Council for IWU Women (CFW) Women's Weekend

Thursday, February 19, 2026

6:00 p.m. Council Welcome Dinner. Ann Harding's Home. Council for IWU Women members only. Kick off Women's Weekend with an intimate gathering just for Council members. Join us for a relaxed, informal dinner hosted at Ann Harding's home as we reconnect, share stories, and reflect on the journeys that brought us into this community. A welcoming start to a weekend centered on community, reflection, and shared purpose. BYOB.

Friday, February 20, 2026

9:30 a.m. Faculty & Staff Coffee with the Council. Henning Room, Memorial Center. Stop by for a relaxed, drop-in morning of coffee, conversation, and connection with the Council for IWU Women. Chat informally with fellow Council members, faculty, and staff, and explore ways we can work together to positively impact students' journeys at IWU - stay for as long or as little as you like!

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Journeying into the Classroom. IWU Campus. Council for IWU Women members only. Council members are invited to join IWU classes to share experiences, offer insights, and engage directly with students. This hour offers a meaningful way to connect across generations, enrich classroom conversations, and highlight the many paths that shape our shared journey.

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Exploring Our Evolving Campus. Myers Welcome Center. Council for IWU Women members only. Join fellow Council members for a guided tour highlighting IWU's newest and recently updated spaces. We'll visit areas of campus not featured in the weekend's events and reconnect with the places that continue to shape students' journeys today.

12:00 p.m. Mentorship Lunch: Walking Together. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. This lunch brings students and Council members together for intentional conversation, connection, and mentorship. Paired by shared majors and interests, participants will gather around the table to share stories, ask questions, and encourage one another as we navigate study, work, and purpose. This session offers space to learn from each other, build relationships, and explore the next steps in our journeys. 

1:00 p.m. Coffee, Cocoa, & Conversation. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Drop in for an informal chance to connect over coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. This relaxed, open-house style session invites students and Council members to skip the small talk and dive into real conversations about life, careers, and the journeys that shape us. Fun prompts will be available to help spark meaningful dialogue and make meeting new people easy.

2:00 p.m. Informational Interviews. Hart Career Center. Students will be paired with a Council Woman working in their field of interest for a one-on-one informational interview. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn from real-world experience, and build meaningful professional connection. Students who wish to continue the conversation can schedule a follow-up mock interview with the same Council Woman at a later date.

4:00 p.m. Service Project: Supporting Journeys Everywhere. Turfler Lounge, Memorial Center. Help assemble washable, reusable menstrual pads that support girls' ability to stay in school as part of the Pads4Girls project. Bring a willingness to help - and a sewing machine if you have one! Together, we'll turn simple materials into meaningful change for girls around the world and connection local action to global sisterhood.

5:30 p.m. Make Your Own Mocktail. Tommy's, Hansen Student Center. Join CFW Member Alex Gohla '09 for a guided mocktail-making session, where you'll explore new flavors, learn simple skills, and craft some signature drinks. A light, fun way to connect and unwind as the official weekend begins. 

6:30 p.m. Music Bingo with Twin City Trivia. Tommy's, Hansen Student Center. Get ready for a lively game of music bingo hosted by Twin City Trivia! Listen to the music, mark your cards, and sing along or dance if the mood strikes. Snacks, friendly competition, and prizes for the winners make this a night you won't want to miss. 

8:30 p.m. Wilder House After Hours. Wilder House. Council for IWU Women members only. Take a break after a full day of Women's Weekend events and join fellow Council members for a relaxing evening at Wilder House. Bring your own beverage and enjoy casual conversation, laughter, and connection in a cozy, low-key setting.

Saturday, February 21, 2026

8:00 a.m. Journey Within: Morning Yoga. Vinyard Room, Memorial Center.  Begin the day by grounding yourself in movement, breath, and reflection in this all-levels morning yoga session. Through mindful stretching and guided breathing, we'll create space to honor our individual journeys while embracing the strength of moving forward together. Start the day centered, refreshed, and ready to engage fully in the weekend's conversations and celebrations. This session will be led by Council member Alex Gohla.

9:30 a.m. Council for IWU Women (CFW) Annual Meeting and Kickoff Breakfast. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. Council for IWU Women members only. Join fellow Council members for our annual meeting and breakfast as we reflect on where we are after 20 years, review key updates, and discuss how to continue building the community that strengthens and shapes IWU.

12:00 p.m. Honoring the Journey: 20th Anniversary Scholarship Luncheon. Young Main Lounge, Memorial Center. Join us for a celebratory luncheon marking the 20th anniversary of the Council for IWU Women as we honor the power of education and women supporting one another across generations. During this special gathering, we will award scholarships to current students and hear from alumnae Demetria Kalodimos '81 and Alexandra Daskalopoulos '18, whose stories reflect the value of working together on a shared journey. Together, we celebrate 20 years of impact and look forward to what lies ahead. 

1:45 p.m. Continue the Conversation: Women's Roundtable Conversations. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center.  Step into a space for honest, meaningful dialogue on the issues women face today, co-led by a Council for IWU Women member and a student. Share experiences, explore challenges, and learn from one another through questions, such as: What helps you restore balance when life feels unmanageable? How do you find a mentor? What's one financial lesson you've learned the hard way? Engage in meaningful dialogue about health, leadership, invisible labor, purpose, and supporting women across generations.

2:50 p.m. The Art of Reflective Listening: A Workshop.Turfler Lounge, Memorial Center. Join CFW Member and trainer, Cindi Perrine, for an engaging one-hour workshop on reflective listening and humble inquiry. Participants will explore how listening with curiosity, rather than judgment, can build trust, deepen connections, and strengthen relationships. Through guided exercises and interactive dialogue, you'll practice using open-ended questions and reflective responses, discovering how authentic listening can enhance empathy and collaboration in both personal and professional settings.

4:00 p.m. CFW 20th Birthday Celebration. Joslin Atrium, Memorial Center. As Women's Weekend comes to a close, join us for a joyful celebration of the 20 years of the Council for IWU Women. Together, we'll reflect on the connections made, the stories shared, and the accomplishments achieved, while honoring the women who have shaped and continue to shape IWU. Let's toast to two decades of community, support, and inspiration - and look ahead to the next chapter of this remarkable journey.