Programs and Events
Our in-person gatherings and virtual programs educate our network on environmental issues and philanthropy, elevate and support women leaders, and build community. Events with registration links below are open to the public. To access more programs, sign up for our newsletter or become a Rachel’s Network funder member.
Upcoming Events
September 23, October 7 & 14, 2026 - Rachel’s Network 2026 Fall Book Club: The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck
Dates: September 23, October 7 & 14
Time: 1-2:15 pm ET
Location: Zoom
Plastic is everywhere—wrapped around our food, stitched into our clothes, even coursing through our veins. Once a marvel of modern science, plastic has become so inextricably woven into our lives that imagining a world without it can seem impossible.
The Problem with Plastic by Beyond Plastics Founder Judith Enck emphasizes the urgent need for action against plastic’s toxic legacy. It highlights powerful stories of frontline resistance in places like Louisiana, Texas, and Appalachia, and equips readers with practical tools—including a “Household Waste Audit” to track and reduce plastic consumption, as well as model policy guides for driving legislative change.
Join Rachel’s Network this fall to read and discuss The Problem with Plastic with women environmental funders and movement leaders. Though regular attendance will strengthen your experience, you need not join all three conversations.
Click here to buy the book from your local bookstore.
This program is for Rachel’s Network Members and Invited Guests. Join Rachel’s Network here.
October 22-23, 2026 - Rooted in Community: Women Leading Environmental Progress in the East Bay
Rooted in Community: Women Leading Environmental Progress in the East Bay
Dates: October 22-23, 2026
Location: Oakland, CA
Oakland is one of the most diverse and progressive cities in the country, with a rich history of community and political organizing, rooted in justice. The East Bay also carries Northern California’s industrial burden and has suffered from decades of pollution and disinvestment. However, women are leading environmental progress in the East Bay, drawing on the city’s legacy for inspiration and strength.
Join Rachel’s Network to witness this work in action as we meet with local women leaders working on environmental justice, regenerative agriculture, Indigenous land rematriation, storytelling, and more. Part networking, part learning, all growing, funders and advocates will come away inspired and equipped with tools they can apply in their own work.
This program is for women environmental funders and advocates.
The sessions comprising this gathering are a la carte—register for what your schedule allows.
October 28: Author Talk with Judith Enck, The Problem with Plastic
Webinar: Author Talk with Judith Enck, The Problem with Plastic
Dates: Wednesday, October 28
Time: 1-2 pm ET
Location: Zoom
Plastic is everywhere—wrapped around our food, stitched into our clothes, even coursing through our veins. Once a marvel of modern science, plastic has become so inextricably woven into our lives that imagining a world without it can seem impossible.
The Problem with Plastic by Beyond Plastics Founder Judith Enck emphasizes the urgent need for action against plastic’s toxic legacy. It highlights powerful stories of frontline resistance in places like Louisiana, Texas, and Appalachia, and equips readers with practical tools—including a “Household Waste Audit” to track and reduce plastic consumption, as well as model policy guides for driving legislative change.
Join Rachel’s Network for an informative author talk with Judith Enck, to learn more about this book and her vital work, and how you can make personal and systemic changes to reduce plastic consumption in your life.
This program is open to the public, but registration is required.
November 5, 2026 - Rachel’s Network Webinar: Funder Member Experiences with Impact Investing
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 2-3:30 pm ET
Location: Zoom
Impact investing takes a values approach to money, generating social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. The collective action of women participating in values-aligned investing is already moving resources toward a better world, and our members are leading these efforts.
Join a virtual gathering of Rachel’s Network funder members to hear about their experiences with impact investing—stories of success, challenges, and lessons learned—and feel invited to share your own stories and questions. Most importantly, walk away feeling grounded in a supportive community ready to help you on your journey.
This program is for Rachel’s Network Funder Members and Invited Guests. Join Rachel’s Network here.
March 1-5, 2027: Rachel's Network 2027 Spring Meeting in Puerto Rico
Date: March 1-5, 2027
Location: San Juan & Guánica, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico (PR) is a beautiful Caribbean archipelago with a unique culture, diverse ecosystems, and a complicated colonial history. PR residents have US citizenship, but they lack full rights: they can’t vote for president; they pay restrictive tariffs on US imports; and they’re prevented from adopting needed climate resilience and land conservation measures by corporate interests. The US military presence on the island has also led to toxic runoff and coastal damage. Despite this adversity, women are forging a new path for Puerto Rico grounded in environmental stewardship and local autonomy.
Join Rachel’s Network to learn from these leaders about their work for food sovereignty, energy democracy, marine conservation, and more. Registrants will enjoy community-building, local excursions, expert speakers, and shared meals with fellow women funders and advocates. Walk away with a deeper understanding of PR’s politics and history and how we can support the island’s work for environmental justice.
This program is for Rachel’s Network Members and Invited Guests. Join Rachel’s Network here.
To learn more about any of our events, email Program Director Jamie Boese.
Rachel’s Network welcomes cis and trans women and gender expansive and nonbinary program participants.
Rachel’s Network strives to cultivate bonds that enable us to grow with and learn from one another, and we celebrate our unique differences. We are committed to safe and inclusive gatherings for all attendees. We can build a stronger community when we approach our interactions with empathy and kindness. We ask that participants in our meetings review our tips for making Rachel’s Network a welcoming space.
Past Programs & Events
Multi-Day Programs
Educational Webinars
Catalyst Community Gatherings
In-Person Events
Virtual Book Clubs
