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

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.

REGISTER HERE

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

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.