The Illinois Woman’s Press Association The IWPA (since 1885) is an organization of professionals whose objective is to mainta ... in and improve the standards of members in mass communications in Illinois, to promote their interests, and to provide for the sharing of ideas and information. IWPA is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women. Celebrating 134 years in 2018, IWPA continues to hold a firm place in the history of women communicators in Illinois. When IWPA was established, there were few opportunities for female journalists. The 47 founding members saw a need for communication and support between women writers. We remain the Illinois Woman’s Press Association to honor our founders, and to remember the reasons why having a press organization for women was necessary. Today, we embrace members of all genders and generations. A record of IWPA’s legacy can be found on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_Woman%27s_Press_Association). read more