In Her Voice:

In Her Voice: Between Leaders, Stories that Spark Change

On Thursday, November 19, 2026, YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS) proudly launch In Her Voice, our event series dedicated to uplifting women and advancing conversations that inspire change. Held at innovative Impact House, this inaugural afternoon will feature Cherese R. Ledet, President & CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore, and Verda Bhatti, Executive Director of Between Friends, for an engaging conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the work of creating meaningful change for survivors, families, and communities.

This In Her Voice will be 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.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized nationally every October. By hosting this inaugural In Her Voice event in November, YWCA E/NS will carry this momentum forward, ensuring that awareness, advocacy, and support for survivors remain in the spotlight beyond a single month. This series builds on the legacy of our YWomen Leadership Celebration, creating space to honor women, elevate urgent issues, and spark dialogue that leads to action. In Her Voice is our new year-round signature platform to address the challenges women face—and to amplify their voices.

In Her Voice event proceeds directly supportYWCA 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.