International Women's Forum

What International Women's Forum does

The International Women's Forum (IWF), founded in 1974 by Elly Guggenheimer, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-0919612) headquartered in Washington, DC, that operates a global peer network of preeminent women leaders across 78 locally chartered forums in 37 countries, comprising roughly 8,400 members. Its core products are (i) the Leadership Fellows Program — a multi-week executive development experience for high-potential women, ~3–5 years from senior roles, delivered through a flagship $39,500 tuition curriculum in partnership with INSEAD and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School (820+ alumnae over 30+ years; a 32-member, 38-person 2025-2026 cohort spanning 11 countries); (ii) Leadership Intensives, a customized B2B corporate-training line where IWF members serve as expert facilitators for partner organizations; and (iii) a flagship events portfolio anchored by the annual World Leadership Conference (Denver 2026, Miami 2027, Los Angeles 2028) and the regional Cornerstone Conference (Cape Town 2025, London 2026 with 750+ expected attendees). Supporting platforms include the IWF Connect Member Portal, award franchises (International Hall of Fame since 1985; Women Who Make a Difference; Leading Light Award; Ideas Remaking the World), and donor programs (Elly's Ladder five-year giving society and the Legacy Leaders Society planned-giving program).

Name

International Women's Forum

Legal name

The International Women's Forum

Website

https://iwforum.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Women's Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 78 local forums in 37 countries connecting 8,400+ preeminent women leaders through membership, the Leadership Fellows executive program, corporate Leadership Intensives training, and global conferences and awards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Professional Leadership Development

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Remote/Hybrid Leadership & Distributed Team Management (EDABAAAN)

Keywords

• Women's leadership network
• Leadership development programs
• Professional networking
• Corporate leadership training
• Executive mentorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Corporate Partnership/Sponsorship: IWF generates significant revenue through corporate partnerships at multiple tiers: Visionary Sponsors ($100,000+), Premier Sponsors ($50,000-$99,999), Principal Sponsors ($25,000-$49,999), Global Sponsors ($15,000-$24,999), Contributing Sponsors ($10,000-$14,999), and Supporting Sponsors ($5,000-$9,999). Partners receive brand visibility at conferences, access to member network, and professional development opportunities for their women leaders.
2. Individual Membership and Donations: Individual giving through annual donations, planned giving (Legacy Leaders Society), and Elly's Ladder five-year giving society (Bronze: $1,000, Silver: $5,000, Gold: $10,000 annually).
3. Leadership Fellows Program Tuition: Program tuition of US $39,500 covering immersive training at INSEAD and University of Cambridge, mentoring, conferences, and materials. Limited scholarships available for nonprofit, government, and small company participants.
4. Leadership Intensives: Customized corporate training programs where IWF members share expertise with partner organizations' high-potential women leaders. Current partners include Walmart, Edelman, Air Canada, Duke Corporate Education, and Willis Towers Watson.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The International Women's Forum (IWF) is a global, member-based nonprofit organization that advances women's leadership through a network of 78 local forums spanning 37 countries and connecting over 8,400 preeminent women leaders. Its core offerings include the Leadership Fellows Program (executive development at INSEAD and Cambridge), Leadership Intensives (customized corporate training), the World Leadership Conference & Gala, and Cornerstone Conferences.

Product overview

International Women's Forum offers a portfolio of leadership development programs, awards, and events designed to advance women's leadership globally. The core offerings include the Leadership Fellows Program (a world-class executive development program with mentorship and global curriculum at institutions like INSEAD and Cambridge), Leadership Intensives (customized corporate training), and Leadership Conferences (World Leadership Conference & Gala and Cornerstone Conference). The organization also operates award programs including the International Hall of Fame, Women Who Make a Difference, Ideas Remaking the World, and Leading Light Award. Donor programs include Elly's Ladder (annual giving society) and Legacy Leaders Society (planned giving). The IWF Connect Member Portal connects over 8,400 members across 78 Forums in 37 countries for networking and collaboration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Leadership Fellows Program A flagship executive development program for high-performing women 3-5 years away from senior leadership, featuring customized training at INSEAD (France) and University of Cambridge (England), IWF member mentorship, and lifetime access to the alumnae network.
• Leadership Intensives Customized corporate training programs in which IWF members deliver expertise to partner organizations' high-potential women leaders on career development, leadership development, and personal development topics.
• Leadership Conferences & Events Annual flagship conferences including the World Leadership Conference & Gala and Cornerstone Conference, convening 500-750+ women leaders from 30+ countries for strategic dialogue, networking, and recognition.
• International Hall of Fame Annual awards program honoring transformative figures who tackle the most urgent issues facing the world, with contributions to society that are outsized on a global scale.
• Elly's Ladder Annual Giving Society Five-year annual giving society with Bronze ($1,000/year), Silver ($5,000/year), and Gold ($10,000/year) levels supporting digital communications and global footprint expansion.
• Legacy Leaders Society Planned and deferred giving recognition program for donors who have arranged contributions through wills or trusts, with acknowledgment on the Member Portal and at events.
• IWF Connect Member Portal Global online member portal connecting 8,400+ preeminent women leaders across 78 Forums in 37 countries, facilitating networking, content access, and member communications.
• Corporate Partnership Program Multi-tier corporate sponsorship program (Visionary $100,000+ through Supporting $5,000-$9,999) providing brand visibility at conferences, website visibility, access to the influential member network, and professional development opportunities for partner organizations' women leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of Leadership Fellows Program Alumnae report a lasting impact on their professional lives
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core, flagship, premier and visionary.

