We joined more than 1,000 women on May 11th for a beautiful afternoon at the 25th Anniversary Genesis Annual Luncheon in Dallas with keynote speaker Hilary Swank. Swank was interviewed by Emmy award winning journalist, Sonia Azad, who you can watch weekly on WFAA.
Hilary shared details from her life including her journey from Lincoln, Nebraska to Hollywood, California and how women need to watch out for each other and 'stand up for one another.'
Jan Langbein is the CEO of Genesis and is one of the strongest and most powerful speakers you will ever hear. (left to right, Savvy Sleepers CEO Dale Janée, Savvy Sleepers Marketing Director Brittany Longden, CEO of Genesis Jan Langbein)
Sadly, one in four women in the United States, and one in three in Texas will know domestic violence during her lifetime. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 calls to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. At Genesis, the hotline is answered 24 hours a day and someone is available anytime day or night to help women find safety, shelter and support. - source Genesis Women's Shelter
24 Hour Genesis Hotline - 214-389-7700
The luncheon is every May and you can join next year. There is also an organization for men called HeROs - 'He Respects Others.' Keep in touch with Genesis and learn more about events and how you can donate by following on social media and twitter @GenesisShelter
Hilary spoke about her tough journey to Tinsel Town after her mom lost her job in Nebraska, and they 'drove to LA with $75, and lived in a car.' When she finally got her big break after nine years of acting, at age 24, in 'Boys Don't Cry,' she was called an 'overnight success' by one writer. Hilary joked, 'well, that was one long night.' She credits a huge portion of her success to her mother who was always her champion and encouraged her to follow her dreams.
Azad asked how Swank would advise women to 'follow their dreams?' Hilary told a story about her 3rd grade teacher who noticed how talented she was in a skit at school and recommended she get into drama calling her mom saying she really seemed to enjoy it.
Clearly, Hilary was a natural and has starred in award winning films including 'Million Dollar Baby' and 'Boys Don't Cry.' We loved her message of following your dreams no matter where you came from and to research your passions, and 'if it lights you up, never give up.'
She also touched on the importance of women helping women. Especially when it comes to domestic abuse as she stated, 'none of these women thought they'd be in this situation. It could be any of us.'
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