Building global leadership across careers, continents, and cultures by connecting the world’s most preeminent women of significant and diverse achievement

International Women’s Forum HERstorical Perspectives

IWF Early HERstory In 1974, renowned writer, civic leader, and philanthropist, Elinor “Elly” Guggenheimer, founded the Women’s Forum of New York to bring together women of diverse accomplishments and provide… a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences…mutual interests and attitudes…so they (could), when desired, speak in concert on issues confronting the community.

IWF Early HERstory The National Women’s Forum was created in 1979, by Forum leaders from Atlanta, Chicago, Colorado, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. In 1982, the Forum expanded globally with the addition of the United Kingdom; and in ensuing years, the Bahamas, Israel, Montreal, Spain, and Sweden. The name was officially changed to the International Women’s Forum (IWF) in 1987 by the global headquarters in Washington, D.C.

IWF HERstory In 1994, IWF created its Leadership Foundation (LF), a 501c3 supporting the training and growth of emerging women leaders. The Fellows Program, a partnership with Harvard University, is its flagship initiative. Today, IWF has more than 6,400 members across 75 affiliates in 34 nations and continues to build better global leadership through training conferences which are held annually.

IWF-Michigan HERstory Early in 1985, Chris Meyers, the first female leader at General Motors to oversee PR/marketing of the Pontiac Division, called together a group of women to discuss an exciting new prospect for women professionals in Michigan. She had been approached by Kate Rand Lloyd, then editor of “Working Woman Magazine,” to start an IWF chapter in Michigan. Founding members included: Chris Meyers Gladys Barsamian Christine Derdarian Patricia Hill Burnett Karen Ritchie Marie Farrell-Donaldson Rose Berberian

Early Members Were “First” Pioneers PATRICIA HILL BURNETT – First woman admitted to the Scarab Club CHRIS DERDARIAN – First woman legal counsel for the MI State Police, the Dept. of Corrections, & first female prosecutor at the state level ROSE BERBERIAN – First woman in the U.S. to be the Director of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) MARIE FARRELL DONALDSON – First female Treasurer and Ombudsman of the City of Detroit

Early Members Were “First” Pioneers GLADYS BARSAMIAN – First female probate judge in Wayne County SUE MARX – First woman in MI to win an Academy Award (documentary filmmaking) JENNIFER GRANHOLM – First female governor in Michigan history MARLA DRUTZ – One of the first women to head a major market TV station (WDIV-TV)

IWF Michigan Presidents Chris Meyers, Founder: TBD Christine Derdarian, Past President: TBD Sue Ellen Eisenberg, Past President: TBD Ruth Holmes, Past President: Anne Doyle, President: 2016 to present

Purpose of Michigan Chapter To bring together pre-eminent women of significant and diverse achievements to share knowledge and ideas, enrich each other’s lives, provide a network of support, and to the extent possible exert influence within communities and globally. Sponsor programs and social events that provide personal and professional enrichment.

Eligibility Women of diverse and significant accomplishments who have attained recognition in their respective field Track record of supporting other women Resident of Michigan Invitation only or transfer from another IWF affiliate

Member Responsibilities Demonstrate a commitment to the IWF mission and purpose Be a recognized leader in the community and nationally Demonstrate an interest and involvement beyond your chosen field to support women’s leadership Be willing to be an active member including participation and meeting the financial requirements of membership Have the ability, interest and time to participate in a national/international network (Global Conference)

Member Opportunities Endless opportunities for personal and professional connections across continents, cultures, and careers