Who We Are

International Women Associates (IWA) is a unique gathering and learning place that connects a group of women dedicated to the pursuit of global understanding and universal human rights. The membership is comprised of approximately 450 members from some 60 countries. Their backgrounds include many different professions and diplomatic affiliations as well as experience and interest in international education, economics, and culture.

IWA was established in 1978 as part of the International Visitors Center of Chicago under the leadership of Doe Thornburg, OBE, who remained active in the organization until her death in 2018. Thornburg devoted her life and career to organizing innovative exchanges of ideas among people of many nations. She states, “I believe that person-to-person contacts can change lives in valuable ways that can never be measured completely.”

In 1994 IWA became a fully independent entity. It is a private, volunteer not-for-profit 501(c)(3) .

IWA belongs to Open Door, an international umbrella organization of 80 women’s groups in 40 countries.