IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL

Women Storytellers Shaping a Better Future

September 12, 2025 9:30AM

TPC at Avenel Farm
10000 Oaklyn Dr, Potomac, MD

Brunch will be served. Ample parking is available. Space is limited.

REGISTRATION CLOSES IN

TEACH GIVE INSPIRE Fridays

A Platform for Women to Inform with Passion.

TGIF is a women’s speaker series that features quarterly meetings with thought leaders and industry experts, designed to educate, empower, and ignite creativity and possibilities for women in our community. Each event showcases accomplished and talented women who will share their professional and deeply personal stories, along with their knowledge, expertise, and wisdom.

"It's a Small World After All: Women Storytellers Shaping a Better Future”

This special occasion showcases three distinguished and bestselling authors. Their mission is to inspire a better world through their unique stories and life experiences. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, their stories unite us, highlighting our common humanity. From India to Lebanon to Israel, and here at home, these powerful women harness the art of storytelling to create real change: Their voices forging a future where women are heard, valued, and vital to shaping a brighter world.

An intimate SPEAKER LUNCHEON will immediately follow TGIF, allowing us to spend more time with our incredible speakers. The luncheon is an additional charge, and will be an additional option at checkout. The luncheon will be limited to 40.

Please join us to meet TEACH speaker, International Best Selling Author Alka Joshi - Alka Joshi is an Indian American author and international bestselling author of The Henna Artist, the first book in her Jaipur Trilogy, and her latest book just released, “Six Days in Bombay”, a tribute to the many extraordinary women who have inspired her. Alka will TEACH us the power of taking a leap and a chance on yourself, no matter your age. Joshi was named Forbes 50 over 50 list in 2024, celebrating women who are making significant impacts across various sectors including literature. Her works have been translated into over 30 languages, expanding her global leadership and influence.

Meet GIVE speaker, Katherine Saad Feghali, the author of Glass Cedars published in April 2023 has garnered international positive reviews for its portrayal of the Lebanese Civil War and its impact on personal identity. Katherine was born in Beirut to Lebanese American parents. A tale of fate, passion and conflict, Glass Cedars shows us of the value of friendship, how we are more similar than from different worlds, and reminds us life can change forever in a single instant. Kathy is the founder and chairperson of Education and Opportunities for Lebanon (EOL), a charitable. organization supporting Lebanese students and schools. Her work as an advocate for educational access and global opportunities for all has GIVEN opportunities to more than 25,000 Lebanese students to date.

And finally, meet INSPIRE speaker Lee Yaron. Lee is an acclaimed journalist with Haaretz, Israel's oldest and most prestigious newspaper and the Best-selling author of the critically acclaimed book 10/7, 100 HUMAN STORIES, the definitive account of the 10/7 attacks through the stories of its victims and the communities they called home. Yaron’s INSPIRATIONAL work was recognized for providing a vital window into the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At 30, Lee Yaron is the youngest recipient of the National Jewish Book Award’s Book of the Year honor, joining the ranks of esteemed authors such as Elie Wiesel and David Grossman.

The authors’ books will be available for sale at TGIF, however, I encourage you to read ahead of our event if possible. It is a privilege and honor to share these authors magnificent view of the world with you. I know you will be as emotionally impacted as I have been.

Early Bird Pricing available until August 29th.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Brunch will be served. Ample parking available.

This event is brought to you by BarbaraGuterman.com.

TEACH SPEAKER

Alka Joshi

Alka Joshi is an Indian American author and international bestselling author of The Henna Artist, the first book in her Jaipur Trilogy, which has been translated into more than 20 languages and adapted into a Netflix series starring Freida Pinto. A native of Jodhpur, India, Alka’s writing is deeply inspired by her mother and the cultural heritage that shaped her. Her debut novel, chosen as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, and its sequel The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, have captivated readers worldwide. Alka’s recent work, The Perfumist of Paris, continues her exploration of rich cultural storytelling. Her latest book just released, “Six Days in Bombay”, is also part of the Jewish Book Council and is a tribute to the many extraordinary women who have inspired her. A sweeping novel for anyone who shares a dual identity bringing together all the pieces who make us who we are. Joshi was named Forbes 50 over 50 list in 2024, celebrating women who are making significant impacts across various sectors including literature. Her works have been translated into over 30 languages, expanding her global leadership and influence.

GIVE SPEAKER

Katherine Saad Feghali

Author & Founder of Education and Opportunities for Lebanon

Katherine Saad Feghali, the author of Glass Cedars, was born in Beirut to Lebanese American parents. She studied at the American University of Beirut, (AUB), the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Psychology at California State University, Long Beach. She has worked in ergonomics, human resources, and management consulting in both the U.S. and Lebanon. With deep ties to Lebanon, Kathy is passionate about her cultural heritage and its culinary delights, especially the famous Lebanese mezza and arak.  

As of June 2025, Katherines novel Glass Cedars published in April 2023 by New Degree Press, has garnered international positive reviews for its portrayal of the Lebanese Civil War and its impact on personal identity. It brings to life the richness of Lebanon’s history and traditions and gives firsthand insight into the people of the Middle East.

A tale of fate, passion and conflict, Glass Cedars shows us of the value of friendship, how we are more similar than from different worlds, and reminds us life can change forever in a single instant. This rich and colorful historical fiction about people who can make a difference in their world will inspire you to make a difference in yours.

Glass Cedars has been featured in library catalogs, such as the Arlington Public Library, indicating its availability and circulation and is available through various retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ThriftBooks.

Kathy is also a coveted guest speaker at the Harvard Business School where she brings together Professors and Students from different backgrounds and opposite sides of conflicts, emphasizing telling her story simply about people, and our similarities.

Kathy is the founder and chairperson of Education and Opportunities for Lebanon (EOL), a charitable. organization supporting Lebanese students and schools. EOL has helped over 25,000 Lebanese students across the country and is an advocate for educational access and global opportunities for all.

She is also a devoted mother of four, based in McLean, VA, and is an advocate for educational access and global opportunities.

INSPIRE SPEAKER

Lee Yaron

Investigative Journalist & Writer

 
Lee Yaron is an acclaimed journalist with Haaretz, Israel's oldest and most prestigious newspaper. With a focus on investigative reporting, Yaron’s work has led to the founding of state-level commissions and significant policy reforms in Israel. As an elected member of the Union of Israeli Journalists’ Executive Committee, she has also gained recognition for her theater productions that highlight marginalized communities. Born in Tel Aviv and now based between Israel and New York, Yaron brings an international perspective on the intersection of journalism, theater, and social justice. At 30, Lee Yaron is the youngest recipient of the National Jewish Book Award’s Book of the Year honor, joining the ranks of esteemed authors such as Elie Wiesel and David Grossman. Yaron was recognized for providing a vital window into the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the stories of over 100 individuals affected by the attacks.

Lee is also the recipient of the Winter 2025 Natan Notable Book Award. Presented by the Natan Fund and the Jewish Book Council, this award highlights nonfiction books that catalyze conversations on themes such as Jewish identity and the history and future of Israel. Yaron's book was selected for its compassionate and comprehensive storytelling.

We can't wait to see you!