International Women Associates upcoming events

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!

French Language: Fall Gathering (09/08/2026)

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

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

IWA Office, 17 N State St, Suite 1760

Fall gathering; a chance to reconnect and share some special memories of the Summer. Come and bring some photos, if you can, to share with the group your Summer experiences. It will be great to meet in person again.

Refreshments are welcome!

RSVP by September 6

Note: Our gathering will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of September due to the Labor Day weekend vacation.

Contact: Nadej Mercier

North Shore Potluck (09/11/2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Friday, September 11, 2025

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Gillson Park, Wilmette

Enjoy Autumn weather, stroll along the beach and park, bring food to share, and socialize with friends!

If it rains - we are under the pavilion roof.

Let us know what food you are bringing.

Meet at the pavilion by the beach. East off of Lake Ave and Michigan Ave, and down the hill.

Directions: North Entrance- take Sheridan Road to Lake Ave, go east on Lake Ave down the hill on Overlook Dr. South entrance –take Sheridan Road north past the Baha'i Temple turn east on Harbor Drive, continue to east Upper Drive and around and down to covered picnic area. Parking by the Beach House on the southern portion of the lot or limited parking along Overlook Drive.

Volunteers for hosting our pot-lucks, restaurant suggestions and walking location ideas are always appreciated. Join us for friendship and fellowship. IWA North Shore area events are open to all members and their guests.

RSVP online by Wednesday September 9th.

Contact: Alice Chow

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (09/14/2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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

Book Description: Nguyén Phan Qué Mai was born in North Vietnam in 1973, two years before the U.S. departure, and was reared on stories of her native country's haunted and heroic past. Her novel alternates narration between a grandmother born in 1920 and a granddaughter born 40 years later. Together, they take readers through much of 20th century Vietnam, from French colonialism and Japanese occupation to the rise of Communism and the growing and brutal American military campaign to fight it. Qué Mai dedicates the novel to various ancestors, including an uncle whose "youth the Vietnam War consumed." Philadelphia Tribune.

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, September 2026 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (09/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Evening Meet and Greet (09/16/2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Wednesday September 16, 2026

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Lizzie McNeill's Irish Pub, 400 North McClurg Court

You are invited to join IWA friends for our monthly IWA Meet and Greet: Happy Hour at Lizzie McNeill's on the Chicago Riverwalk.

www.lizziemcneills.com

In case of inclement weather we will meet indoors at Lizzie

Maximum: 25 IWA members and prospective members

Contact: Rabia Degand

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).

International Dinning at Shine – Pan-Asian Restaurant in Lincoln Park (09/23/2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, September 23

6:00 p.m.

Shine, 756 W Weber Ave

Enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends!

Shine is a popular Pan-Asian restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, known for both its Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including sushi, stir-fries, and other dishes

RSVP required on the IWA website.

Max 20 people

Guests welcome!

Street parking available on W Webster Ave, and paid lots and garages nearby.

CTA: Ten minute walk from Red/Brown Line Trains’ Fullerton stop. Also convenient to CTA buses 8, 73, and 74.

Contact: Lucia Lee

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (09/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Foraging Tour at Lincoln Park (09/26/2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Saturday, September 26, 2026

10:30 a.m. SHARP

2610 N Cannon Drive, Chicago (in front of North Pond restaurant)

Dave Odd, founder of Odd Produce Inc and Eat the Neighborhood public tours, will lead a foraging tour at Lincoln Park, where we will learn about numerous plants and trees that have food and medicinal value. The tour runs between 1.5 - 2 hours, walking through Lincoln Park and identifying at least 50 different edible/medicinal wild plants/mushrooms usually within only a block or two radiuses.

Dave Odd is Chicago's only full-time professional forager. He has been providing foraged local products to Chicago's finest restaurants since 2009. He provides foraging walks and tours of local Chicago neighborhoods and parks to teach people about nature's bounty right in their own backyards.

We will meet in front of North Pond restaurant 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago 60614, or the north end of the North Pond. Note that the restaurant is not affiliated with the tour, and no harvesting of plants is allowed on Chicago Park District properties.

Contact: Pat Naparsteck

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (10/02/2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Morning Meet and Greet (10/05/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Monday October 5, 2026

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Coffee at 10 a.m., Walk starts at 10:30 a.m.

Ipsento Coffee, 1813 North Milwaukee Avenue

Meet at Ipsento Coffee!

Coffee and walk on Chicago's 606 Trail! We will walk for about one hour. Ipsento is adjacent to the PARK 567 entrance to the 606 Trail. The 606 trail is named after the first three numbers of Chicago zip codes (606xx). It is an elevated trail built on a former rail line through Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. YouTube has several informative videos about the beautiful and popular 606, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail.

Suggestions: comfortable shoes and water bottle! IWA members and guests welcome.

Street parking nearby. Short walk from CTA Blue Line Train, Western Avenue station, or CTA buses 72, 73, 56. (See Google Maps for all options.)

