About LeaderLuncheon

An Inspiring Celebration of Women and Community

LeaderLuncheon is one of Salt Lake City’s most powerful and inspiring annual events. It’s a vital fundraiser for YWCA Utah and a celebration of women’s strength, leadership, and the collective power we hold when we rise as one. The funds raised make our life-saving work possible—we truly can’t do it without you.

Our Mission and This Year's Keynote

At YWCA Utah, our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. LeaderLuncheon will honor this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award winners and feature keynote speaker April Hernandez-Castillo—an actor, author, and survivor whose story embodies the resilience, empowerment, and advocacy at the heart of our work. Her books will be available for purchase at the event.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plan to arrive?

Event Check-In begins at 11 AM | Check-In is required, you can help expedite the process by registering your credit card and completing online registration in Handbid. The program starts promptly at 12 PM.

Where do I park?

We encourage attendees to ride share, take public transportation, or carpool. Free parking is available to LeaderLuncheon guests in the Grand America parking garage, but be prepared for delays.

What do I wear?

Business or event casual—most guests wear suits, dresses, or professional attire.

2025 Keynote Speaker

At YWCA Utah, our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This year, we are honored to welcome April Hernandez Castillo—an actor, author, and survivor whose story embodies the resilience, empowerment, and advocacy at the heart of our work.

While many recognize April for her unforgettable performance as Eva Benitez in Freedom Writers and roles on hit television series like Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, and New Amsterdam, it is her journey off-screen that makes her a powerful voice for change. A survivor of intimate partner violence, April has transformed her pain into purpose, using her platform to speak out against abuse and uplift others on their paths to healing.

Through her memoir, Embracing Me, and acclaimed talks—including TEDx and Harvard University—April shares a raw, inspiring message: we all have the power to reclaim our stories. Her storytelling is not only brave—it is healing, honest, and deeply aligned with YWCA Utah’s commitment to centering survivors and amplifying the voices of women and girls of color.

April’s presence at LeaderLuncheon is more than a keynote—it is a call to action, a celebration of survival, and a reminder that empowerment is not just possible, but unstoppable. We are thrilled to share space with her and invite our community to witness her story, her strength, and her legacy.

Thank you to our Keynote Sponsors!