Testimonials
The Honourable Myra Freeman, CM, ONS
Montreal 2010 / Water, Wealth & Power and D.C. 2011 / Balance & Power in the 21st Century
“The IWF conferences harness the energy of world class speakers and extraordinary women delegates from diverse communities and fields of endeavour while examining the personal, professional and global challenges of the 21st century. The platform allows women's voices to be heard on a global scale on global issues, and attracts those who truly care about society, empowering them to be agents of change. The unique opportunity to grow and learn from each other and the benefit of forging meaningful friendships are inspirational to all who attend. Being a part of this very special experience has enriched my life.”
Dr. Elsie Elford
dean of Business, MacEwan University, Edmonton
“The major take-away is the opportunity to connect with incredible women who are passionate about our global community and are doing great work as community leaders in addition to their professional careers. The panel discussions are informative and in many cases inspirational. The social events, and in particular, the dine-arounds add a dimension to the conference experience that I have not found anywhere else.”
Ani Hotoyan-Joly
CA, ICD.D - CFO Coventree Inc.
“I attended the IWF Cornerstone Conference in Rome in May 2011 for 3 reasons. I wanted to see Italy, to explore the historic culture and the art in that wonderful country. I combined the pre-and post-conference trips to Venice and Florence and had a well rounded Italian trip. Secondly, I wanted to go to this conference, like all IWF conferences, to meet some amazing IWF members from around the world. Where else would I get to be in a room full of some of the world’s most successful women? And finally, I wanted to learn how Art will Transform the World. I met my 3 objectives.”
Ellen Moore
President, CEO and Chairman, Chubb Insurance Company of Canada
“I am motivated to attend IWF conferences to network with members from around the globe, gain their perspectives of current events and learn more about the cities in which they live. My first true IWF experience was at the conference in 2005 in Washington D.C. I was new to the organization, new to my role as CEO and new to Canada. I was welcomed by so many during those three days and learned things that made a difference in how I transitioned in my career and in my new home country. I have made long lasting friendships as well as a strong business and social network - which I tap into very often. The conferences let you get off the grid (enough) to enjoy this time for new learning, new colleagues and reconnecting.”
Michele Stanners
Former IWF Canada Board Director and EVP Membership
Cornerstone Conference, Buenos Aires
"It was in a coffee shop in El Calafate, the glacier capital of Argentina, over a latte and a croissant with Carolyn Golding of the Washington Forum, that IWF had its greatest influence on my life. I told my friend and travelling companion that I felt ready to take a one-year sabbatical to consider doing work in the international arena, when she paused, smiled and like an oracle said calmly.
The Fellows Program at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard - IWF has an affiliation. Every year, we can put forward one of our members as a candidate for Fellowship. That's what you will do next.
And so it was. There are many stories like mine in the IWF community. We all have busy lives and crowded agendas, but if you haven't yet expanded your involvement beyond your own chapter, you're missing one of the greatest benefits of membership.”
Pauline Couture
Former IWF Canada Board member and VP Communications
Chicago World Leadership Conference
"Where else would I find myself sitting around a dining room table with a former attorney-general of the Bahamas, the founder of a publicly traded company with a stellar reputation in the retirement homes business, the United States' first black woman senior bank executive, a Jordanian health-care executive and a Wisconsin art dealer?"
Diana Burke
Past Toronto Chapter Chair
Madrid Cornerstone Conference
"Rich conversation with new and old friends from all over the world, extraordinary learning opportunities and unforgettable sights…the World Conference had it all."
Robin Howlings
IWF Canada member
Amman Cornerstone Conference
"My number one impression was this: a country steeped in history and close family values. Everything the people do is with their family's or tribe's well being in mind. Families live together, stay together and nurture together, unlike our culture of moving out as soon as you are old enough and putting our elderly in nursing homes. All North Americans can learn from their way of doing things. I certainly did."
