TGIF is a dynamic women’s speaker series that hosts quarterly events featuring thought leaders and industry experts. Our goal is to educate, empower, and inspire women within our community, sparking creativity and new possibilities. Each gathering highlights accomplished women who share both their professional journeys and personal stories, offering valuable insights, 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.
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.
A special 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.
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.
Alka Joshi – Teach Speaker
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.
KATHERINE SAAD FEGHALI – Give Speaker
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) across the country. EOL has helped over 25,000 Lebanese students 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.
