May 15, 2025
“Conference on R.E.S.T. is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action,” said YWCA South Hampton Roads CEO, Michelle Ellis Young.
YWCA South Hampton Roads, the world’s oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization, is preparing to honor women’s voices, resilience, and leadership during its 4th Annual Conference on R.E.S.T. (Racial Equity and Social Transformation).
The June event will celebrate the theme, “What About the Women?” as attendees gather with the organization ahead of Juneteenth to acknowledge women’s critical role in advancing justice and equity, even as they face everyday challenges.
“In a time of unprecedented global change, this year’s question, ‘What about the Women?’ demands urgent attention,” a press release stated. “Women’s rights remain at a critical crossroads, as hard-fought progress faces new challenges in the form of policy rollbacks, economic disparities, and persistent gender-based violence. From the erosion of reproductive rights to the widening wage gap, the stakes have never been higher.”
The Conference on R.E.S.T. will kick off with a Legacy Awards Breakfast where Hampton Roads leaders will be recognized for their contributions to shaping a more equitable future for all. 2025 honorees include: Delceno Miles, president and CEO of The Miles Agency; Vivian Oden, vice president for Equity and Inclusion at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation; author and survivor advocate Kemba Smith; and Virginia Organizing.
This year’s keynote speaker, best-selling author Mikki Kendall, will address attendees with illuminating perspectives drawn from her literature, advocacy, and work as a thought leader. A $1,000 Racial Justice Scholarship will be awarded to Norview High School rising senior York-Page Seaton.
“The Conference on R.E.S.T. is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action,” said Michelle Ellis Young, CEO of YWCA South Hampton Roads. The event expands on YWCA South Hampton Roads’ ongoing mission to drive meaningful change by eliminating racism, advocating for the critical needs of survivors of sexual and domestic violence, and acting as a source of empowerment for women and families facing crisis.
Secure your spot today and meet YWCA South Hampton Roads at Norfolk State University, June 11, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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