About Us
Who Are We?
We are an internationally recognized organization that provides diverse and innovative programs offering women opportunities for personal growth and transformation. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where all will feel welcome to pursue healing and growth. By deepening spiritual awareness, Women of Wisdom serves to empower the lives of others.
How We Began
The founder of Women of Wisdom Foundation is Kris Steinnes, who in 1992 had a vision of gathering women together to learn from diverse women leaders and their stories from around the country. At the time, Ms. Steinnes was on the Board of Directors at Seattle Unity Church, a non-denominational congregation, where she was given the freedom to establish a committee of women to create the first conference of its kind, a week-long event for women. The first year was a success with over 500 attendees and 24 individual events. The spirit and desire of women to gather was so evident that very first year that it was quickly decided to make the conference an annual event, and it has continued to grow and gather momentum each year. Over the years thousands of women have benefited from this conference; and it continues to grow every year. This is a special Pacific Northwest event and women from around the country attend as word spreads of its transformative and spirit filled energy.
In 1998 Women of Wisdom spun off from Seattle Unity Church and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, newly named the Women of Wisdom Foundation. In 1999 Women of Wisdom Foundation moved into their first center, a house in the Greenwood neighborhood of North Seattle. We are a volunteer run organization, managed by the circle leadership model designed by the founder, Kris Steinnes. Our circle leadership has evolved since 2003 with the contributions of Council Members.
In 2010 we moved to our current site at Activ Space, near the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo. Here members share their talents and skills to create and manage our programs. In addition to sponsoring our annual conference, we have created year round programs, so that women can continue personal growth, and seek community and support with other women. Every year we develop new programs to enhance one’s experience of the divine feminine. These include quarterly Community Connections Workshops, quarterly community dinners, women’s dances and circles with a particular focus such as drumming.
We have been fortunate to bring many wonderful speakers and musicians to Seattle, including Jean Houston, Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D., Iyanla Vanzant, Donna Eden, Marion Woodman, Ph.D., Isabel Allende, Gabrielle Roth, Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., Naomi Tutu, Holly Near, Rhiannon, Libby Roderick, Ubaka Hill, and many more. Many of these women are on our board of advisers.
In 1998 Women of Wisdom spun off from Seattle Unity Church and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, newly named the Women of Wisdom Foundation. In 1999 Women of Wisdom Foundation moved into their first center, a house in the Greenwood neighborhood of North Seattle. We are a volunteer run organization, managed by the circle leadership model designed by the founder, Kris Steinnes. Our circle leadership has evolved since 2003 with the contributions of Council Members.
In 2010 we moved to our current site at Activ Space, near the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo. Here members share their talents and skills to create and manage our programs. In addition to sponsoring our annual conference, we have created year round programs, so that women can continue personal growth, and seek community and support with other women. Every year we develop new programs to enhance one’s experience of the divine feminine. These include quarterly Community Connections Workshops, quarterly community dinners, women’s dances and circles with a particular focus such as drumming.
We have been fortunate to bring many wonderful speakers and musicians to Seattle, including Jean Houston, Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D., Iyanla Vanzant, Donna Eden, Marion Woodman, Ph.D., Isabel Allende, Gabrielle Roth, Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., Naomi Tutu, Holly Near, Rhiannon, Libby Roderick, Ubaka Hill, and many more. Many of these women are on our board of advisers.
Women of Wisdom’s Vision:
Raising the Feminine Spirit ~ Transforming Our World
We live in a world where the feminine spirit is honored and women’s contribution to society is valued and necessary for the evolutionary humanity.
We live in a world where the feminine spirit is honored and women’s contribution to society is valued and necessary for the evolutionary humanity.
Women of Wisdom’s Mission:
WOW gives voice to the feminine wisdom within all, transforming personal and collective consciousness through circle leadership and community.
We strive to accomplish this as we embrace these aspects and model these actions to the world:
Feminine Consciousness ~
Transform Personal & Collective Consciousness ~
Circle Leadership ~
We strive to accomplish this as we embrace these aspects and model these actions to the world:
Feminine Consciousness ~
- Cherish the feminine within each individual
- Celebrate the interrelatedness within ancient and indigenous traditions that honor the feminine
- Bring the feminine and masculine back into balance in our world Transform
Transform Personal & Collective Consciousness ~
- Recognize the value of each individual’s participation in the evolution of collective consciousness
- Evoke personal gifts to align with your life’s purpose
- Create a culture of change agents for a sustainable world
Circle Leadership ~
- Honor the learner and teacher in every voice
- Nurture an environment that embraces the unique offering of all
- Practice compassionate listening and authentic speaking
- Share the responsibilities of leadership
- Trust that Spirit guides us