Supporting WINGS: An Afternoon of Strength, Connection & Empowerment at the North Shore Ladies Luncheon
Attending the WINGS North Shore Ladies Luncheon: Supporting Survivors & Empowering Women
There are some events that stay with you long after they end… and the WINGS 5th Annual North Shore Ladies Luncheon was absolutely one of them. 💜
I had the honor of attending this beautiful afternoon surrounded by compassionate, inspiring, and empowering women who all came together to support an incredibly important mission: helping families break the cycle of domestic violence.
From the meaningful conversations and emotional stories to the beautiful atmosphere and sense of community in the room, it was one of those events that reminds you just how powerful women can be when we support one another.
What is WINGS?
WINGS Program is an organization dedicated to helping families and survivors impacted by domestic violence through safe housing, integrated services, advocacy, education, and support.
Their mission goes far beyond providing immediate safety. WINGS works to help survivors rebuild their lives, regain independence, and create a future filled with stability, hope, and healing.
As someone who spends so much of my career focused on helping women rediscover confidence and self-worth through Chicago Boudoir Photography, supporting organizations that empower women in life-changing ways is incredibly meaningful to me.
An Afternoon Surrounded by Inspiring Women
The luncheon itself was absolutely lovely.
The room was filled with women connecting, supporting one another, sharing conversations, and coming together for a cause that truly matters. From the beautiful setup and delicious food to the warmth and generosity throughout the afternoon, it was such a special experience to be part of.
One of my favorite parts of events like this is simply being in a space where women genuinely want to uplift one another. There’s something really powerful about that kind of energy.
I also had the opportunity to donate a luxury boudoir photoshoot experience along with a copy of my new book A Year of Body Confidence: 365 days of positive affirmations and empowering actions for women, for the raffle, which I was so excited to contribute. Supporting women and helping them feel seen, confident, and empowered has always been at the heart of what I do.
Powerful Stories of Survival & Strength
One of the most moving parts of the afternoon was hearing from Christy Salters Martin and Yashi Gray, who courageously shared their personal stories of survival and resilience. Their honesty, vulnerability, and strength left such a lasting impact on everyone in the room.
Listening to survivors speak openly about their experiences is emotional, powerful, and incredibly important. Their stories were a reminder of why advocacy, support systems, and organizations like WINGS matter so deeply.
It’s impossible not to leave an event like this feeling inspired by the resilience of women who have faced unimaginable challenges and continue to move forward with courage.
Supporting the WINGS Mission
One of the most incredible parts of the luncheon was learning that the event raised more than $120,000 to help support families impacted by domestic violence!
That support helps fund housing, advocacy, education, and critical services for survivors and families in need.
It was also wonderful to see the luncheon founders, Katherine Banich and Maria Shideler, recognized for their leadership and dedication to bringing awareness and support for the WINGS mission to the North Shore community.
So many people came together to make this event possible — from the co-chairs and host committee to the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees. Every conversation, donation, and contribution helped make a difference.
Why Events Like This Matter to Me
As a boudoir photographer, I have the privilege of photographing women in every stage of life as they reconnect with themselves, reclaim their confidence, and see their strength in a whole new way.
And while boudoir photography may look glamorous on the surface, so much of what happens during these sessions is emotional healing, self-acceptance, vulnerability, and empowerment.
That’s one of the reasons events like this resonate with me so deeply.
Empowerment comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s rebuilding your life. Sometimes it’s finding your voice again. Sometimes it’s supporting another woman. Sometimes it’s simply allowing yourself to feel worthy, confident, and seen.
Being in a room full of women supporting one another in those ways was incredibly inspiring!
Thank You to WINGS & Everyone Involved
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the WINGS North Shore Ladies Luncheon such a meaningful and memorable event.
From the organizers and volunteers to the speakers, sponsors, donors, and attendees — it was truly a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.
And most importantly, thank you to WINGS for the life-changing work you continue to do for survivors and families every single day. 💜