Woman's Board

Mission statement and history of the Woman's Board

The Woman’s Board of the Alliance Française was formed to develop and manage Alliance programs and to serve as a fundraising arm. Mrs. David R. Hamilton, who chaired one of the most successful galas ever at Marshall Field’s during the 1989 French Bicentennial year, was asked to revive the Woman’s Board in 1996, and it thrives in that form today.

Letter from Founding President, Libby Horn

"It is with great pride that I look back at all that has been accomplished by the Woman's Board and it is with great anticipation that I look forward to what we will contribute to the Alliance in the future."

Historical Timeline

View Woman's Board History

Gala 2020 — Un Air de Provence

On May 9th, 2020 the Woman's Board will host its biennial fundraiser "Un Air de Provence" at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Find out more here.

Gala 2018 — Versailles en scène

On June 9th, 2018 the Woman's Board hosted its biennial fundraiser "Versailles en scène" at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Click here for pictures from the event.

Educational Outreach Program

The Woman's Board proudly supports the Educational Outreach Program, which provides the means for select CPS high school students to not only strengthen their studies of the French language, but to open their hearts and minds to the world. Learn more about this program here.

Book Club

To the francophiles and those who particularly have a fond interest in modern French literature, the Alliance Française offers a Club Littéraire where members - both American and French speaking women - are welcome to discuss and engage in a lively conversation and learn more about the thought process, the cultural identity and traditions exposed in French literature.

Our Club Littéraire presents a selection of books in the original language starting early October through May under the guidance of a French-speaking moderator, Isabelle David, whose knowledge energizes the group and brings excellence to our Club. Discussions are always held in French and take place at the Alliance, approximately monthly on Mondays. Members are responsible for purchasing their books, and for an annual membership fee that includes each conversation and luncheon.