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A Glimpse Inside the June Newsletter:
- President’s Message
- IWF London Conference Recap
- Upcoming Events!
- Member Announcements
- IWF Global Announcements
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IWF – Trusteeship: The Power of Choosing Something
Dear Stellar Women of IWF – Trusteeship,
In a world filled with challenges competing for our attention, there is great power in choosing something—one cause, one issue, one community, one opportunity to make a difference.
Every day we are confronted with needs that seem larger than any one person can solve. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain about where to begin. I often hear some version of the same question: What can I do?
At the recent IWF Cornerstone Conference in London, I was inspired by stories of women from around the globe who are using their influence, expertise, resources, and voices to make life better for others. They reminded me that meaningful change rarely begins with solving everything. It begins with choosing something.
I have long believed that energy follows focus. What we focus on is where our energy goes.
There are countless causes worthy of our attention. Rather than trying to take on all of them, identify one or two that speak deeply to your heart. A cause, a community, a challenge, or an opportunity where your unique gifts can make a meaningful difference.
Then take a stand.
Use your platform. Use your voice. Use your influence. Invite your sisters to join you.
As women entrusted with leadership, experience, and opportunity, we are uniquely positioned to create positive change. As the saying goes, for those who have much, much is asked.
The world does not need us to do everything. It simply needs each of us to do something.
With gratitude,
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IWF London Conference Recap
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May 2026 Cornerstone Conference
The 2026 Cornerstone Conference, Tradition to Transformation, convened nearly 750 women leaders from 41 countries in London, United Kingdom. Attendees explored global issues through the local context of London, engaging in conversations designed to inform, inspire, and advance women’s leadership.
Set against the backdrop of a city defined by both rich traditions and ongoing transformation, the conference brought members together to examine some of the most critical issues shaping leadership today, from geopolitical shifts and technological transformation to mental health, justice reform, fintech, higher education, beauty, creativity, and collective leadership.
The full highlight is available on the IWF Global website here.
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A Special Access Performance of the
New York City Ballet
After more than a 20-year absence from The Music Center, New York City Ballet—one of the world’s premier dance companies—returns with two electrifying programs. These performances showcase the company’s storied legacy, featuring a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unmatched repertory sure to captivate Los Angeles audiences. Rooted in Founder George Balanchine’s revolutionary choreography, New York City Ballet has shaped the ballet canon for more than 75 years. From masterpieces by Balanchine and New York City Ballet Co-Founding Choreographer Jerome Robbins to groundbreaking contemporary works by Ulysses Dove, Justin Peck, Tiler Peck, Gianna Reisen and Christopher Wheeldon, this residency is a must-see opportunity to witness the company’s legendary past and thrilling future. Both programs feature recorded music and live performances by the New York City Ballet Orchestra. The group will be watching Program A: Signs, Red Angels, A Suite of Dances, The Times Are Racing
Thank you Rachel Moore, President and CEO of The Music Center and IWF So Cal member since 2017, for coordinating this event.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Who: IWF So Cal members and guests
Where: The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
# of attendees: Space is limited to 8. Orchestra L 13 -20
Cost to attend: $146
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IWF Western Regional Retreat
Date: Friday, July 31, to Sunday August 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. Friday to 11:00 a.m. Sunday
Who: IWF Western Region members
Where: Bishop’s Ranch (https://www.bishopsranch.org/)
# of attendees: Space is limited to 80 members and room preferences will be honored on a first come, first served basis.
Cost to attend: $800 per person for a shared double room, $1,200 per person for a private single room, $600 per person if staying off-site (no accommodations at Bishop’s Ranch)
Next steps:
Registration is now open!
- Go to: https://iwfnorcal.org/event-6684653
- Click on the Register button.
- Registration type: Double Room, Single Room, or Retreat Program Only
- Registration code: WRR26enjoy
- Complete the form, including name of preferred roommate
- Click through to the payment page; enter credit card details to make payment
- Upon successful registration, you will see an Event Registration Confirmation (Receipt) and receive a confirmation email.
Please contact the IWF NorCal Office with any questions at iwfnorcal@gmail.com or 415-227-9987.
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Date: Saturday July 18, 2026
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 p.m. PT
Geographic Region: Santa Monica
Where: Felice’s Home
Address: Provided in confirmation email
# of attendees: 10 Members
Theme: “New York Lox and Bagels Brunch”
RSVP online here
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Date: Thursday July 2, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm PT
Geographic Region: Orange County
Who: IWF So Cal members
Where: Il Fornaio, 18501 Von Karman Ave, Irvine
# of attendees: 10 Members (2 spots left!)
RSVP by emailing the office, admin@iwfsocal.org
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Date: August 18, 2026
Time: To be announced
Geographic Region: Marina del Rey
Who: IWF So Cal members
Registration opening soon!
