inspired event

INSPIRED is the foundation's annual fundraising and educational event presenting powerful women speaking on meaningful topics. INSPIRED is our opportunity to learn from the wisdom and experience of these remarkable women. Past speakers have included athletes, journalists, astronauts, first responders, authors, and civil rights activists including Dr. Mae Jemison, Dr. Tererai Trent, Dolores Huerta, and Dr. Angela Davis.

2025 INSPIRED Event:
valerie plame

friday, october 10, 2025
11:30 am- 1:00 pm 
sheraton west des moines

learn more here. 

Past INSPIRED Events

2024 INSPIRED Event:
alejandra campoverdi, first gen: our remarkable journey

monday, september 30, 2024
sheraton west des moines

Alejandra Campoverdi, nationally recognized author, women’s health advocate, and former White House aide to President Obama, shared about her journey and the emotional toll of being a "First and Only," delving into social mobility, generational inheritance, aspiration, and the true meaning of belonging. Ms. Campoverdi shared personal stories and the powerful lessons that came as part of the stories. She emphasized the value of supporting programs such as those Chrysalis provides because if it were not for her involvement in similar programs when she was growing up, she would not be here today. 

view event photos

2023 INSPIRED Event:
rachael denhollander, what is a girl worth?

monday, november 13, 2023
sheraton west des moines

Rachael Denhollander's presentation was filled with meaningful information. Her courage to be the first person to publicly report Larry Nassar's abuse allowed others who were abused to report too. She was not only extremely knowlegeable about the legal issues, corporate ethics, effective leadership strategies, and investigative practices, but also she is trauma-informed, deeply compassionate, and able to bridge the gap between survivors and the society and institutions that failed them. Summed up by a Chrysalis board member, "I'm thankful for the learning opportunity...it was heavy and we all have a responsibility to do better."

 

2022 INSPIRED Event:
laura ling, a story of hope and resilience

tuesday, october 11, 2022 (international day of the girl)
sheraton west des moines

Laura Ling's powerful presentation about her experience in 2012 when she was taken captive in North Korea highlighted the importance of hope and resilience. Nearly 400 individuals, over 45 local companies, and 33 volunteers were together to hear the many lessons this traumatic event taught Laura. 

Find event photos here

2021 INSPIRED Event:
women at ground zero ...20 years later

friday, september 10, 2021
virtual event 

The powerful messages about how the attacks on the World Trade Center impacted authors Susan Hagen and Mary Carouba, as well as first responders Terri Tobin and Regina Wilson, deeply moved Chrysalis and has us dialoguing about their messages. 

From authors Susan and Mary: When an idea continues to distract you, pay attention - The difference between the idea and the publishing of the book "Women at Ground Zero" was the authors' continuous sense that something needed to be done to share women's stories. Ignore the "no" that blocks you from pursuing what you feel strongly about - It's a driving force important to overcome the "why not's" and tackle the "why's" in following your heart.

From first responders Terri and Regina: We have a responsibility to carry on - when another person suffers or is lost in the pursuit of a goal, we have an obligation to continue to work toward this goal. We can each be everything we want to be - it will take plenty of hard work and persistence, but it will be worthwhile.

And, in general: Notice whether women's stories and experiences are included - women are often there, yet not highlighted. Our future generations need to see what they can be.

2020 inspired event: sunny hostin

friday october 20, 2020
virtual event emceed by Sabrina Ahmed

Sunny Hostin’s own story as a self-described Afro-Latina lawyer frames her perspective on life, family, career, and society. Known for her informed analysis of the law as well as her emotional intelligence, she believes she is not a role model but a “possibility model.”  

 

2019 inspired event: dolores huerta

friday september 20, 2019
hilton des moines downtown 
 
If you joined Chrysalis for the 2019 INSPIRED Event, you had the opportunity to meet a “living legend” – Dolores Huerta. Then 89 years old, Huerta’s passion intensified as she spoke to nearly 500 guests at the luncheon event on September 20.
 
Dolores Huerta urged each of us to follow our own values and uphold what we believe is right. This is where people find their power, she shared, in changing not only their own lives but changing their communities and society. 
 
Huerta's advice for each of us? Don’t wait to be invited - step up and become an activist. This is how change happens and why Huerta noted “people who get involved in activism live so many experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t…peoples’ lives are so enriched.”
 
Throughout history are countless stories of activism: people working together toward a shared purpose to actively create change together. Women instinctively do this well – bringing people together, amplifying their voices, and working for good in the world around us. Speaking up, teaching a life lesson, promoting an idea, writing a letter to the editor, and intentionally choosing how to spend our money (such as not buying goods produced by companies that exploit workers) are exercises of activism that create and sustain movements, and movements lead to change.
 
“Leadership is a choice one makes,” Huerta shares. “When you choose to give time and resources to participate in community work, this is what makes you a leader.”
 
Today’s issues violence and conflict can overwhelm us, but we cannot stop our activism and our commitment to making this world a better place. Following the lead of a trailblazer like Dolores Huerta is one way we can continue to work toward long-term change.
 
View event photos here

screen DOLORES

rebel.
activist. feminist. mother.

view the trailer

chrysalis was proud to partner with drake university's women's and gender studies department to host a screening of the documentary, "Dolores: Rebel. Activist. Feminist. Mother."

over 100 students, staff, and friends gathered to view the 2017 film co-produced by musician Carlos Santana and actor Benjamin Bratt. the film was directed by Peter Bratt, award-winning screenwriter and independent filmmaker.

as co-founder of the first farm workers unions, dolores huerta is one of the most important, yet least well known, activists in united states' history.