International Women Associates upcoming events

Literature Discussion: Fracture by Andrés Neuman (04/13/2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: Fracture
Author: Andrés Neuman

Discussion Leader: Usha Raj, with author on zoom

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

Board of Directors Meeting, April 2026 (By Invitation) (04/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This Board Meeting will be held in person. If you are going to be out of town but plan to attend, please contact Celia for registration.

International Dining: Avaspi Anatolian Tapas Restaurant (04/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

6:30 p.m

Avaspi Anatolian Tapas, 1258 West Belmont

It’s not just tapas at this renowned restaurant featuring the cuisine of the Mardin River area of Southeastern Anatolia. The menu also offers delicious, authentic, and unique main dishes.

Please bring cash!

Maximum: 26 IWA members and guests.

Registration required. RVSP by Sunday, April 12.

Street parking available. CTA: 77 bus or an 8-minute walk to the Belmont red & brown line trains.

Contacts: Lyra Jakabhazy and Dell Harmsen

IWA Presents: MacTutor 2026 (04/15/2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

2 p.m. on Zoom

Join us for an in-home learning virtual series, showing those of us who have Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple watches how to get the most of their features. This will be a weekly series for four weeks, taught by a professional, Tony Marengo, The MacTutor. Learn more about The MacTutor at www.themactutor.com.

All members are welcome to sign up. If you register for the series and have to miss a session – no problem! All participants will be emailed a video recording of the session on the following day. Please note that when you register for one session you will be registered for all.

Session Topics:

April 8: New iOS 26 Features, Tips, & Tricks

April 15: How to Take the Best Pictures on Your iPhone and Then Edit Them in the Photos App

April 22: Using Your iPhone and Apple Watch for Safety, Health, & Fitness

April 29: Current Scams You Need to Be Aware Of, & Using Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

Cost: $60

Each session will run 45-60 minutes.

Zoom links will be sent in reminder emails before each session.

Swift School Classroom Helpers – Volunteer Opportunity! (04/16/2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

Please register by April 13.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen

Swift School Mural Unveiling and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (04/16/2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Thursday, April 16, 2026

10:00 a.m.

George B. Swift Specialty School, 5900 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

Join us for a special morning at George B. Swift Specialty School as we celebrate the unveiling of three new murals created for the Swift community.

Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of the 48th Ward will also be in attendance to mark this special occasion.

Swift School has long been a valued partner in the philanthropic work of the International Women Associates, and many members have formed meaningful connections with the students and staff over the years. These murals, made possible through a generous legacy gift from the late Lynnette Gaza, celebrate the vibrant diversity of the school, where students speak more than 50 languages and represent cultures from around the world.

Created in collaboration with artists from the Art of Giving Foundation, the murals are a joyful symbol of creativity, inclusion, and the lasting relationship between our members and the Swift School community.

To avoid interrupting the school day, attendance has been limited by the school to 30 participants. In light of the small capacity, this event is offered exclusively to IWA members.

Bridge (04/20/2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

IWA Presents: MacTutor 2026 (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

2 p.m. on Zoom

Session Topics:

April 8: New iOS 26 Features, Tips, & Tricks

April 15: How to Take the Best Pictures on Your iPhone and Then Edit Them in the Photos App

April 22: Using Your iPhone and Apple Watch for Safety, Health, & Fitness

April 29: Current Scams You Need to Be Aware Of, & Using Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

Cost: $60

Each session will run 45-60 minutes.

Zoom links will be sent in reminder emails before each session.

Scholarship Selection Meeting (By Invitation) (04/28/2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Mah Jongg (04/28/2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join your IWA friends in a fun and friendly game of Mah Jongg! There is nothing more exciting than when, with your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your palms sweating, and you call "Mah Jongg"!

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

IWA Presents: MacTutor 2026 (04/29/2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026

2 p.m. on Zoom

Session Topics:

April 8: New iOS 26 Features, Tips, & Tricks

April 15: How to Take the Best Pictures on Your iPhone and Then Edit Them in the Photos App

April 22: Using Your iPhone and Apple Watch for Safety, Health, & Fitness

April 29: Current Scams You Need to Be Aware Of, & Using Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

Cost: $60

Each session will run 45-60 minutes.

Zoom links will be sent in reminder emails before each session.

Enhanced Level Members: An Afternoon of Musical Delights (04/30/2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Fold and Sip (05/01/2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, May 1, 2026

1:00 pm

IWA Office, 17 N. State St., Suite 1760

Learn to fold a crane through the art of Japanese origami while sipping a variety of teas. According to a Japanese legend, cranes live for 1,000 years. Folding 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) grants one wish, most commonly health-related or a symbol of peace.

IWA will join other organizations in creating a 1,000 cranes mobile by participating in the Cranes for Peace Project, established by Japanese Culture Center and Osaka Chicago Sister Cities Committee, to promote peace in Chicago and beyond. The IWA origami workshop will serve as an opportunity for members to learn about the project and to be a part of this meaningful initiative.

To learn more about the project, please click on the link: Cranes4Peace.com

Registration Maximum: 23 IWA members and prospective members. Limit 1 prospective guest per member.

Contact: Yoko Mosher

The Color of Music: French Impressionism and Beyond (05/05/2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

10:30 am Social; 11:00 am Program in English

IWA Office, 17 N State St, Suite 1760

Glenn Derringer, a well-traveled musical impresario will give a presentation on a comparison of French Impressionist music and French impressionist Art. His presentation will be accompanied by several videos.

