To the dearest and most fabulous IPWS Community,

After four unforgettable years leading IPWS, the light now shines in the hands of the remarkable Soudamini Khurana and a phenomenal Board of women and advisors.

With an absolutely full heart, I want to take a moment to express my immense gratitude—for the journey we’ve shared, the challenges we’ve faced, and the growth we’ve nurtured together.

Looking back, it feels less like a journey and more like an epic adventure we got to live together.  In times of profound uncertainty, our community, YOU, showed up—with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to connection. We pivoted, we transformed, and we held space for one another like never before. I’ve never been prouder to be part of a community that leads with such intellect and heart. Through some of our darkest days, we found support, light, laughter, and maybe some craziness. Anyone remember comedy night?

And through it all, we stayed true to what makes us… us—because of YOU.

Scrolling through all the photos (and yes, an absolutely ridiculous number of screenshots with quotes), I can’t help but smile. Remembering my very first event back in April 2019—standing outside Kartel, my stomach flip-flopping, thinking, ‘What if they don’t like me? What if I have nothing to say? What if… what if… what if…’  Every silly little thought possible played out. Honestly, I almost turned around. But instead, I took a deep breath and hopped in that elevator. Was it perfect? Nope. But I walked away with at least one new connection—and that made all the difference. So, I know firsthand the courage it takes to step into the unknown. And every time you’ve shown up, even when you weren’t sure — you’ve inspired me. Thank you for being brave enough to take that leap, because those leaps are what make this community.

Since 1993, IPWS has been more than an organization—it’s been a living, breathing community of women who dare to lead, lift, and love. A place where industries and professions should fade into the background, and what shines is our shared purpose: to CONNECT, GROW, INSPIRE, and LEAD together, wherever you are on your journey. Most of all, it’s a reminder that you are never alone. Our founders, especially Diane, carried this truth in their hearts, and today our extraordinary board continues to light the way, reimagining what the next chapter can become.

As we keep moving forward, here’s the secret sauce (as Jessica Gleeson would say): surround yourself with women who let you be unapologetically you, who nudge you when you need accountability, who cheer like crazy when you shine, and who wrap you up when it’s time to rest. My hope is that at least one event—or one channel—brings you that kind of magic. And who knows… one spark of connection might just set off the most delightful chain of extraordinary adventures.

I’ve had the privilege to see how powerful that can be. From late-night board calls and event pivots, from mentoring sessions to moments of quiet and not so quiet encouragement, every experience has deepened my belief in the magic we create when we come together.

“When women gather, courage multiplies and possibilities expand. And we grow stronger not by standing alone, but by standing side by side.”

On my personal journey, I found IPWS when I needed it the most.  I found a community, a tribe, a better version of myself, my personal board of directors, AND most importantly the dearest of friends. I am incredibly blessed to have all of you on that journey! And even though I cannot remember what I had for dinner yesterday, I remember every conversation, every connection, every smile, every tear … every smile with tears, every hand squeeze and absolutely every hug. They are forever etched upon my heart.

Throughout my tenure, I was reminded that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, even when the path is unclear and knowing when to take risks or when not to. It’s about making decisions with courage that people might not always understand and that’s ok. It’s listening with humility, and most importantly embracing the vulnerability that comes with being human. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve stumbled, and I’ve grown. Some days tested my energy, patience, and limits but not my love for the community, never the love. That has always been easy!

To my fellow board members—past and present—thank you for your trust, your brilliance, your time, and your friendship. Each of you inspires me daily, and I’m constantly learning from the way you lead and lift. If only the world could peek behind the curtain to see how your passion, purpose, and commitment to this community shine so brightly. Thank you for pouring so much of yourselves into this journey. I truly cannot wait to see the magic you create in the next chapter!

To our Advisors and Partners, thank you for believing in our mission and turning up the volume on our impact. Truly, without your support from venues to speakers, wisdom, cheerleading, and steady guidance, half of our wild ideas would still just be doodles on a napkin. You make the dreaming possible—and the doing even more extraordinary!

And to all of YOU—the IPWS Community—thank you for showing up, for sharing your stories, and for letting me live my ‘WHY’ every single day. What an honor, and truly what a privilege to be even a small part of your incredible journeys.

No matter where I am, I’ll continue to champion IPWS and the phenomenal women who make it what it is.

And because it is me and you would expect nothing less … I will end with a quote 😊: “Nothing is coincidence … every person you meet is written in your destiny to teach you, to heal you or to love you.” Thank you for being all three!

With love, pride, and deep appreciation for all of YOU,

Theresa