WDC at Book Society– Evening of Conversation with Ellen Barker

WDC at Book Society with Ellen Barker
Wednesday September 23, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 PM PT

Join us at Book Society in Berkeley for an evening of wine and conversation with Bay Area author Ellen Barker, who began her career as an urban planner and spent many years working for large consulting firms as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Ellen is the author of Nothing North of Delmar and three earlier novels: East of Troost, Still Needs Work, and The Breaks — books that merge her passion for urban issues with her lived experience in corporate America. Having grown up in Missouri during a period of demographic upheaval, she returns there in her novels.

Karen Murray of VMWP will lead a conversation with Ellen to explore her journey as an author and discuss Still Needs Work, a story of resilience, fortitude, and industriousness, told from a no-nonsense, can-do perspective, featuring protagonist Marianne, who is laid off abruptly while attending a conference in San Francisco.

Wine and light bites will be served, and copies of Still Needs Work will be available for purchase and signing. Seating is limited at this unique event so register early!

Book Society is a bookstore and wine bar in Berkeley, CA founded by Laura Guzman, who drew on her AEC industry background to build a community gathering hub for bibliophiles and wine lovers.

Photos will be taken at this event and may be used on social media and in WDC marketing communications. Please email wdcevents@seifel.com if you do not wish to have your photo used in WDC social media and marketing communications.

You must be 21 or older to attend.

New to WDC? This is a great opportunity to join members of our WDC community to make meaningful connections, share industry insights, and forge partnerships.

Early Bird discount through September 10

Early Bird Member – $55

Early Bird Non-Member – $65

Full Price – after Early Bird

Full Price Member – $65

Full Price Non-Member – $75

BEST VALUE FOR NEW 2026 WDC MEMBERS:

$300 .00 – Become a new 2026 WDC Supporting Member and includes attendance at this event.

$550.00 – Become a new 2026 WDC Sustaining Member and includes free attendance at this event.

$1,000.00 – Become a new 2026 WDC Sponsor Member and includes free attendance at this event and to WDC’s Miami 10/25 or 10/26 in-person program.

$80.00 – Become a new 2026 WDC Student Member and includes free attendance at this event.

**PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING

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Attendee understands that participation in any in-person program or event (aka event) of the Women’s Development Collaborative (WDC) is entirely voluntary and requires attendees to abide by any applicable rules of conduct or local, state or provincial laws that may be announced at any time before or during the event. While WDC is the convener of WDC’s events, Attendee understands and acknowledges that WDC has no direct control over and is not responsible for the acts or omissions of any personnel or others involved in producing an event, or any other attendees at an event. Attendee has carefully considered the risk involved and hereby releases, covenants not to sue, discharges, and holds harmless WDC’s directors, employees, agents, and representatives, of and from any such claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses of any kind (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of or relating thereto.

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