About this Event
What does it take to lead in the fight against domestic violence...and what keeps you going when the work is difficult, complex, and deeply personal?
Join Cherese R. Ledet, President & CEO of , and Verda Bhatti, Executive Director of , for an engaging conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the work of creating meaningful change for survivors, families, and communities.
This In Her Voice is a candid conversation between two women who have spent decades working alongside communities and organizations committed to preventing violence and supporting survivors. Their commitment to this work is deeply personal: Cherese R. Ledet’s mother is a survivor of domestic violence, while Verda Bhatti’s own experiences with domestic violence have informed her nearly two decades of work in prevention and survivor services.Together, they’ll explore the realities of domestic violence work, the importance of prevention and community education, and why lasting change requires all of us to stay in the know.
Cherese and Verda will share the experiences that shaped their paths into leadership, the challenges they have encountered along the way, and what they have learned about building partnerships, creating opportunities for change, and keeping hope at the center of the work.
What does it take to lead in the fight against domestic violence...and what keeps you going when the work is difficult, complex, and deeply personal? The In Her Voice event series is YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s signature platform for elevating women’s voices, creating space for important conversations, and shining a light on the issues affecting women and communities.
While Domestic Violence Awareness Month takes place each October, the work, the need for awareness, advocacy, and support continues all year long. This November gathering carries that conversation forward and creates an opportunity for professionals, advocates, community members, and anyone who cares about building safer, healthier communities to connect and learn.
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
📍 Impact House, 200 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60606
Program Details:
- 11:30 am - 12:15 pm (lunch & networking)
- 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm (conversation begins, lunch)
- 1:00 pm - 1:30pm (networking)
Who should attend?
This conversation is open to everyone! Domestic violence professionals and survivors, social workers, educators, nonprofit and community leaders, advocates, allied professionals, and members of the public who want to better understand the work of preventing violence and supporting survivors.
General admission tickets: $50 (plus a $5.20 Eventbrite ticket processing fee for a total cost of $55.20)
General Admission tickets include event attendance and unassigned seating in the general admission section. Light beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
In Her Voice event proceeds directly support YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s comprehensive domestic violence services that serve thousands every year, including our 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency shelter and longer-term housing, counseling, legal advocacy, children’s services, Alternatives to Violence (partner abuse intervention), and a wide range of prevention education and training. At a time when we are navigating already implemented budget cuts and the threat of further cuts looms, every ticket and sponsorship helps ensure survivors continue to receive the care they deserve.
About YWCA Evanston/North Shore
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Established in 1931, YWCA Evanston/North Shore is one of 194 local YWCA associations across the country and a part of one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Through comprehensive, trauma-informed direct services, education and training, and community partnerships, we advance our mission across four key areas: Domestic Violence, Racial and Gender Equity, Economic Advancement, and Aquatics. These efforts serve over 8,000 individuals and families across the Chicago North Shore area annually, and aim to build stronger, more equitable communities and a future rooted in justice and dignity. Learn more at ywca-ens.org.
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Conversation Begins, Lunch continues
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Networking
Event venue & nearby stays
Impact House, 200 West Madison Street, Chicago, United States
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