HOW WE WORK

Cultivating Women Leaders

“To qualify for membership, you must be in a decision-making capacity, a leader of your organization and a recognized leader in your field. So to be nominated to become a member and approved by two-thirds of the membership, you are already being celebrated for your achievements.” Carol Robertson Lopez, former IWF-NM President

International Women’s Forum – New Mexico is committed to empowering women and cultivating women leaders through teaching, mentoring, example, sharing and collaboration. We celebrate women leaders of the past and present and cultivate the leaders of the future.

IWF-NM is a rich combination of professional perspectives and personal camaraderie. Our members are all current or retired management-level leaders in a variety of fields and freely exchange industry experience and perspectives – framed by the uniquely female qualities of friendship, candor and loyalty.

Networking is a core component and major benefit. We believe that active participation keeps our connections and spirit alive, and therefore a minimum attendance at two events per year is required. For statewide convenience, we plan a variety of meetings in a number of locations, with a collection of themes and social events from which to choose.

Some gatherings are closed, some include spouses and/or guests, some are small, some large, some fun, some serious — all enriching and enjoyable. We combine a mixture of social and substantive experiences of value and relevance. We enjoy concerts, lectures, debates, performances and presentations made by members or outside experts.


IWF-NM members gather for a reception at one of the member’s home. Photo by Nancy Bartlit

Our organization is led by a Board of Directors varying from 12 – 15 people, with an annually elected President, President-elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Members-at-Large. This group functions as the Executive Committee, which sets policies, manages finances, analyzes organizational issues and makes recommendations to the general membership for concurrence and/or votes at each quarterly meeting.

We get work done via smaller, dedicated committees, which rotate annually and provide another enjoyable venue to get to know other members and profit from new perspectives and expertise. We set up Ad Hoc committees to meet occasional specific needs. Standing committees include nominations, programs and membership.

What We Believe

Our diverse backgrounds give us a wide range of cultural, religious, occupational and political philosophies, in which we freely share and educate one another. We are married, divorced, widowed, partnered, parents or non, and we help each other survive all the above.

We are friends and partners interested in expanding our horizons and working together to make New Mexico a better place through our input and leadership. Freedom of thought and expression are encouraged – making us a true Forum and incubator of ideas and visions. We work hard and play hard, celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes.

How We Recruit

Joining IWF-NM is by invitation only. Potential members must be recommended by a current member in good standing, as well as co-sponsored by an additional member.

Nomination requirements are:

  1. To be a woman of achievement who has excelled in her field and is recognized by her peers as a leader.
  2. To be a woman recognized statewide, nationally or internationally through her industry or through her involvement in extracurricular activities.
  3. To be a recognized leader in her community, and who has expressed an interest in participating in the IWF-NM by advancing our mission.
  4. To be a woman willing and able to abide by the rules of the Forum regarding attendance and dues and to adhere to the by-laws.

Statewide members are diverse — ranging in age from 30 to 90 and from a myriad of industries, economic backgrounds, education levels, ethnic groups and geographic areas.

Local membership qualifies us for international participation.

The organization is open to new members only by transfer from other IWF affiliates or by invitation. For more information on the International Women's Forum – New Mexico please contact us at . IWF can be reached at https://www.iwforum.org.