Dear IWF – The Trusteeship Sisters,

As we move into February, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of community, resilience, and the strength we share as women. On January 26th, we gathered together in love, friendship, and support following the tragic wildfires here in Los Angeles. Despite the rain, our turnout was remarkable, with many members coming together for the first time since COVID. It was a deeply moving and memorable afternoon filled with connection and solidarity.

We were delighted by our very own Rachael Worby, who brought us joy with stories behind two songs written by Carole King and beautifully performed by Rachel Gonzales. These songs, which celebrate women’s power and the strength of friendship, resonated deeply with all of us. We sang along, laughed, and cherished the experience of being together once again.

We look forward to spending time together and supporting one another throughout this year!

Please join me in welcoming your 2025 Officers and Board of Directors

Linda LoRe, President

Jennifer Ferro, Vice President

Nikki Clay, Second Vice President

Betsy McLaughlin, Treasurer

Teresa Bazemore, Assistant Treasurer

Abbe Land, Secretary

Cristina Rose, Immediate Past President & Board Nominations Committee Chair

Aradhna Oliphant, Membership Committee Co-chair

Jennifer Ferro, Membership Committee Co-chair

Karen Caplan, Program Committee Chair

Renee Fraser, Communications Committee Chair

Gayle Tauber, Fellows Committee Chair

Graciela Carrasco

Mary Carrington

Wendy Garen

Andrea Ghez

Karen Gordon

Judy Gradwohl

Hannah-Beth Jackson

Nancy Jacoby

Claudia Kotchka

Ana Lasso

Julie Miller-Phipps

Alison Kenney Paul

Kristen Sakoda

Natalie Samarjian

Lisa See

XO,

Linda

Suggest women who you think could be great IWF – The Trusteeship Members!

The formal new member nominations period is slated for spring – just like last year. And, just like last year, we are building a wish list now and we’d love your suggestions. Ideally, we are looking for women leaders under 55 that come from diverse sectors and backgrounds – especially in tech and other commercial enterprises. When we get closer, we’ll reach out and request relevant folks to proceed in filling out a formal application. But for now, please share any names of women you think would be a great potential candidate – all you have to do is send us the name, their company affiliation, and title. Reply to this email OR send to jennifer.ferro@kcrw.org OR to Aoliphant@walf.org.

Any questions – email Jennifer or Aradhna.

2025 IWF World Leadership Conference

Conference registration is open! The event will be held in Seattle, WA May 21 – 23, 2025. This conference is expected to sell out!

Seattle is a city where big ideas are born. Aviation, culture, technology, and sustainability have all been shaped by the thinkers and doers here. From Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana to Chihuly, Microsoft to Amazon, Nordstrom to Starbucks, the big ideas that start here go everywhere, and can take you anywhere.

As IWF begins a new decade of advancing women’s leadership, there is no better local context to explore global issues including philanthropy, risk, housing, AI and sustainability – through a women’s lens.

Conference Fees:

Members = $3,100

Guests = $3,410

Register for the Conference Here

Save the Date!

• Cape Town, South Africa: November 5 – 7, 2025 Cornerstone Conference
• London, England: May 13-15, 2026 Cornerstone Conference
• Denver, Colorado: November 11-13, 2026 IWF World Leadership Conference

Gracie and Vicki have created an exciting new Climate Leadership Program for youth. The Bluedot Institute was spawned from Bluedot Living, an award-winning publication that Vicki founded three years ago to inspire people to engage in climate solutions in their homes and communities.

The Bluedot Institute now has a year-around virtual writing program where students work with Bluedot Living editors and meet monthly for Fireside climate presentations. Students from 25 high schools around the country are learning writing, communication and leadership skills around climate and work with professional editors.

Graciela came abroad as the Bluedot Institute Director a year ago. After a storied corporate career in organizational leadership and talent management, she decided she wanted to help a startup non-profit organization, “So when she said that, I grabbed her,” says Vicki. “Thank God, for Gracie because we’ve been growing fast.”

More information can be read here