About Open Book

Open Book Committee

              • Colleen Murray Peyton – Chair
              • Ellie Abney
              • J.R. Davies
              • Nancy Foster
              • Ellen Lansden
              • Katy McCollum
              • Katie Poole
      • Betsy Richman
      • Shelley Thompson
      • Kathleen Waller
      • Amy Takeuchi Wanlas
      • Chris Wieland
      • Arlene Withers

We work together to bring inspiring author events to Pasadena and to make enduring friendships.

If you are interested in volunteering send us a message.

Volunteer Today
HistoryPFWA
2009
The Beginning

The Pasadena Festival of Women Authors (PFWA) founders, Susan Long and Elsie Sadler, felt that book lovers in Pasadena would embrace the experience of a literary event and would make donations to support the community. In 2009, they launched the first PFWA at the Pasadena Senior Center where it was hosted for 7 years.

2010
The Mission

To recognize the accomplishments of authors, to advance community dialog about the literary arts and to raise money for literary programs at community non-profits.

2016
Non-profit status and growth

In 2016 PFWA Committee established the Pasadena Literary Alliance (PLA) and moved the popular PFWA event to the Pasadena Hilton Hotel to accommodate a larger audience. The PLA is a 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID: 47-2569785. The Pasadena Literary Alliance Board members are:

  • Katie Poole, President
  • Kathyrn Kay
  • Norah Morley
  • Colleen Murray
  • Carolyn Siegal
  • Heidi Simpson-Sandoval
  • Shelley Thompson
  • Amy Ulmer
  • Emily Vitan
  • Liz White

2017
New Events

In 2017 the PLA board formed the Open Book Committee to host year round author events starting in 2018.

2018
Grants

In 2018 the following organizations received grants from the proceeds of the PFWA: