Inspire Luncheon
The YWCA Inspire Luncheon has earned its reputation as one of the most influential non-profit events in Silicon Valley.
Each year, we host an influential speaker who is an advocate and ambassador for change. Past speakers have included Ruby Bridges, Erin Brockovich, Tarana Burke, Susan Rice, Shiza Shahid, Gloria Steinem, Jane Goodall, Geena Davis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Billie Jean King, Alfre Woodard, Janet Reno, Benazir Bhutto, Elizabeth Smart and Anita Hill.
The Luncheon also features the presentation of the YWCA Empowerment Award, which celebrates and honors those in our community who are advocates and ambassadors for change. These award recipients are champions – strong, resilient and dedicated to sharing their journey so that others will become empowered to do the same.
The Inspire Luncheon attracts hundreds of attendees, including corporate and community leaders, elected officials and Bay Area professionals. Funds raised support the organization’s community programs and services.
The 2025 YWCA Inspire Luncheon featured a moderated conversation with activist, author, astronaut, Amanda Nguyen. The event welcomed over 700 guests on October 1, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
The 2025 YWCA Empowerment Award was presented to 13 staff members who were recognized for their decade or more of service at YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley. In the nonprofit sector, the work is often relentless, the hours are long, the needs are urgent and the challenges are complex. Yet through all of that, YWCA’s staff never give up.
