6월 4, 2018

Gloria Norris 2018 Keynote Speaker

YWCA SPOKANE ANNOUNCES SPEAKER FOR 2018 BENEFIT LUNCHEON

Author and Filmmaker, Gloria Norris to serve as keynote speaker at the 36^일 annual Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon

YWCA Spokane is very excited to announce our keynote speaker for the October 4th awards luncheon, Gloria Norris. Gloria is a popular filmmaker and the author of the bestselling memoir, KooKooLand, a heartbreaking and hilarious memoir named best book of the year by NPR. The book describes an unconventional childhood dominated by complicated and abusive father.

Gloria’s captivating story, told with no-holds-barred honesty, provides a blueprint for transcending not only family trauma but economic hardship. Some of the issues Gloria has spoken passionately about include domestic violence, mental health issues, the prescription drug epidemic, white working class despair, and the salvation that education provides for kids like her. Oprah’s magazine called KooKooLand ‘electrifying,’ and the very same can be said of Gloria’s extraordinary talks.

Gloria Norris began her career in New York as an assistant to film directors Brian De Palma, Martin Scorsese and Woody Allen. After to Los Angeles, she has worked as a screenwriter and independent producer, her films have premiered at the Sundance, Toronto, and Tribeca Film festivals.

“Gloria Norris’ compelling story of being a young girl in a difficult household surround by sadistic cruel people all around her gives voice to the trauma experienced by so many children subject to family violence and other adverse childhood experiences. Gloria’s unique ability to share her story with grace and humor is extraordinary and we are excited to have her join us at this year’s luncheon” says Regina Malveaux, YWCA Spokane CEO.

REGISTER TODAY FOR WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT 2018

The 2018 Women of Achievement Impact Luncheon will be held at the Davenport Grand Hotel on October 4, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Corporate table, Table Captain, and individual ticket registration information is available here.

The event celebrates high achieving women who embody YWCA Spokane’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all by giving generously of themselves to make Spokane a better place for all.

In addition to honoring the extraordinary contributions of the winners, the luncheon serves to raise awareness about the epidemic of domestic violence in the Spokane region and to raise critical funds for the victim support services offered by YWCA Spokane.

“The children are often the hidden or silent victims of domestic violence” says Mireya Fitzloff, Event Co-Chair. “This year’s luncheon will focus on the connection between domestic violence and long-term outcomes for children as well as highlight the resilience which allows many to thrive despite significant childhood trauma.”

2018 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES

Sandra Olgard, Owner and Founder, Sandra Olgard’s Studio of Dance – Arts & Culture
Sharelynn Moore, Senior Vice President of Networked Solutions Group, Itron – Business & Industry
Sandy Williams, Publisher and Editor, Black Lens News – Carl Maxey Racial & Social Justice
Karen Winston, Director, Children’s Advocacy Center – Community Enhancement
Sally Pritchard, Vice President of Community Impact, Spokane County United Way – Community Enhancement
Lisa Taylor Laurier, Ed. D, Department Chair of the Teacher Education Program and Professor of Education, Whitworth University – Education
Lois James, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, WSU College of Nursing – Science, Technology & Environment
Rebecca Long, President and Founder, Future Ada – Young Woman
Sister Celine Steinberger, Sisters of Holy Names of Jesus and Mary – Lifetime Achievement

PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING THE 2018 AWARD WINNERS

Learn more about last year’s trailblazers or visit our list of over 245 past award recipients.

ABOUT YWCA SPOKANE

For 115 years, YWCA Spokane has been helping women and children overcome social, economic, and personal barriers in order to accomplish their goals and achieve healthier and more fulfilling lives. Today areas of focus include supporting victims of intimate partner domestic violence, promoting early childhood education, and confronting racial and social justice issues that negatively impact our clients and our community.

In 2017, we served over 16,000 women, children and families. Services include a continuum of wrap-around support: 24-hour Helpline and Safe Shelter, Counseling Center, Mental Health Services, Child Advocacy, Civil Legal Assistance, Legal Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment Advocacy. YWCA’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides 3- and 4-year-old children with the social and learning skills necessary for successful entry into kindergarten.

By working at the intersections of inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, YWCA Spokane is able to disrupt longstanding societal patterns of trauma.

To schedule a tour of our agency, please contact Dana Morris at danam@ywcaspokane.org or call 509-742-0111.