Join Us for an Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes Evening at the Steppenwolf Theatre 

Celebrate the legacy and future of one of Chicago’s most iconic theaters! Enjoy a reception and engaging conversation with Steppenwolf’s Artistic Director Audrey Francis and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan as they share insights on the theater’s groundbreaking 50-year history and exciting plans for the next half-century.

Following the discussion, experience Amadeus—directed by the acclaimed Robert Falls—a riveting tale of genius, rivalry, and ambition between Amadeus Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri. This critically acclaimed production has earned rave reviews, making this a behind-the-scenes evening you won’t want to miss.

Guests warmly welcomed

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

1650 North Halsted Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. Reception | 7:30pm Performance

DETAILS: 

• 6:00 p.m. Light appetizers and drinks to be served in the Balcony Bar
• 7:30 p.m. Performance

An interactive workshop on mindfulness in leadership with Ashley Nelson of Inseus.

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, many of us default to operating on autopilot. This program explores how awareness helps leaders shift from reacting to leading with greater presence, intention, and effectiveness.

Grounded in mindfulness, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence, participants will learn how to recognize unconscious patterns, move from autopilot to awareness, and tap into conscious leadership at work and in life. The session offers practical, accessible tools for leaders shaping teams, driving innovation, and influencing culture. A follow-up digital toolkit will be provided.

About the Speaker

Ashley Nelson is the founder of Inseus and a speaker, coach, and certified instructor in emotional intelligence and mindfulness-based stress reduction. A former senior leader at a Fortune 500 global enterprise, she brings more than 25 years of experience leading global commercial teams, scaling consumer brands, and serving on nonprofit boards, including leading the Americas global business unit at The Fossil Group.

An alumna of the University of Michigan, Ashley holds advanced certifications in applied neuroscience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence from the SIY Global Leadership Institute and UC San Diego’s Center for Mindfulness. Through Inseus, she designs and delivers science-backed leadership programs that inspire action and foster resilient, high-performing cultures across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors.

More about Inseus can be found here Inseus Website

*Zoom details will be shared closer to the event date*

The Signature Event supports IWF Chicago and enables us to fund our philanthropic initiatives, such as the IWF Fellowship Program, empowering emerging women leaders; The Championess Grant, supporting local organizations that elevate women and girls; and the IWF Day of Service in Chicago. Sponsors make possible the mission — advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide. 

About IWF Chicago

The International Women’s Forum (IWF) is a global membership organization of more than 8,000 diverse and accomplished women from 35 nations on six continents. An affiliate of IWF since 2003, the Chicago Forum includes over 250 extraordinary women in business, law, the arts, social services, government, academia and entrepreneurial endeavors. Founded in 2003, IWF Chicago is the hub for global women’s leadership in Chicago. IWF Chicago members convene for local programs and global conferences to consider the world’s most challenging.