The International Women’s Forum (IWF) was founded in 1982 in the United Sates and since then has expanded across five continents and into 26 nations. The IWF works to advance women leadership by connecting the world’s most preeminent women of significant and diverse achievement. Through its global membership program, IWF fosters the exchange of ideas in order to promote and inspire leadership to better change the world.
Vancouver was the lucky host of the 2013 IWF World Leadership Conference, which took place from October 16-18. This year’s theme was Modern Movements Shaping the World, and saw 1,300 women from more than 50 countries who are the world’s leading architects, advocates, catalysts and pioneers of change in their field, come together to exchange ideas and discuss major trends that are changing business, communities and daily life for citizens around the world.
We had the esteemed privilege of attending the IWF Hall of Fame and Gala Awards, which wrapped up the inspirational 3-day conference. With over 800 participants in attendance, we had the delightful pleasure of listening to the stories and triumphs of some of the world’s most impressive and inspiring women.
Three amazing women were inducted into IWF’s Hall of Fame, joining a highly regarded group of women who include Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Margaret Thatcher, Rosa Parks, and Barbara Walters, just to name a few.
The IFW Hall of Fame award pays tribute to “the incredible impact that women of courage, creativity and passion have made towards improving society, inspiring others and building better leadership in the world.” The audience sat in undivided attention as these three women graced the stage and imparted their wisdom upon us:
- The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, the 7th Prime Minister of Jamaica and head of the People’s National Party
- Lynn Johnston, Canada’s foremost cartoonist, the first woman and the first Canadian to win the Reuben award
- Anne Murray, the iconic platinum recording artist and multi-award winning Canadian singer and entertainer
The Honourable Christy Clark delivered an empowering speech, lighting a spark in each and every woman in attendance as she received the IWF’s Woman Who Makes a Difference Award for her contributions of a leader.
We walked away from the evening filled with a renewed sense of inspiration and a refueled desire to achieve our biggest dreams.
With IWF’s New President, Ludmila Shvetsova
Anca is a full-time SFU Beedie MBA Student. After finishing an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy and finishing an accredited residency program, she passionately worked as a clinical pharmacist within Fraser Health. She is VP Academic Development for Net Impact – SFU, and is an proud ambassador for the MBA program. Reach her via email @ ancajb@gmail.com, and visit her LinkedIn.
Jenifer is a full-time SFU Beedie MBA Student. With an undergraduate degree in Communication and English, Jenifer has a diverse background of interest and skills. An avid traveller, she has marketing experience in the travel industry and was fortunate to spend a semester studying abroad. Jenifer is Co-President of the Segal Graduate Women’s Business Council and brings her passion for connecting with people and increasing diversity in the business world. Contact Jenifer at jjd1@sfu.ca or LinkedIn.