Programs and Events
Upcoming Events
September 8, 2026 - Catalyzing Conversation - Water is Life, Land is Life: Women Leading Indigenous Sovereignty in Guam and Hawai'i
Date: Tuesday, September 8
Time: 6:30-7:45 pm ET
Location: Zoom
The familiar story of America’s war for independence masks a sobering reality: the freedom we sought was denied to those we colonized. Claimed or purchased for their military or economic value, residents of US territories are denied the full rights of citizenship and subject to the lasting environmental impacts of militarism. Even a state like Hawai’i was created through the overthrow of its Native kingdom, a fact acknowledged by the US government in 1993.
Against this backdrop, Indigenous leaders continue to fight for their lands, waters, cultural practices, and sovereignty. Join Rachel’s Network to hear from two Catalyst Award recipients leading these efforts in Guam and Hawai’i respectively: Maria Hernandez-May, co-executive director of the Micronesia Climate Alliance and Healani Sonoda-Pale, lead organizer of Ka Lahui Hawai’i and O’ahu Water Protectors. They’ll talk about the legacy of imperialism and environmental harm on their islands, how they’re building power in their communities, and what we can do to support their work.
Registration is free and open to the public.
REGISTER HERE
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.
Made possible with generous support from The Harnisch Foundation.
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: 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. 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
October 13, 2026 - Rachel’s Network Webinar: Funder Member Experiences with Impact Investing
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 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
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.
REGISTER HERE
This program is for women environmental funders and advocates.
The sessions comprising this gathering are a la carte—register for what your schedule allows.
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
