International Women's Writing Guild |
Our History
The Guild was founded in 1976. As a women’s writing guild, we are culturally diverse. From the beginning, we’ve represented women from many backgrounds. 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 refuse to let the voices of emboldened women writers go unheard. 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 Paolina, Treasurer
Batoul Ajlouni, Board Member
Terri Bailey, Board Member
Jeri Brown, Board Member
Christina Juvier, 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
Laurie White, Board Member
Michelle Miller, Consulting Executive 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.
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. |