We connect exceptional leaders in the Carolinas for learning and inspiration that foster personal and professional growth while embracing community impact and inclusivity.

We engage the members and resources of IWF globally to enrich our programming and networking.

President's Welcome

On behalf of IWF Carolinas, welcome. You are part of an invitation-only, unique, worldwide organization with a vibrant local presence.  It is a one-of-a-kind sisterhood of highly accomplished women leaders from the private and public sector across North and South Carolina.  We are here to support you in your professional endeavors and to have you become a part of our mission of advancing women's leadership and championing equality.   

As one of a group of 74 global forums, including 42 in the United States, we provide a unique gateway for our members to network and build relationships with more than 7,000 distinguished women leaders of IWF Global across six continents and 33 countries.  IWF membership consists of heads of state and industry, artists, and academics, thought leaders, and decision-makers.

We are delighted you are part of IWF, and we hope to challenge, encourage, prepare, and as you drive change in the communities we serve. 

Katie Tyler
President IWF Carolinas
2024

Katie Tyler

International Women's Forum was initially established in 1974 as a solution to women's inequality in the US by four glass-ceiling shatterers...


Elly Guggenheimer, the first woman to chair the New York City Planning Commission

Muriel Siebert, the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange

Eleanor Holmes Norton, then head of the New York City Human Rights Commission

Muriel Fox, one of the first female public relations executives and founder of NOW. 

IWF has since evolved into a truly global organization on six continents spanning 33 countries with over 7,000 accomplished women leaders as members. 

Learn more about IWF Global

IWF Carolinas is a relatively new forum which continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of its members.  


In 2006, a small group of accomplished women from North Carolina began gathering in small, informal sessions with Alana Ennis as leader through 2009. Under the continued leadership of several early group members, including Clyda Rent, Deborah Aguiar-Velez (deceased), Linda Farthing and Joan Lorden, the forum evolved and was formally structured with its first set of bylaws for IWF North Carolina in 2010.

Recognizing there was no forum yet in South Carolina, but that there was need for community among highly successful leaders across South Carolina, IWF North Carolina expanded membership to include accomplished women of South Carolina and formally renamed itself IWF Carolinas in 2019 during the leadership of Pat Crull.

IWF Carolinas has approximately 100 highly accomplished, diverse members from across North and South Carolina today.

Learn more about IWF Carolinas members and membership criteria.