Tarana Burke, Founder of the #MeToo Movement, will speak at Inforum West Michigan’s 2018 Capstone Event
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (PRWEB) June 06, 2018 -- Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement and part of the “Silence Breakers” who were collectively named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2017, will keynote Inforum West Michigan’s Capstone event on Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St NW.
Burke, who is also one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People for 2018, founded the #MeToo movement in 2006 to help survivors of sexual violence, particularly women of color from low wealth communities, find pathways to healing. She led the movement using the idea of “empowerment through empathy,” letting survivors know that they are not alone.
The Capstone dinner serves as an annual celebration to end the year, and Inforum West Michigan believes Tarana Burke’s keynote will be the culmination of a year of programming that has inspired, educated, and encouraged women to support one another.
“We know that Tarana will bring insight, strategy and value to all who attend our Capstone event, especially for women leaders, HR directors and personnel, women leaders of color, CEOs, and those working in nonprofits serving women and girls, and countless others who care about the culture we create for those with whom we work and employ,” said Debra Minton, founder and president of Philanthropia Partners, who chairs the Inforum West Michigan Regional Council. “Her approach to this challenging topic is constructive and affirming.”
“Having the opportunity to have Tarana Burke speak at our Capstone event is such an honor,” said Terry Barclay, Inforum president and CEO. “Her hard work, bravery and ability to bring people together has reshaped and expanded the conversation surrounding sexual harassment and assault.”
Although #MeToo was founded by Burke in 2006, it wasn’t until October 2017 that the movement went viral after sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein became public, with social media posts made by high-profile celebrities that included Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd, and Jennifer Lawrence. Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with a global movement against sexual harassment and assault.
Sponsorships, including table sponsorships, for the event are currently available. Individual tickets will be available to members beginning June 20 at inforummichigan.org and to everyone on July 2. For more information about sponsorships, contact Becky Puckett-Wood, vice president of corporate and member engagement, at 616.588.9400 or bpuckett-wood(at)inforummichigan.org.
About Inforum:
Inforum, with offices in Grand Rapids and Detroit, was founded in 1962 as the Women’s Economic Club. It works to change the landscape of women’s leadership in Michigan by serving as a catalyst that removes barriers and increases opportunities for women. Through engaging programming, leadership development and networking opportunities, Inforum crease a platform that helps women learn, lead, and make a difference in the community.
Emily Potts, 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications, 616-885-6253, [email protected]
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