 under "I have a Group Code." Watch this helpful video!

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Members will have an opportunity to support Nourishing Hope's mission through an optional donation that evening.

• Wine & Cheese will be provided.
• Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, and closed-toed shoes are required. Gloves provided on site.
  

Learn About Nourishing Hope Here

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, we will gather to discuss technology and innovation insights from entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders. A panel of our members representing education, manufacturing, and finance will be expertly facilitated by futurist Rob Wolcott, founder of TWIN Global, venture investor and author of “Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-In-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life” (Columbia University Press, 2024). All attendees will receive a copy of this impactful book. 

This program is brought to you by the Women’s Leadership Center at Williams Bay and a unique Collaborative of Women’s Leadership Organizations: The Chicago Network, the International Women’s Forum–Chicago, and C200.

Event Details:

• Time: 5:00 PM CT - 7:30 PM CT
• Location: Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 333 W. Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

Speakers:

• Robert Wolcott, Founder, TWIN Global, Venture Investor, and Author of "Proximity" (moderator)
• Elise Awwad, President & CEO, DeVry
• Emily Groden, Founder & CEO, Evergreen
• Deidra Merriwether, CFO, Grainger

REGISTER

Join the International Women’s Forum of Chicago on Monday, May 18, for a special behind-the-scenes experience with the Joffrey Ballet. Guests will gain valuable insights from Shari Massey, Deputy Director and CFO, who will offer a unique perspective on the leadership and vision driving one of the world’s premier dance companies, as well as from Ellie Cotey, Costume Manager, who will share how artistry and craftsmanship come together to bring each production to life.

You will also enjoy an exclusive preview of Eugene Onegin, the Chicago premiere of a new full-length ballet by Yuri Possokhov with music by Ilya Demutsky, inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s classic novel. Set in 19th-century Russia, this poignant story explores love, loss, and the consequences of unspoken words. 

The evening will conclude with a private reception. To get a glimpse of what’s to come, we invite you to preview highlights from Eugene Onegin and explore the artistry behind its costume design. 

Guests warmly welcomed! 

*To extend the experience, guests are invited to continue their engagement with Eugene Onegin at the Joffrey Women’s Board Night and reception on June 11, offering the opportunity to go behind the scenes with IWF first, then attend the full performance and see the production come to life on stage. Tickets for the June 11 performance will be available for purchase during the event.

At this year’s Annual Meeting, President Emily Rice Reynolds will ceremonially pass the torch to President‑elect JoAnn Seagren. We hope you will join us as we express heartfelt gratitude to our departing board members and extend a warm welcome to those beginning their terms of service.

Together, we will honor the leadership and dedication that shaped this past year while looking forward with confidence, appreciation, and renewed vision for the year ahead.

VENUE:

Woman's Athletic Club

626 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago 
Monday, June 22, 2026 | 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

DETAILS: 

Drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.

PARKING/DRIVING DETAILS: 

We recommend using Uber, Lyft, or a ride-share service for your convenience. If you plan to drive, SpotHero is a great option to reserve parking in advance.

PARKING AND DRIVING DETAILS