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Would you like to host a Dine – Around but are not sure what that entails? We have prepared these guidelines to answer any questions you may have. If you have any other questions, feel free to email Jenneva Guzman at admin@iwfsocal.org
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A Learning Experience at the
Downtown Women’s Center
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Join your IWF sisters for an intimate gathering to explore the state of women’s homelessness in Los Angeles and discover how the Downtown Women’s Center is helping homeless women reclaim their lives by supporting their residents through challenging times.
Founded in 1978, DWC was the first permanent supportive housing provider for women in the US and serves as a national model.
While enjoying a light lunch, we’ll meet women housed at DWC, who are survivors of violence and hear their stories. We’ll discuss the challenges and negative outcomes that are unique and specific to homeless women. We’ll tour the Center to learn about the supportive services provided by DWC that center on wellness, employment and advocacy. We’ll also learn about DWC’s bold next chapter, as services are expanded. Thank you IWF So Cal members Billie Greer, DWC advisory Council member, and Jessica Lall, DWC Board of Director, for speaking to the group.
This program is not a fundraiser but a unique learning opportunity.
Date to be announced. If you are interested in attending, please contact the office by email, admin@iwfsocal.org.
Date: To be announced
Time: 11:00 am – 1:30 p.m. PT
Who: IWF So Cal members
Where: DWC’s site at 442 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, 90013
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Save the date!
The IWF So Cal All Member in-person gathering will be held at The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles on October 3, 2026 at 12 pm. More details to come!
Date: Saturday October 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. PT
Who: IWF So Cal members only
Where: The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Zoila Escobar
Zoila was honored at the Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission’s 40th anniversary Gala. The organization was founded in 1986 by Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J. and a group of courageous and committed women from Boyle Heights, determined to build a better world for their community.
Over the past four decades, they have worked to honor and build upon the work of their founders. Today, they serve over 8,000 children and families through their early childhood education centers, youth development programs, homeless shelters, and community organizing efforts.
View Gala highlights here
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Laurie Leshin
On May 17, Laurie received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science and Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Harvey Mudd College at their 68th Commencement ceremony.
Laurie spoke about the power of passionately pursuing bold dreams and viewing setbacks as learning experiences. Congratulations Laurie!
More information can be viewed here.
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Lisa See
Lisa begins her 2026 Daughters of the Sun and Moon Book Tour this week! There will be many chances to attend a talk and book signing in the Los Angeles and San Diego area. Tickets are still available for the Tuesday June 9, 2026 talk and signing hosted by Vromans Bookstore at the
Pasadena Presbyterian Church at 7:00 PM
More information can be viewed here.
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The Future of Federal Cultural Policy Recording
Thank you to all who attended the May 21 virtual conversation on the Future of Federal Cultural Policy. Attendees heard from Erin Harkey, CEO, Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund, Maria Rosario Jackson, former Chair, National Endowment for the Arts; currently Professor of Creativity and Social Impact at Arizona State University,
and Deborah Rutter, former President & CEO, Kennedy Center; currently Vice Provost for the Arts at Duke University. Thank you Laura Zucker, Creative Strategist, former executive director of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and IWF So Cal member.
In case you missed it, the recording can be viewed here.
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Save the Dates!
IWF – Trusteeship has the great honor of hosting the 2028 IWF World Leadership Conference & Gala in Los Angeles, California October 25 -27. We will welcome 1,000 of our IWF sisters from around the world and we’ll show them the beauty that Southern California has to offer.
If you would like to volunteer on one of the planning committees, please contact Jenneva Guzman, admin@iwfsocal.org, and she will connect you.
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Save the Date!
- Denver, Colorado: November 11-13, 2026 World Leadership Conference & Gala
- Amman, Jordan: May 11-13 , 2027 Cornerstone Conference
- Miami, Florida: November 3-5, 2027 World Leadership Conference & Gala
- Los Angeles, California: October 25-27, 2028 World Leadership Conference & Gala
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Share your good news!
Submit announcements, honors and recognitions with
IWF So Cal – Trusteeship friends.
Please send an email with the subject line “Announcement” to admin@iwfsocal.org with your latest news.
Here’s all you need to know:
- SUBMISSIONS MUST BE SENT 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF THE MONTH
- UPDATES GO OUT THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
- PROVIDE TEXT AND LINKS WHERE AVAILABLE AND APPROPRIATE
- HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE? UPDATES CAN BE SHARED AT ANY TIME ON THE FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE.
You can join the private Facebook group by clicking on the icon below. This will take you directly to the Facebook page where you can send a friend request to join the group.
Click here to email your announcement
Looking forward to hearing about these special times in your lives! Thank you very much.
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