18-04-2025
Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center announces Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon
Apr. 17—MIDLAND — The Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center is excited to announce the Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at the Midland Country Club. The event aims to raise awareness of sexual assault and provide support for those who have been victimized while also promoting prevention and strengthening the center's coordinated efforts.
Each year, the Women of Courage Luncheon honors the voices of survivors and highlights the ongoing work to protect vulnerable children. This year, they welcome Rachael Denhollander as the keynote speaker. Denhollander is a trailblazer in the fight for justice, known for being the first woman to publicly speak out and pursue criminal charges against USA Gymnastics' team doctor Larry Nassar. Her courageous stand not only led to her own personal healing but also to a movement in which more than 300 women, including Olympic medalists, came forward with their own stories of abuse. Denhollander's bravery in holding Nassar accountable helped expose systemic failures, a news release said.
Denhollander has extensive experience working with corporate boards, executive leadership, and politicians to help them understand how to lead with courage and integrity through crisis, how to communicate their values within their organizations and to the public, and how to properly respond to reports of abuse. She has advised the boards of some of the nation's largest universities as they seek to address failures to adequately respond to abuse on their campuses. With extensive experience in the political realm, she has proven an effective advocate in helping push through vital legislative changes at the state level to make it easier for survivors of abuse to obtain justice.
For her work as an advocate and educator on sexual assault, Denhollander was named one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and one of Glamour Magazine's "Women of the Year" in 2018. Additionally, she received the "Inspiration of the Year" award from Sports Illustrated, was a joint recipient of ESPN's "Arthur Ashe Courage Award," and was named a "Michiganian of the Year" by the Detroit News, along numerous other awards and recommendations.
"We are deeply honored to have Rachael Denhollander as our keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Women of Courage Luncheon," Michelle Estes, Board President of the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center, said in a news release. "Her unwavering commitment to justice and her tireless advocacy for survivors has not only brought about change in the sports world but also sparked a national conversation about accountability, healing, and prevention. Rachael's story is one of profound courage, and we are privileged to have her share it with our community."
Women of Courage serve as ambassadors for children affected by abuse, working to increase community awareness, promote prevention efforts, and financially support the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center's vital work.
For ticket information, click here.
Proceeds from the luncheon will directly benefit the center's efforts to provide life-saving services and support to children and families affected by abuse.