Refreshments are welcome.

RSVP by May 3.

Registration Limit: 30

Contact: Nadej Mercier

Finance Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (05/05/2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Swift School Classroom Helpers – Volunteer Opportunity! (05/07/2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

Please register by May 4.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen

Literature Discussion: Clean by Alia Trabucco Zerán (05/11/2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: Clean
Author: Alia Trabucco Zerán

Discussion Leader: Jeanmarie Hagedorn

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Board of Directors Meeting, May 2026 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (05/12/2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Finance Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (05/18/2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Bridge (05/18/2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Save the Date! Culture in a Suitcase (05/19/2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

A Taste of Poland: Flavors, Stories, and Life (05/20/2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

10:30 am Social; 11:00 am Program

IWA Office, 17 N State Street, Suite 1760

Program: Discover the heart of modern Poland in this engaging lecture. Explore its geography, location, and people, while uncovering key moments in history and meeting some of the country’s most famous figures. Journey through Poland’s major cities, vibrant culture, and culinary traditions, and gain a lively snapshot of everyday life in this dynamic European nation.

Q&A and refreshments from Poland will follow the presentation.

Presenter: Agnieszka Oskiera is an IWA member and is a Polish linguist and lecturer, born in Łódź, Poland, where most of her life unfolded and her academic career began. She worked at the University of Łódź in both the Department of Polish Philology and the Department of Journalism and Social Communication, and earned a PhD in Polish linguistics before moving to the United States 13 years ago.

Since then, she has taught at Loyola University and the University of Pittsburgh. She currently serves as a lecturer at the University of Michigan, where she teaches Polish language as well as courses on Polish culture and society in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.

Outside the classroom, her interests include traveling, hiking, cooking, exploring Chicago, and promoting Polish culture. She also delivers lectures and leads workshops on teaching Polish as a second language for Polish schools and community.

Registration Limit: 30

Evening Meet and Greet (05/20/2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

4:00-6:00 PM

Pippin's Tavern, 39 East Chicago Avenue

Join IWA friends for our monthly Meet and Greet at this fun and historic Irish pub. Happy hour prices for food and drink. (A variety of nonalcoholic beverages also available.)

This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to IWA!

Pippin‘s Tavern is at the intersection of Chicago and Wabash Avenues.

https://pippinstavern.com/specials/

Contact: Dell Harmsen

Swift School Classroom Helpers – Volunteer Opportunity! (05/21/2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

Please register by May 18.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen

Save the Date! Culture in a Suitcase (05/22/2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day - Office Closed (05/25/2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The IWA Office will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Mah Jongg (05/26/2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

Board of Directors Meeting, June 2026 (By Invitation) (06/02/2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This Board Meeting will be held in person. If you are going to be out of town but plan to attend, please contact Celia for registration.

Literature Discussion: City of Thieves by David Benioff (06/08/2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: City of Thieves
Author: David Benioff

Discussion Leader: Doreen Feitelberg

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Save The Date! 2026 IWA Annual Meeting (06/10/2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Bridge (06/15/2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Go Behind the Scenes at CASL: Community in Action (06/16/2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

10:00am - 11:30am

2141 South Tan Court

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes visit to the Chinese American Service League (CASL), a cornerstone of Chicago’s Asian American community since 1978. For nearly five decades, CASL has empowered families through education, family support, and vital social services. Come experience its impact firsthand through a guided tour of its facilities.

Continue the experience with a hands-on Chinese calligraphy workshop, where you’ll learn basic brush techniques and create your own artwork to take home.

Wrap up with an optional group lunch in Chinatown, a perfect way to connect while enjoying the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene.

Don’t miss this unique blend of culture, creativity, and community!

Space is limited to 25 IWA members and guests.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

Save The Date! North Shore Meet & Greet (06/18/2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Save The Date!

North Shore June

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Details to follow

Mah Jongg (06/23/2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

Independence Day - Office Closed (07/03/2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The IWA Office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Literature Discussion: Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (07/13/2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: Perfection
Author: Vincenzo Latronico

Discussion Leader: Myra Balesi

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (07/20/2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Literature Discussion: The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (08/10/2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: The Listeners
Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Discussion Leader: D. Clancy

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (08/17/2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Labor Day - Office Closed (09/07/2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The IWA Office will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Literature Discussion: The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (09/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: The Mountains Sing
Author: Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

Discussion Leader: Yoko Kusama

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (09/21/2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Literature Discussion: The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (10/19/2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Book: The Paris Express
Author: Emma Donoghue

Discussion Leader: Susan Engelhart

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (10/19/2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Literature Discussion: The Granddaughter by Bernhard Schlink (11/09/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Book: The Granddaughter
Author: Bernhard Schlink

Discussion Leader: Barbara Herzog

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (11/16/2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Thanksgiving Day - Office Closed (11/26/2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The IWA Office will be closed Thursday, November 26 in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Literature Discussion: The Women by Kristin Hannah (12/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Book: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah

Discussion Leader: Teresa Kennedy

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Bridge (12/21/2026)

Mon, 21 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Christmas Day - Office Closed (12/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The IWA Office will be closed Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day.

Thank you for understanding!