ILLINOIS — A group of 10 women leaders from Springfield, Illinois, recently traveled to Wales and were warmly welcomed by members of the Howey Women’s Institute during a cultural exchange meeting that celebrated leadership, community, and friendship.
Illinois Women in Leadership Visit Howey Women’s Institute
The Illinois delegation, part of the Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) network, consists of professional female leaders from Springfield and surrounding areas. Their international trip included a visit to the village of Howey, where they joined the local Women’s Institute for one of its regular monthly meetings.
According to Shropshire Star, the evening was filled with camaraderie, cultural sharing, and laughter — all rooted in a shared mission of uplifting women through leadership and community engagement.
A Night of Culture and Connection
The evening began with a traditional Women’s Institute business meeting and the singing of Jerusalem, a longstanding WI tradition. Afterwards, the Illinois guests enjoyed a Welsh-themed supper featuring:
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Leek soup
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Welsh cheese and ham board
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Traditional Welsh cakes
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Bara Brith (a spiced fruit loaf)
A highlight of the night was a lighthearted language game, “We Say – You Say,” which explored the amusing differences between American and British English. Despite the cultural quirks, both sides agreed that their core values were closely aligned, needing no formal ice breakers to spark connection.
Strengthening Global Ties Among Women Leaders
Both the Illinois and Howey groups emphasized a shared vision: empowering women through leadership, service, and friendship. Their evening of exchange reinforced how strong bonds can be built across borders through mutual respect and the desire to better communities — locally and globally.
One Illinois participant reflected on the experience, saying, “I cannot fully express my gratitude to your whole circle of friends and your community together for such a warm welcome and truly genuine experience.”
Event Rated a Highlight of the Trip
Organizers on both sides rated the evening as one of the best parts of the Illinois group’s tour of mid-Wales. The warmth, hospitality, and meaningful conversations left a lasting impact on all who attended.
Have you ever joined an international exchange or local community initiative that left a mark on your life? Share your story in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
