Celebrating 30 Years of Impact: The IWF Leadership Fellows Program
November 12, 2024
We recently had the incredible opportunity to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Leadership Fellows Program, a milestone that truly reflects the importance of IWF’s mission of advancing women’s leadership today and tomorrow. This event marked not just a celebration of three decades of progress, but also a recommitment to the vision and values that inspired the founders to create this transformative program.
A standout moment was when Leena Nair, inaugural Leadership Fellows Program Distinguished Alumna Award recipient, and one of the few female CEOs across Fortune 500 companies, expressed her gratitude and the weight of responsibility she feels. “If I can get some women to believe that it’s possible, I will have the greatest sense of pride and joy,” she shared. Her journey reflects the essence of this program—recognizing that with opportunity comes the duty to pave the way for others.
As Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, Ambassador-at-Large for the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State and the first woman of color to hold the position, aptly stated, “Today, we are surrounded by living proof of this program’s deep and abiding impact.” This impact is evident in the stories shared by the remarkable women who have participated in the program.
During the event, we heard from the program’s founders and former fellows, including Marsha Sampson Johnson [TAG], Mariana Sanz [TAG], Karyl Innis [TAG], and many others. Their reflections reminded us that the IWF Fellows are women who have nurtured each other, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual accomplishments.
This culture of commitment and support is vital as we navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s world.
The event also served as the kick-off of orientation for the 2024-2025 Fellows program. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and energy of the new cohort, as they step into a legacy of excellence and commitment. Their journey is just beginning, but they are already part of a powerful global network.
As we reflect on the last 30 years, we are reminded that our work is far from over. The challenges women face in leadership roles continue to evolve, but so does our resolve to address them. The IWF Leadership Fellows Program stands as a testament to what is possible when women come together to support each other.
Here’s to the next chapter for these inspirational and aspirational leaders.
