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.

Upcoming Events

June 17, 2026 - Suffs, A Broadway Tour Experience in Washington, DC

Suffs, A Broadway Tour Experience for Women Leaders
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Washington, DC

A musical event one hundred years in the making, Suffs brings to life a complicated chapter in the ongoing battle for the right to vote: the American women’s suffrage movement. Written by one of the most exciting voices in theater, Shaina Taub, the musical takes an unflinching look at the unsung trailblazers whose activism led to the ratification of the nineteenth amendment. A thrilling story of brilliant, flawed women working against and across generational, racial, and class divides, Suffs explores the victories and failures of a fight for equality that is still far from over.

Join Rachel’s Network for a touring performance of Suffs, and a pre-show dinner at a walkable restaurant from the theatre.

This program is for Rachel’s Network Members and Invited Guests.

September 18, 2026 - Nurturing Nature in the City: Tour New York’s High Line

Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 10:30am-2:30pm
Location: New York, NY

A stunning example of adaptive reuse and urban ecology, The High Line is a former elevated railway converted into a public park on the west side of Manhattan. It features 1.5 miles of walkable public space, 150,000 plants in fifteen distinct planting zones, and world-class public art.

Join Rachel’s Network for a private guided tour of the High Line by a Friends of the High Line docent. You’ll learn about the park’s unique history, biodiversity, and public benefits while connecting with fellow women environmental funders and leaders. Afterward, join us for a private lunch at Kahlo, a walkable restaurant nearby.

This program is for Rachel’s Network Members and Invited Guests

September 22, October 6 & 22, 2026 - Rachel’s Network 2026 Fall Book Club: The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck

Dates: September 22, October 6 and October 20
Time: 2-3:15 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. Author Judith Enck will join us for our final session on October 20.

Click here to buy the book from your local bookstore.

This program is for Rachel’s Network Members and Invited Guests

October 1, 2026 - Rachel's Network 2026 Catalyst Award Livestream

Date: Thursday, October 1
Time: 6:30-7:45 pm ET/3:30-4:45 pm PT
Location: Zoom

Women of color are leading the environmental movement, advocating for clean air and water, building a green economy, fighting polluters, expanding access to healthy food, and much more. Despite this critical work, they do not receive adequate funding, support, or recognition for their leadership. Currently in the United States, 80% of climate philanthropy goes to organizations led by men and 90% goes to those led by white people.

That’s why Rachel’s Network created the Catalyst Award in 2019. The program has become the preeminent award for women of color environmental leaders. Join this joyous virtual celebration to meet the incredible recipients of the 2026 award and hear about their impactful work.

Registration is free and open to the public.
REGISTER HERE

To learn more about any of our events, email Program Director Jamie Boese.

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

Rachel’s Network multi-day programs bring funders and advocates together to network, learn about environmental issues, and engage with community leaders. Past programs have included annual meetings (Seattle; Washington, DC); and retreats and excursions (Yosemite National Park; Durham; Argentina).

Educational Webinars

We believe in the power of women, particularly women of color, to create and nurture a healthy environment for all. We elevate their work in webinars throughout the year and also co-host webinars with values-aligned organizations.

Catalyst Community Gatherings

Rachel’s Network hosts gatherings focused on care and restoration for women environmental leaders of color, as part of our Catalyst Award program. These retreats serve as a vital space for leaders to connect with each other and foster their wellbeing.

In-Person Events

Rachel’s Network has hosted a variety of in-person events, including networking programs on environmental policy at our DC office, a trip to see the Broadway musical Suffs, a lunch with climate leaders in California, book launch parties, and much more.

Virtual Book Clubs

Roughly twice a year, we host a series of small-group discussions on books written by women environmentalists. The authors themselves sometimes join us during the concluding meeting. To see all our past book club picks (plus others recommended by our community), click here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Guided by our commitment to racial justice, we provide resources, trainings, and programs for funders to engage in anti-racist philanthropy and grow as allies through our JEDI Warriors program, a small-group learning journey.