The Women's Forum, Inc

Elinor "Elly" Guggenheimer
1912-2008

The Women's Forum records with deepest sorrow the death of its Founder, Elinor "Elly" Guggenheimer, A woman of rare beauty and vision, Elly inspired generations of women with her wit, charm and determination to address the needs of families and children, and to elevate the status of women in all walks of life. The memory of her extraordinary talents and warm personality will be cherished always

Elly founded the Women Forum in New York in 1974 - an organization of women who would pool their collective clout for the good of the community. The stated goal was to "bring together women of diverse accomplishments and provide them with a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. By thus becoming aware of their counterparts in all fields, and of mutual interests and attitudes, they can begin to create their own networks of power and communication." Our New York - based group encouraged women leaders in other cities and countries to form similar organizations. In 1979, a meeting in New York City launched the National Women's Forum (now International Women's Forum), which now has 62 affiliated groups throughout the world. Her legacy reaches far and wide.