• Chapel & YorksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Chapel & York Foundation allowing non-US donors (Canada, Hong Kong, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland) to make tax-deductible donations to IWF through regional Chapel & York offices.
• INSEADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-class business school partner for Leadership Fellows Program, providing customized 4-day training at INSEAD Fontainebleau, France. Part of the program's world-class curriculum developed over 30+ years.
• University of Cambridge Judge Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrestigious university partner for Leadership Fellows Program, providing 5-day leadership experience at Cambridge, England. Fellows Program collaboration includes week-long intensive programs.
• WalmartflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor corporate partner participating in Leadership Intensives Program where IWF members share expertise with Walmart's high-potential women leaders. Joanne Tabellija-Murphy serves as National Director of Public Affairs.
• EdelmanflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for Leadership Intensives Program. Mariana Sanz, CEO Latin America & General Manager Mexico at Edelman, is a Leadership Fellows alumna (2022-2023).
• Air CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for Leadership Intensives Program, providing professional development opportunities for their women leaders through IWF's network.
• Duke Corporate EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for Leadership Intensives Program, collaborating with IWF to provide leadership development content and expertise.
• Willis Towers WatsoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for Leadership Intensives Program, supporting IWF's mission to advance women's leadership through professional development partnerships.
• Mayer BrownflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary Sponsor of IWF with top-tier corporate partnership providing significant brand visibility and support for IWF's mission.
• Standard Bank PrivateflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary Sponsor based in South Africa, supporting IWF's global mission and gaining visibility with IWF's influential member network.
• SystemicLogicflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary Sponsor supporting IWF. Audrey Mothupi from SystemicLogic Group serves as a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellows Program mentor.
• Alaska AirlinespremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor of IWF with significant brand presence at conferences and events.
• AmazonpremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor and Leadership Fellows partner. Tara Lubbers, Global Director of Volunteering at Amazon, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• Anglo AmericanpremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor supporting IWF with global visibility and commitment to advancing women's leadership.
• DeloittepremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor providing support for IWF conferences and programs.
• LumenpremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor supporting IWF's global initiatives.
• NordstrompremierGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier Sponsor of IWF with brand presence at events.
• WalmartvisionaryGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary Sponsor and key partner for Leadership Intensives and Leadership Fellows Program. Cristina Ronski, CEO de Walmart Centroamérica, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• WDB TrustvisionaryGTM or Marketing PartnerVisionary Sponsor from South Africa supporting IWF's mission of advancing women's leadership.
• AccenturecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner with Julie Do, Managing Director at Accenture (IWF Northern California) participating as 2025-2026 mentor.
• General MotorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting IWF initiatives.
• Wilmington TrustcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting IWF programs.
• Consumers EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting IWF mission.
• DLA PipercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting IWF initiatives.
• BNY MellonsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPast partner for Leadership Intensives Program.
• Charles SchwabsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPast partner for Leadership Intensives Program.
• FedExsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPast partner for Leadership Intensives Program.
• IBMsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPast partner for Leadership Intensives Program.
• State FarmsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPast partner for Leadership Intensives Program and current Leadership Fellows partner.
• Texas InstrumentscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Leslie Mba, VP, Assistant Secretary Assistant General Counsel at Texas Instruments, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• ApplecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Amanda Pritters, Global Director and Head of Retail Security at Apple, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Ying Hao, Group Product Manager at Microsoft, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• Schneider ElectriccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Stephanie Medeiros, Head of Mobility at Schneider Electric, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• UbercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Angélica Huacuja, Senior Director, Labor & Employment LATAM at Uber, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• W.K. Kellogg FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Roshell Rinkins, VP at W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.
• Zions BancorporationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent Leadership Fellows partner. Mandy Querio, EVP at Zions Bancorporation, is a 2025-2026 Leadership Fellow.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• Vital Voices Global Partnership: Global nonprofit that identifies, invests in, and elevates emerging women leaders worldwide through fellowships, partnerships, and convenings — directly comparable as a women's-leadership development and networking organization with international scope.
• Committee of 200 (C200): Invitation-only membership organization of the world's most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, providing peer networking, mentorship, and education — directly comparable elite women-leader peer-network model.
• Catalyst: Global nonprofit working with CEOs and leading companies to advance women in the workplace through research, advisory, and corporate partnerships — comparable mission of advancing women leaders via employer partnerships and curated programs.
• Women's Forum for the Economy and Society (Davos): International organization convening women leaders across business, politics, and civil society, including the annual Davos Women's Forum — directly comparable as a high-profile women-leadership convening and convening-driven model.
• Ellevate Network (formerly 85 Broads): Global professional women's network offering mentoring, local chapters, and skill-building programs — comparable member-led women-leadership community with chapter-based local forums and online community platform.
• NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners): US-based membership organization for women business owners providing networking, education, and advocacy — comparable women-focused professional association model with chapter structure and corporate sponsorship funding.

Broad incumbents

• YPO (Young Presidents' Organization): Premier peer network of chief executives offering global forums, leadership development, and educational programs — closely comparable membership and event-driven model, though YPO is mixed-gender and focuses on younger CEOs across all industries.
• Fortune Most Powerful Women: Annual ranking and convening initiative by Fortune that connects senior women business leaders via summits and editorial coverage — comparable audience (C-suite women leaders) and event-driven engagement model, though monetized via media rather than membership.
• EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization): Global peer network of entrepreneurs offering chapter-based forums, learning programs, and conferences — directly comparable forum-based membership model and event-driven engagement, though mixed-gender and founder/CEO-focused.

Emerging players

• Women in Technology International (WITI): Global professional organization supporting women in technology through networking, events, and awards — comparable women-leadership membership and corporate-partnership model, though narrower industry focus on technology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iwfglobal
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdLPNS7ai1_XHaqgEnhEjtg/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/iwfglobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/intl-womens-forum
• Instagraminstagram.com/iwfglobal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Women's Forum