breaking barriers. building sisterhood.
The EmbraceHer Summit brings together young girls of color, providing a space to instill their confidence and establish a firm belief in their personal strength.
Uncover the power of establishing healthy boundaries, cultivating supportive sisterhoods, and nurturing a positive mindset. This summit is designed to inspire and uplift girls, helping them embrace their strength and individuality in a welcoming, growth-focused environment.
Free: Admission to the summit is no cost and a catered lunch is included.
Who: Teen girls, aged 12–17, in Kent County.
When: Thursday, June 25 2026
from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: The 1530
1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI
BREAKING BARRIERS
BUILDING SISTERHOOD
Registration closes June 13, 2025
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Eboni Crane
Resilience Empowerment Services Inc. Founder
Eboni Crane is a therapist, advocate, and community leader dedicated to removing barriers and expanding access to resources that support healthy, thriving lives. As a therapist specializing in EMDR therapy, Eboni helps individuals heal from trauma and build resilience. She is also the founder of Resilience Empowerment Services Inc. (RESI), a nonprofit focused on connecting individuals and families to essential resources and advancing access to sustainable mental healthcare in the community through advocacy, education, and trust-centered support.
Eboni also partners with organizations and universities to lead mental health workshops and community education initiatives. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing, empowerment, and opportunity should be accessible to everyone.
As the keynote speaker for the 2026 Embrace HER Summit, Eboni will share her powerful personal journey of resilience, how she moved from a place of survival to a life of purpose and impact. Through her story, she will encourage young girls to recognize their strength, overcome challenges, and confidently pursue the future they envision for themselves.
Summit Founder and Visionaries
Lakeshia Gilbert
Founder and CEO of HOAP
Lakeshia S. Gilbert is the Founder and CEO of HOAP (Helping Our Adolescents Prosper) and LSG Innovations, LLC. Her educational background is diverse. Lakeshia holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management/Human Services, and has a double Masters in Psychology and Organizational Leadership.
Latasha Robertson-Crump
Founder & CEO of Girls Growing II Women
Latasha is the Founder & CEO of Girls Growing II Women, a nonprofit centered on youth development. She has a Bachelor of Social Work and Biblical Studies with a minor in communications from Kuyper College and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Latasha worked as a school social worker for ten years before leaving to lead her nonprofit full-time.
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FAQs
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Thanks to generous donors and partners, the event is free to attend.
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Yourself! Any other materials required will be available to participants at the conference. We encourage you to dress in comfortable clothes and layers in case the room temperature is cool.
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Transportation is not provided. The venue is located on the No #1 Rapid Bus line and a short walk from the Silver Line Cottage Grove Station on Division Ave.
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Thank you for encouraging your students to attend. Parents/guardians must complete the registration for their child and sign the waivers.
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We are sorry you can no longer attend. It is important to let us know if you can no longer attend. Please email lcomeau@hwmuw.org to let us know of your change of plans.
Get ready for an empowering journey packed with insightful sessions, engaging activities, and unforgettable entertainment!
All teenage girls, aged 12–17 are welcome!