“The Fellows Program for me was an A-Ha moment – I should have known this all along but I didn’t because no one ever told me.”

Sonia Brown (2002/03)

“The Fellows Program is a rare and personal opportunity to elevate your professional career and aspirations based on constructive and guiding support of a group of women you otherwise would never have had the chance to meet.”

Elizabeth Seigenthaler Courtney (2003/04)

“There is no other program that focuses on the specific needs of women who are already successful and equips them with the knowledge to advance even further in their careers. The year-long program is tailored to inspire women to focus on their unique skills so that they can differentiate themselves from their peers. In addition to the premiere executive education training, the networking with diverse classmates your mentor and IWF members provides a web of support that spans the globe.”

Trisha Cunningham (2002/03)

“The Fellows Program opened my eyes to the broader aspect of managing your career. It is not just about where you work, roles and responsibility or experiences gained over time – you also need to focus on the network that you are building and feeding, experiences outside the work place (nonprofit and community) and the multiple careers you’ll have through your life.”

Elizabeth Devin (2000/01)

“This is truly a strategic program for unleashing those hidden Power to ensure global peace and equity.”

Christine Dranzoa (2004/05)

“The Fellows program for me has continued to be a vehicle for networking, outreach, support, honest feedback, friendship, solutions, reality checks and fun. Our class gets together every year to continue what we started during our Fellowship year with the same rigor, candor, and standards for deep thinking, introspection and professional guidance. For me it is a lifetime sisterhood.”

Jennifer Edson (2000/01)

“This year has taken me to places previously unexplored – whether to locations, through topics, or with people. It has opened windows to other professions and perspectives. In the end, it has made me a better leader and military officer. But, wonderfully, it is not the end – this experience is only the beginning.”

Barbara Faulkenberry (2006/07)

“The Fellows Program is the best of its kind, and I benefited tremendously for participating and I will ALWAYS cherish the experience.”

Beth Fortune (2002/03)

“I was incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.”

Connie Gruber (1996/97)

“The Fellows Program made very tangible the fact that there really are no gender boundaries when it comes to what can be accomplished – that there are truly exceptional women (along with exceptional men) in every field, profession, industry, endeavor and geography who represent the “best of the best” on this planet – and that the bar is set very high to be in that elite group. Drive, ambition, and desire are important, but true talent, tenacity, focus and energy are requisites. It was inspirational, motivational -- and a reality-check.”

Mary Helmick (2003/04)

“One of the best experiences in my life, both professionally and personally. The Leadership Fellows Program has helped me become a better leader and a better person to influence the transformation of the world into a better one.” 

Claudia Herreramoro (2008/09)

“It seems rather melodramatic to describe an experience as ‘transforming’, but transforming is exactly the word that best describes my experience as a Fellow. The other descriptor I would easily use is ‘affirming.’ As for being transformed, I like Webster’s definition as it relates to physics: “to change one form of energy into another”. I came to the program with tremendous energy. The program helped me reshape, channel, and direct that energy to better support my career and life goals. And yes, the experience was affirming. How filled it was with feedback centered in the positive, that boldly and firmly asserted the truth about the power of woman!”

Marsha Sampson Johnson (2000/01)

“I am passionate about helping others and I believe that my calling and my purpose was realized as a result of participating in the fellows program.”

Deborah King (1995/96)

“For me, life will never be the same.  I'm embarking on my future with confidence and strategic leadership skills.”

Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo (2007/08)

“The IWF network is an incredible group of high-powered, creative, and impressive women who are committed to making a difference and helping women trace a unique path in your respective fields and communities.”

Maria Rendon Labadan (2008/09)

“The Fellows Program brought my different talents, wisdom and experience together on a journey to reach new heights and push beyond boundaries.  I built a strong and honorable support network totally focused on just one goal – the realization of my full potential.”

Vivian Lau (2006/07)

“Through this program I was able to recognize that I've been an accidental leader, now I'm a deliberate leader, armed with confidence and courage.”

LeeAnne Linderman (2007/08)

“My participation in the Fellows Program has been one of the most transformational experiences in my life, both personally and professionally through an excellent combination of self awareness, skills and networking.”

Ivonne Monteagudo (2004/05)

“The Fellows Program encourages you to define an action plan and actually make it happen! It also arises within you the need to give back, to offer the same unselfish attention and energy to the well-being and evolution of other women around you.”

Georgina de la Pena (2005/06)