Putting Global
Understanding Into Practice
Understanding Into Practice
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Founder's Message
IWA was founded by Doe Thornburg, OBE (Order of the British Empire) who devoted her life and career to organizing innovative exchanges of ideas among people of many nations."Working for global understanding means transforming consciousness by respecting and appreciating what each person has to offer. To partner in such a commitment is the work of IWA members. Together we are changing the status quo. We are assisting in the creation of a more just and peaceful civilization."
Doe Thornburg, IWA Founder
(August 2, 1922 - May 25, 2018)
President's Message
Dear IWA Members and those interested in learning more about IWA,
I am extremely honored to serve as the IWA President for the 2023-2025 term. I wish to thank the most recent IWA President, Catherine Sinegal, and all past IWA Presidents, for their dedicated service to this outstanding membership organization.
International Women Associates is an organization of approximately 300 women from over 60 countries in the Chicago area and beyond. We welcome both foreign-born women and those who have lived abroad or have international connections. Since our founding in 1978 by Doe Thornburg, we continue to celebrate our diversity through friendship, community service, philanthropy, and cross-cultural exchange. Doe’s vision was to create an organization that promotes global understanding by seeing the “sacred” in everyone. It is this vision that attracts new members to IWA and keeps the organization vibrant.
The IWA Board of Directors and I will work together to serve IWA members through enriching programs, events, philanthropy, and community service opportunities. I encourage all members to take advantage of everything we have to offer, and I welcome prospective members to reach out to learn more about our organization.
Thank you!
Ying Hirsh
IWA President, 2023-2025