We are still basking in the glow of Rise Up’s Annual Gala last Thursday and wanted to share the most memorable moments and highlights with you. 

Global icon Gloria Steinem joined Rise Up’s Founder and Executive Director Dr. Denise R. Dunning in conversation to discuss feminist organizing in the fight for reproductive freedom, movement building, and above all, building community and seeking joy. 

We raised almost $240,000 in critical funds at this year’s Gala that will go toward supporting Rise Up Leaders to create change for girls, women, and gender-nonconforming people. Now, we need your help to reach our fundraising goal of $300,000.

At the Gala, we also heard from three incredible Rise Up Leader speakers who brilliantly remarked on their diverse lived experiences and offered powerful stories about how they’ve worked to advance gender equity in their communities and countries. 

Attendees got the opportunity to take an exclusive look into Rise Up Leader Joyce Msomi’s life in South Africa and her work to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. Watch Joyce’s story here.

Rise Up Leader Vikram Srivastava told us about his transformative work to help end child marriage in India. Watch Vikram’s story here. 

And, finally, Rise Up Leader Onyemma C. Obiekea joined us live for a conversation with Rise Up’s Director of Learning Josie Ramos and discussed her fierce commitment to reproductive justice for Black women and girls and what it was like to participate in Rise Up’s second California training program earlier this year. Watch Onyemma and Josie’s conversation here. 

Joyce, Vikram, and Onyemma are powerful leaders who embody this year’s Gala theme, “Hear Our Voices” and we are infinitely grateful for their vision, courage, and commitment to creating change. 

Thank you for supporting Rise Up and Rise Up Leaders. As Gloria said at the event, each one of us is necessary — and, together, we can strengthen the global movement for gender equity and justice.