Women’s Cultural Alliance

Women’s Cultural Alliance, an affinity group of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, provides a wide variety of events and programming for members to meet other women with similar interests. If you are new to Southwest Florida, membership in WCA is an easy way to become part of your new community.

Our website, wcanaples.org, provides everything you need to know about WCA! Using the website, women can easily join WCA, register for programs and events, and view our interest group offerings, a WCA calendar, publications, and much more.

All WCA activities are run by volunteers, enabling WCA to offer a wide variety of programs. We are always looking for programming ideas and volunteers to accommodate more women in groups and activities. The Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center offers beautiful and spacious venues, providing opportunities for meetings and programs.

The WCA’s array of offerings include a variety of more than 50 interest groups for women, including groups for those who enjoy: reading; playing games; being physical; food; music and art; movies and film; crafts; drama and literature; and foreign language discussions. There are interest groups for Couples, Single Girlfriends, and more! New this January, we will hold a WCA Groups Information Expo for members to learn more about our groups.

A highlight of WCA programming is our phenomenal Speaker Series, generally on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. We have over two dozen speakers scheduled this season through April. We have five local art studio tours and opportunities to explore your creative side with art classes offered by WCA members and other local artists. We also offer bus trips, including one to The Palm Beaches in February.

A Community of Friendship

WCA has always had a strong social component, with opportunities for new and renewed friendships. Four hundred women attended our traditional Welcome Back Luncheon in November. In December, we lit up the night and the menorah and danced with dreidels at the annual Chanukah Dinner Dance.

Our annual Mah Jongg Day and Couples Canasta Night will be in January, and the popular International Potluck Lunch and annual Canasta Day will be in March. Our first WCA Passover Seder in April 2024 was such a success we are holding one again in April 2025. Other special events include a Style Show and a Community Volunteer Expo to acquaint members with local volunteer activities, both in February.

In March, we will welcome international concert pianist/entertainer Peter Simon, who will present “The Music & Poetry of Love.” We continue to be a proud annual sponsor of the Jewish Book Festival; this year sponsoring “When Women Ran Fifth Avenue” by Julie Satow on Jan. 29.

Members have abundant opportunities to socialize with food, tea, coffee, lunch or cocktails. Koffee Klatch, New Member Coffees and Ladies who Lunch have many dates scheduled. “Cocktails and Conversation” offers members the opportunity to socialize over cocktails and hors d’oevres at members’ homes. The Foodies group has numerous chef demonstrations, a cookie exchange, recipe sharing, small group food preparation, cooking and dining.

Satellite Groups

WCA operates in Southwest Florida year-round. This past summer, we revitalized our off-season programming by offering 13 activities for the over 600 members who call the Naples area their fulltime home. To better serve its members, WCA also offers programs for couples and has two “satellite groups,” each offering additional programs. WCA North serves women who live in Bonita Springs, Estero and south Fort Myers; WCA South serves south and east Naples, down to Marco Island. All members may participate in WCA North and South programs.

WCA NextGen

In the summer of 2021, the daughter of a board member started WCA NextGen, offering evening and Sunday programming for women younger than 65. This highly successful group enables like-minded women to engage in activities relevant to younger women and to help them integrate into WCA.

Summer Branches

WCA members were having such a wonderful time in Southwest Florida that they wanted to “take WCA home with them.” So, we established Summer Branches in nine areas throughout North America: Canada, The Berkshires, Boston Metro North, Connecticut, Del Valley (New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware), Illinois, Michigan, New York City/Metro New Jersey, and Washington DC/Virginia/Maryland. During the summer of 2024, a member initiated a tenth branch: Boston South Shore/Cape Cod/Rhode Island. WCA members participated in many “northern” activities and get-togethers over the summer.

Become a Member

The wide range of programs we offer is not the only reason more than 1,500 women have joined WCA. With most members being transplants from other cities, WCA provides an easy path to enjoying new friends and becoming involved in the community. WCA is nonpartisan and nonsectarian. However, you must be a member of WCA to participate in our programs.

Join today! The membership year runs from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, but new members are always welcome. Membership in WCA automatically makes you a member of JFGN. Visit wcanaples.org for more information and how to join. Direct questions to WCA Membership Director Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com.