President Holmes-Sullivan Joins Women’s International Forum

President Robin Holmes-Sullivan is honored to become an official member of IWF in April.

Image credit: Nina Johnson

PORTLAND, OR (Feb. 27, 2023) — Lewis & Clark President Robin Holmes-Sullivan has been nominated to the International Women’s Forum (IWF), an invitation-only network of women leaders from around the world who are dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and promoting equality around the globe.

Formed in New York City in 1974, the forum has 7,500 members representing 33 different countries. These members are among the most accomplished women in the world and include inventors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, heads of state, academics, scientists, astronauts, artists, financiers, philanthropists, and more.

“This is an honor for me—and a wonderful opportunity for Lewis & Clark,” said President Holmes-Sullivan. “It puts me in the same rooms as some of the best and brightest women leaders from around the world—and it raises the profile of our college in the process.”

Holmes-Sullivan also said the mission of the organization called to her. “Two of my greatest passions are advancing women’s leadership and championing equality for all,” she said. “Any time I can sign up to get more involved in those efforts, I’m going to be there.”

At the time IWF was founded in the 1970s, the first generation of women leaders was just beginning to break into executive-level management. One of the early goals of the forum was to provide women leaders with the kind of professional and personal support that was more easily accessible to men at the time. The founders were also focused on inspiring the next generation of women to lead.

“We’ve come a long way since the 1970s, as my presidency itself demonstrates,” remarked Holmes-Sullivan. “But there is still a lot of work to do. Women, especially those from historically marginalized groups, are still underrepresented at the top leadership levels in our own country and elsewhere around the globe.”

Holmes-Sullivan becomes an official member of the IWF at the beginning of April.

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President’s Office