Over 1,000 attendees will hear keynote speaker Brenda Myers-Powell share her journey from prostitute to advocate as well as honor five accomplished women in our community at the 28th Annual YWCA LeaderLuncheon on Friday, September 23, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grand America Hotel.
Brenda Myers-Powell was born in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Chicago and at fourteen fled an abusive home life only to fall into a traumatic world of prostitution. During her 25 years as a prostitute, Brenda experienced violence, drugs, kidnapping and more, yet was able to emerge as an advocate dedicated to helping others change their lives and live their dreams. In 1997, Brenda began outreach to women who were trying to exit lives of prostitution and drugs and later founded The Dreamcatcher Foundation. She is an expert in human trafficking and was featured in the documentary “Dreamcatcher”, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015.
YWCA Utah will also present Outstanding Achievement Awards to five extraordinary women who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the well-being of Utah women and girls, and whose work and achievements exemplify the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The five winners are: Jackie Biskupski, Public Service; Sherrie Hayashi, Law; Nedra Hotchkins, Racial Justice; Susan Madsen, Education; and Gail Miller, Business.
All proceeds from LeaderLuncheon benefit the YWCA’s programs and services to advance the well-being of Utah women and their families. Tickets and table sponsorships are available atywcautah.org.
