Our History
2021
A New and Powerful CWD
CWD refreshes it’s historic brand with a new logo, messaging, and website. The focus of this new phase, when the world is still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, is a diverse growth in membership, hybrid events, ramping up fundraising, and continuing to offer the women of Washington State a space and platform to learn, connect, and take action on those issues most effecting our communities.
2023
An Interim CEO
In January 2023 we welcomed Bao-Tram Do as the Inerim Chief Executive Officer of CWD. With a background in community organizing, civic engagement, advocacy, public health, and entrepreneurship, Bao-Tram leads the organization in our mission to build a community of diverse women leaders through discussion, education, advocacy, connection, and leadership development. In her six-month term Bao-Tram made significant impact for the organization across event planning and execution, sponsorship and fundraising, and building partnerships.
2020
Relaunch
A full board was seated and CWD officially started its next chapter. The full board took on the responsibility of redefining CWD’s role and restarting programming. We held the annual Day in Olympia event but immediately needed to slow down its return to programming due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the fall of 2020 CWD started its virtual programming with former Governor Christine Gregoire and since then have hosted women leaders as part of our year-long series “The New Normal: Building a Just and Equal Future for All Women in Washington.”
2019
Transition
In 2018 CWD considered closing it’s doors due to concerns about the ability to continue to fundraise and develop programs capable of reaching a wider and more diverse audience. Yet, in 2019 due to an amazing outpouring of interest and support in restarting CWD, a small transition board was formed. For the remainder of 2019 they asked the hard questions about whether there was a role for CWD in fostering women’s equality and leadership in Washington state and what that role would look like moving forward. Their answer? Yes! CWD plays a vital part of the network of women’s organizations, locally, nationally, and globally.
2017
International Delegation to Israel and Palestine
Delegation led by Justice Bobbe Bridge. The delegation met and talked with women from Israel and the Palestinian Territories to learn more about the history and current dynamics of conflict and peacemaking. Highlights included meeting with Mayor Vera Baboun of Bethlehem, members of the Israeli Supreme Court, Palestinian women refugees, Israeli peace activists, and high tech workers.
2015
International Delegation to Iceland
Alison Peters and Mary Pat Treuthart headed CWD’s delegation to Iceland. Delegates met and talked with women to learn how they are working to secure a healthy and positive future for all people in Iceland. They met with women leaders representing the Icelandic Centre for Gender Equality, and the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association among other organizations focused on the rights of women and children and visited many historical and cultural sites.
New CWD logoBao-Tram Do, CEO | Photo credit Seattle Premium Headshots
CWD members on the International Delegation to Iceland2013
International Delegation to Rwanda
This delegation was led by Alison Peters. Highlights included roundtable discussions with the Rwandan Women Parliamentary Forum, National Women’s Council, the Rwanda chapter of Women for Women International, and Rwanda Women Leaders Network
CWD members and the women of the Rwandan Parliament2011
International Delegation to Vietnam
For this delegation, CWD partnered with PeaceTrees Vietnam co-founded by Jerilyn Brusseau, a Washington resident and supporter of CWD. PeaceTrees Vietnam was founded in 1995 to renew relationships with the people of Vietnam and promote a safe and healthy future for its children by helping to clear landmines, build libraries and kindergartens, and distributing micro-loans to Vietnamese women. Delegates visited activity sites of PeaceTrees Vietnam and met with representatives of Vietnam Women’s Union and UNDP.
2009
International Delegation to Morocco
Delegates visited Morocco to learn more about women’s leadership and issues facing women in Morocco. Highlights included meeting with representatives of the Women’s Parliament Forum, Union de L’Action Feminine, and SOS Crisis Center as well as roundtable discussions on women in politics and entrepreneurship. elected political leaders and women in technology.
CWD International Delegation to Morocco 2007
International Delegation to Chile
Led by Ambassador Aldona Zofia Wos, former US Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia, delegates visited Chile shortly after its election of the first woman president in South America, Michelle Bachelet. They met with Chilean women leaders to explore issues of women in business, healthcare, politics, and family. Addressing these issues are not only vital for women but are essential for a healthy and functional democracy. Highlights included a symposium on Leadership and Mentoring and visits to social organizations and historical and cultural sites.
Membership steadily increases and the Food for Thought series is solidified.
2006
CWD focuses on reducing overhead and doing fewer things better and concentrates on growing the Governor’s Mansion event.
2005
CWD separates from UW and was founded as an independent 501c3 organization. It continued to partner with UW on the NEW Leadership program for college women.
2004
International Delegation to South Africa
The delegation was headed by Dr. Helene Gayle, at that time, the Director of HIV, TB, and Reproductive Health at the Gates Foundation. Delegates met women from parliament, government, businesses, and universities. Highlights include participating in an all day seminar with South African women leaders exploring the role that women play in politics, trade, and investment; learning more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and visiting Soweto.
We launch Women at the Capitol (formerly known as Kicking Up Our Heels) at the Governor's Mansion and it becomes an annual event.
CWD International Delegation to South Africa2003
International Delegations to Sweden, the Baltics, and a second visit to Cuba
In February 2003, Senator Maria Cantwell led our second delegation to Cuba. The delegates met with women leaders to exchange ideas on agriculture, health and biotech, community development, advancement opportunities for women, and other social and cultural issues.
2002
International Delegation to Cuba
Delegates met with high-ranking women in Cuban politics, health, trade, and education. They even received a surprise invitation to meet with President Fidel Castro. In Cuba for an agricultural mission, WA Senator Maria Cantwell joined the delegation for three days and led the delegation as they visited President Castro in the Presidential Palace.
CWD International Delegation to Cuba2001
Over $310,000 is raised and another 21 women join CWD. CWD gets a logo, website, and staff.
CWD hosted the first NEW Leadership Puget Sound Institute on the UW campus. It brought together 40 undergraduate women for a six-day residential institute designed to educate, empower, and engage them in civic and political life. To prepare them to “Lead Where They Land,” they received training in public speaking, negotiation and conflict resolution, diversity, fundraising, and networking. Students were connected to high-profile women leaders who shared their valuable insights, experiences, and stories.
A lecture series was launched that featured women leaders. Featured speakers included author and activist Gloria Steinem and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.
Original CWD Logo2000
Founding
22 women gather to announce the plan to find 40 women who could each invest $10,000 to found the Center for Women and Democracy.
1999
The Central European Women’s Trade Mission
Senator Patty Murray led 40 women on a mission to meet female leaders in Central Europe. The experience was life changing and two women from the trip, Cathy Allen and Laurie McDonald Jonsson, met with two women from the University of Washington, Nancy Hartstock and Christine DiStefano, to create a women’s leadership and mentoring program.
First CWD International trip to Central Europe1998
Seeds of Foundation
UW Political Science Professors Nancy Hartsock and Christine Di Stefano lay the foundation for the Center for Women & Democracy at the University of Washington. They envisioned a university-based center dedicated to improving and enhancing for women’s prospects for full participation in the debates and decisions that affect their lives.