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Combined Organization Creates a Powerful Force for Women Leaders

Washington, D.C. –On January 1, 2021, the International Women’s Forum (IWF) will officially merge with its long time supporting organization, the Leadership Foundation (LF), which accelerates the careers of the next generation of women in leadership. This historic union brings the two highly complementary organizations together to form a single 501(c)3, operating under the name International Women’s Forum.

In recent years, we have witnessed the Millennial and Gen Z generations leading movements for societal and political change. With comparison being drawn to the protests of the 1960s, this movement could play a pivotal role in advancing towards a more equitable and just society. The Millennial and Gen Z generations are more diverse than past generations, and this shapes their perception, attitudes and actions towards racial and gender equity. Now making up the majority of the labor force and consumer base, their advocacy against systemic racism is transforming society’s approach to conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion.

A TV movie on the life of scientist Rita Levi Montalcini, a member of IWF Italy for many years until she died in 2012 at the age of 103, has been produced by Italian national radio and television (RAI), in collaboration with film producer Elide Melli, also a member of IWF Italy.

Rita Levi Montalcini won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1986 for her discovery of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). She led a difficult life, being Jewish at the time of persecution in Europe during the 1930s and 40s. When she enrolled as a student in the faculty of medicine in Turin, she was the only woman. As a woman working in a male-dominated environment, she needed a strong personality and determination to be recognized as she deserved. She continued her research work until a very old age, founding the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI).

With the change in leadership in the United States, it is a perfect time to discuss the Global Energy Outlook for the coming year. The world needs affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy. The crux of the challenge is finding the right balance without sacrificing any one for another. On November 12 we held a special session, The Global Energy Outlook Presented by Chevron. This candid dialogue focused on how COVID-19 has changed the energy outlook, the realities of the energy transition and new innovations that will change the future of energy and the entrepreneurial opportunities they offer.