Contact: Katarina Andersson & Dell Harmsen

Painting A Country: Perspectives on Art in Tunisia (In French) (10/06/2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday October 6, 2026

10:30 am social; 11 am program in French

IWA Office, 17 N State St, Suite 1760

This presentation offers a journey through the history of the arts in Tunisia, from its ancient heritage to the emergence of modern painting in the 20th century. Along the way, we will consider a simple question: how does a country represent itself through art?

By exploring the birth of the artistic movement known as the School of Tunis and the context in which it emerged, we will see how artists sought to express their reality, navigating between tradition and modernity, outside influences and personal expression.

Beyond movements and styles, this talk will also be an opportunity to reflect on how art accompanies the transformations of a society and contributes to the construction of an identity that is constantly evolving.

About WERIEM

WERIEM is a French and Tunisian visual artist based in Chicago whose work explores the gaze, emotion, and the theatricality of human experience. Drawing from the performing arts and history, she creates meticulously rendered paintings that invite viewers into intimate, psychologically charged worlds. Before fully focusing on fine art, she designed costumes for opera and theater. WERIEM holds a PhD in biology from the Université de Lille, a background that continues to inform the precision behind her work.

Refreshments are welcome.

RSVP by October 4

Contact: Nadej Mercier

International Dining: Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge (10/07/2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

12:00 p.m.
332 E. Illinois St., Streeterville

Let’s Do Lunch!

Join IWA friends for a relaxed lunch at Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge! Enjoy good conversation and Niu’s creative Pan-Asian menu, featuring Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese flavors in a spacious and casually elegant setting.

Come for the food, stay for the conversation, and enjoy an afternoon of good company and international flavors!

RSVP today!

Capacity: Maximum 20 members and guests

Contact: Lucia Lee

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (10/08/2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (10/09/2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

North Shore Outdoors: The Grove (10/09/2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Friday October 9, 2026

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Walk the Grove)

1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview

12:00 p.m. (Optional Lunch after walk)

Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen, 9860 N. Milwaukee Ave., Glenview

“In 1836, visionary horticulturist and educator Dr. John Kennicott settled on the property from New Orleans. His son, Robert Kennicott, became a prominent early naturalist and kept part of his plant and animal specimen collection at The Grove. Robert Kennicott also founded the Chicago Academy of Sciences. In 1976, The Grove was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is also a dedicated Illinois nature preserve."

Directions to The Grove: Meet at the Interpretive Center. Park in the east lot and take south path to the center. The Grove is located on the west side of Milwaukee, Ave. south of the intersection of W Lake Ave. and Milwaukee Ave.

Directions to Restaurant: Drive south on Milwaukee. Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen is located on the west side of Milwaukee Ave between Golf Road on the south and Central Road on the north.

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (10/16/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

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).

Tiffany & Co. and the Tiffany Studios of New York (10/20/2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, October 20

10:30am - 11:30am

Zoom

Most of us have heard of Tiffany, the luxury jewelry design house that has been in business for 189 years, selling to Presidents, Heads of State and the common man. But few know that originally there were two separate Tiffany empires: Tiffany & Co., founded in 1837 by the jeweler Charles Lewis Tiffany, and Tiffany Studios, founded in 1900 by son Louis Comfort Tiffany. Ann Leslie will tell us the story of these two separate Tiffany empires, only one of which survives today.

Presenter: Ann Leslie is an instructor at Harper College, Barrington, and previously was a television producer and director. She has also written articles for various newspapers and magazines.

Contact: Nicola Crowe

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (10/23/2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, October 2026 (By Invitation) (10/27/2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 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.

Behind Closed Doors: Asian Art & Ancient Jade (10/27/2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Tuesday October 27, 2026

2 P.M.

Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St., 3rd Floor

Spend a special afternoon at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, with exclusive access for IWA members on a day when the museum is closed to the public.

Founded in 2014, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in the Midwest dedicated exclusively to Asian art. Its diverse collection spans cultures and periods across Asia and includes jade, ceramics, bronzes, textiles, scholar’s objects, and classical Chinese furniture.

Our visit will begin with a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection, offering an introduction to highlights from its galleries. We will then enjoy a special presentation of Beasts, Aviary and Ritual of Ancient China led by fellow IWA member Jun Wan, a jade scholar and expert, who will share her expertise and insights into the jade works featured in the exhibition.

This special program offers a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Chicago’s lesser-known cultural treasures in a private setting while learning from both the museum and one of our own IWA members.

Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis as space is limited to 20 people.

This event is open to IWA members only.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

Committee Meeting: 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (Invitation Only) (10/30/2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Save the Date! Holidays Around the World - 2026 Annual Fundraising Celebration (11/04/2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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).

Board of Directors Meeting, November 2026 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (11/17/2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Lost Treasures of the Titanic (11/19/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Thursday, November 19, 2026

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Zoom

Join art historian Mallory Mortillaro on Zoom to travel back to April 14, 1912, when tragedy struck the RMS Titanic. James Cameron's Titanic told the invented story of the Heart of the Ocean, a fictional blue diamond necklace lost tragically in the ship's famous sinking. Learn the true story of how, in addition to the incredible loss of life, a nearly incalculable amount of treasure plummeted into the ocean, never to be seen again.

Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. As a researcher, she consults for private collectors, museums, and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. Her discoveries in the art world have garnered her international attention, including the Rodin Bust of Napoleon in the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. She lectures across the country and lives in New Jersey. She studied at Drew University.

Contact: Nicola Crowe

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!

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (12/03/2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A Taste of Poland: Flavors, Stories, and Life (12/04/2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, December 4, 2026

12:00pm Social, 12:30pm Program

IWA Office, 17 N State St. 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.

Private Tour of Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (12/10/2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Thursday, December 10, 2026

Arrival 12:45 p.m. Tour begins promptly at 1:00 p.m.

University of Illinois Chicago Campus, 800 South Halsted Street

Founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr, Hull-House was a welcoming social settlement, initiated to serve the needs of recently arrived immigrants. It was a place where immigrants from diverse backgrounds gathered to become acclimated to their new country…and to put down roots!

Hull-House became our nation’s most influential social settlement, expanding to encompass thirteen buildings. Here, Addams and her circle of social reformers provided kindergarten and day care facilities; an employment bureau; an art gallery; libraries; English and citizenship courses; and theater, music, and art classes. They championed immigrant rights and improvements to public health. They worked to end child labor, instituted juvenile justice, supported unions, built playgrounds, and advocated for public housing.

Despite resistance from fervent activists, in 1963 the City of Chicago bulldozed most of the original Hull-House structures. The two surviving nationally-landmarked buildings became the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, which is where our wonderful guided tour will take place.

Reservations: Tour is limited to 20 IWA members.

Directions: The Museum is easily reached by public transportation using the UIC Halsted stop on the Blue Line or the Halsted Bus (#8), or via the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90).

Parking: Available at Halsted and Taylor Street (760 West Taylor Street), the garage across the street. Visit the UIC Parking Services website for more details.

Contact: Barbara Champion

Here, Addams and her circle of social reformers provided kindergarten and day care facilities; an employment bureau; an art gallery; libraries; English and citizenship courses; and theater, music, and art classes.

North Shore December: Holiday Luncheon in Glencoe (12/11/2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, December 11, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

Guildhall Restaurant, 694 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe

Please join us for lunch to celebrate the holiday season!

“Guildhall is an American Bistro with a sophisticated attitude and serves thoughtful cuisine, creative craft cocktails, and premiere wine and beer from an eclectic list. At Guildhall, we believe that cooking is a craft. We are committed to working with local and artisanal purveyors to source the highest quality ingredients available.”

Directions: Guildhall Restaurant is a block west of Green Bay Rd, south of Park Ave and north of Hazel Ave. Free parking available.

RSVP by December 9th.

Remember to bring cash and your name tag.

Space Limited: Members and prospective members are welcome.

Volunteers for hosting our pot-lucks, restaurant suggestions and walking location ideas are always appreciated. Join us for friendship and fellowship. IWA North Shore area events are open to all members and prospective members!

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

Board of Directors Meeting, December 2026 (By Invitation) (12/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 16:00:00 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.

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!

North Shore January - Convito Café and Market (01/08/2027)

Fri, 08 Jan 2027 17:30:00 GMT

Friday, January 8, 2027

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette

Join us for our first North Shore lunch of the New Year 2027 at Convito Café and Market in Wilmette!

“Convito Café’s mission is to offer…food featuring classic regional Italian and French dishes served by a friendly and informed staff in art-filled, cozy surroundings. Convito is an ancient Italian word… that signifies a banquet or feast with family and friends to eat and drink.”

Directions: Plaza Del Lago is west off of Sheridan Road, about 5 blocks south of Kenilworth Ave and 1 block north of Chestnut Ave. Free parking available.

RSVP by January 6 online.

Remember to bring cash and your IWA name tag.

Members and prospective members are welcome.

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (01/14/2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, January 2027 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (01/19/2027)

Tue, 19 Jan 2027 23:00:00 GMT

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (02/11/2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, February 2027 (By Invitation) (02/16/2027)

Tue, 16 Feb 2027 16:00:00 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.

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (03/11/2027)

Thu, 11 Mar 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, March 2027 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (03/16/2027)

Tue, 16 Mar 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (04/08/2027)

Thu, 08 Apr 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, April 2027 (By Invitation) (04/20/2027)

Tue, 20 Apr 2027 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.

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (05/13/2027)

Thu, 13 May 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, May 2027 (By Invitation, Evening Meeting, Zoom Only) (05/18/2027)

Tue, 18 May 2027 22:00:00 GMT

Board of Directors Meeting, June 2027 (By Invitation) (06/08/2027)

Tue, 08 Jun 2027 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.

Program Committee Meeting (By Invitation) (06/17/2027)

Thu, 17 Jun 2027 14:00:00 GMT