What’s it like to be a writer in 2025?

With the captivating American Writers Museum as backdrop, we will explore the modern writer’s journey, the fast-shifting publishing world, and opportunities and challenges facing authors and publishers.

Museum President Carey Cranston will brief us on AWM’s history and mission, highlighting women authors featured among permanent and current exhibits.

Join us for a special two-hour program at one of Chicago's gem museums. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and have exclusive access to explore the museum's inspiring exhibits during the event.

The American Writers Museum 
180 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Monday, October 6 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Open to Members and Guests

The evening will begin with a welcome and brief overview from Carey Cranston, President of the American Writers Museum, who will share insights into the museum’s mission and history—highlighting some of the American women authors featured throughout the museum’s exhibits. Following the introduction, enjoy a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Edith Falk, IWF-Chicago member, and museum board member. 

Edith Falk, IWF Chicago member and AWM board member, will moderate a discussion among these panelists:

• Angela Corpus, Marketing Director at Sourcebooks

• Rita Dragonette, author ofThe Fourteenth of September: A Novel

• Khalilah Lyons, IWF Chicago member and author of Prioritize Your Purpose Every Day

Meet the 2024 Championess Grant Winner: Polished Pebbles Empowering Girls for the Future

Join us to learn about Polished Pebbles, the IWF Chicago 2024 Championess grant winner.  We’ll talk about the Philanthropy strategy of IWF Chicago and hear how the Championess grant made an impact on our first grantee, Polished Pebbles.

Polished Pebbles seeks to eliminate the “hope gap” experienced by too many girls in Chicago and nationally.  Their core programs and curriculum are designed to champion girls in a variety of ways that support the Three C’s: Community, Communication, Career.  IWF Chicago member Khalilah Lyons will serve as our moderator, taking us through the journey of Polished Pebbles with Kelly Fair, Founder and CEO! 

*Zoom details will be shared closer to the event date*

Polished Pebbles

Event Description:          

Join us for an engaging conversation with author Alison Fragale as she discusses her empowering book, Likeable Badass. During a fireside chat, with IWF board member, Amy Dordek, discover insights on confidence, communication, and leadership as Alison shares practical strategies to help you achieve the success you deserve. Don’t miss this inspiring event filled with wisdom, wit, and real-word takeaways.        

Alison Fragale is an organizational psychologist, professor at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and bestselling author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. Her academic research on status, power, negotiation, and influence have been published in her field’s top academic journals as well as national media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She is a sought-after keynote speaker who uses behavioral science to help individuals, especially women, excel. Prior to her academic career, Alison worked as a consultant for McKinsey and Company, Inc.

She holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Dartmouth College and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Alison resides in Chicago with her husband and her three children, who are all named after professional athletes. She also loves, in no particular order: cheap coffee, not-so-cheap wine, fabulous shoes, sushi, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peloton workouts, Hallmark movies, and The Golden Girls.

Interested in reading the book before the event? Click here to purchase your copy Purchase Book

*Alison will be available to autograph your copy*

Alison Fragale / Professor / Keynote Speaker / Negotiation and Power Expert

Details:

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be available. 

"Prioritize Your Purpose: Stop Proving. Start Living."

You’ve mastered the art of achievement, but what if your next level isn’t about doing more, it’s about becoming more of who you already are? Join IWF Chicago member Khalilah Lyons for a grounding session designed to eliminate achievement exhaustion and help you reconnect with what truly matters. Through bold prompts and reflective conversation, you’ll disrupt autopilot success and explore what it means to lead with clarity, presence, and purpose beyond the pressure to prove. This is the conversation that’s been quietly nudging you. So, let's talk about it.

Register Now

*Zoom details will be shared closer to the event date*

'Tis the season to gather and spread cheer after a great year! Mark your calendars and join us for an evening full of festive cheer, good company, and joyful memories in the making.

Members are warmly welcomed to this annual hallmark event for IWF Chicago.

TASTE 222

222 North Canal Street, Chicago | Mixology + Innovation Rooms
Wednesday, December 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

DETAILS: 

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

SUPPORT A CAUSE: 

Consider donating a gift card or new warm winter clothing for girls in need in the Chicagoland area.  All items will be donated to our Championess 2026 grantee.