| International Women's Writing Guild |
Our Mission and History
Mission: IWWG is a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing and open to all regardless of portfolio. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment for women to grow as writers, find outlets for their work, and experience the joy of being in a creative community.
History: IWWG was founded in 1976. Now, after 45 years of enriching women writers’ lives, we are still growing and changing with the times. We have a strong membership, monthly e-newsletters, a yearly summer conference, regional events, and anthologies. We have expanded our online workshops and also offer free writes, Open Mics, and writing circles. Together, we’re changing the way women writers’ stories get heard, crafted, and spread around the globe.
Our Leadership
Jan Phillips, Chair
Trish Hopkinson, Secretary
Lisa Bowdoin, Treasurer
Batoul Ajlouni, Board Member
Terri Bailey, Board Member
Betty Pierre, Board Member
Jeri Brown, Board Member
Christina Juvier, Board Member
Tanya Ko Hong, Board Member
Leslie Neustadt, Board Member, Conference/Program Committee Chair
Chris Sagona, Board Member
Lisa St. John, Board Member
Sarah Tate, Board Member, Marketing & Membership Committee Chair
Michelle Miller, Consulting Director
Michelle joined the Guild in 2019 with over two decades of experience in international marketing and nonprofit management. Previously, she directed PepsiCo’s advertising campaign from Hong Kong and Shanghai and Reebok’s global marketing campaign in Boston. She also led fundraising campaigns for NGOs focused on children’s welfare in China and human trafficking in Thailand. Michelle serves on several CBO committees focused on social justice. She believes in the power of diverse voices and in 2020 helped launch the Guild’s mentorship and global outreach programs to widen the IWWG community. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Education from Boston College and a Bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from Harvard University. She speaks Mandarin, French, and Spanish and is writing her first novel. She lives in Providence with her daughter, Lara.
Lydia Prendergast, Program Manager & Tech Host
Lydia joined the Guild in Fall 2021 as an intern, and never left! She is a senior at Emerson College with a major in creative writing and minors in journalism and women, gender, & sexuality. Her debut poetry chapbook, the seasons of hydrangeas, was published in May 2023.
Aris Adames, Intern & Tech Host
Aris is a Rhode Island college graduate. She got her degree in creative writing, and really enjoys writing fiction!
Our Social Justice Commitment In the spirit of unity and empowerment, the International Women's Writing Guild stands as a beacon for justice, equality, and the celebration of diverse voices worldwide. We champion not only the rights and triumphs of women but also the collective strength found in the mosaic of gender identities. In our global community, we affirm the power of storytelling to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a world where every individual's narrative is acknowledged and valued. As we navigate the complex intersections of gender, race, class, and beyond, we commit to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and allyship. Through the written word, we seek to dismantle systemic inequalities, raise awareness of the issues faced by marginalized communities, and inspire positive change. The International Women's Writing Guild invites writers from every corner of the globe to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can harness the power of storytelling to build bridges, promote justice, and create a world where the words we write today shape the inclusive and equitable societies of tomorrow. |
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