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.
2023 INSPIRED Event
What is a Girl Worth?
featuring RACHAEL DENHOLLANDER
Attorney, Author, Educator, and Victim Advocate
tuesday, october 31, 2023
sheraton west des moines
Rachael Denhollander gained international recognition in 2016 as the first woman to speak publicly against USA Gymnastics’ team physician, Dr. Larry Nassar, one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. As a result of her disclosure, more than 300 women came forward with reports of Nassar’s abuse, triggering his conviction and life sentence for his crimes.
Now an attorney, author, advocate, and educator, Denhollander’s grasp of legal issues, corporate ethics, effective leadership strategies, and investigative practices are coupled with trauma-informed, deeply compassionate sensitivity bridges the gap between survivors and the society and institutions that may have failed them. Her understanding of legal issues is enhanced by her courage and conviction to “pursue justice and protect the innocent.”
Join us to hear her story, and how her strength and resolve inspired hundreds of others to end their silence.
GET TICKETS TODAY OR SPONSOR THE EVENT HERE!
“Her lasting lesson is that we all have the power to create real change, and we cannot allow ourselves to be defined by the acts of others.”
Christine Blasey Ford, Stanford University School of Medicine

Past INSPIRED Events
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.
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- Thank you to our Inspired Event Sponsors
- Inspired Event Program
- Make a Gift in honor of your HERo (emphasis on HER)
- Buy a copy of Women at Ground Zero by Susan Hagen and Mary Carouba
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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.”
Hostin is a 3-time Emmy Award winner and has co-hosted ABC’s popular talk show The View since 2016.
Originally from the South Bronx in New York, Hostin graduated from Notre Dame Law School and became an attorney for the United States Department of Justice. Moving into a position as a federal prosecutor, she received the Special Achievement Award by Attorney General Janet Reno for her prosecution of child sexual predators.
Hostin’s work as a legal correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America and for the ABC News Special The President and the People provided her an opportunity to report on some of the most compelling stories of the past decade including the civil unrest in Ferguson and Baltimore, the Bernie Madoff and Bill Cosby scandals, and the George Zimmerman trial.
A gifted storyteller, Hostin hosted, and executive produced a 6-episode documentary series, Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin on Investigation Discovery.

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2019 inspired event: dolores huerta
View event photos here


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.