Annual Gathering
Women's Rebuild Summit™
The annual gathering of the Institute community — participants, alumnae, mentors, facilitators, partners, sponsors, donors, and leaders. Two days of learning, recognition, connection, and commitment.
Location
To be confirmed — Raleigh-Durham, NC
Format
Two-day in-person gathering with virtual access for keynotes and select sessions
Audience
Program participants, alumnae, mentors, facilitators, partners, sponsors, donors, and invited guests
Honest status: The Summit architecture is defined but no dates, venue, or budget have been approved by the board. No registration is open. No speakers are confirmed. The first Summit is targeted for 2027, pending board approval and operational readiness.
Summit Program Elements
Opening Keynote
Founder address — the state of women's restoration and the mission ahead.
Participant Voices
Verified, consented reflections from women in the 1,000 Women Rebuilt initiative.
Hope Awards Ceremony
Recognition of outstanding mentors, participants, partners, and community leaders.
Rebuild Circles Live
Facilitated small-group sessions — an in-person experience of the Circle model.
Research Presentations
Findings from the Hope Index and Center for Hope Research. What the data says about women's rebuilding.
Partner & Sponsor Recognition
Acknowledging the organizations and individuals who fund and support restoration programming.
Pathway Workshops
Breakout sessions organized by rebuilding pathway — finances, career, identity, leadership, community.
Mentor & Facilitator Training
Pre-summit training day for mentors and Circle facilitators. Skills, case review, and community building.
Alumni Leadership Forum
Alumnae who have completed programs gather to plan peer Circles, mentor recruitment, and community leadership.
Closing Commitment
A collective commitment to the year ahead. Each attendee names one action they will take.
Summit Signature Event
The Hope Awards™
The Hope Awards recognize outstanding contributions to women's restoration — from participants who rebuilt their lives to mentors who walked alongside them, and from partners who funded the work to volunteers who sustained it.
Woman Rebuilt Award
Recognizing a program participant whose rebuilding journey exemplifies courage, persistence, and transformation. Nominated by facilitators and mentors.
Mentor of the Year
Outstanding mentor who has demonstrated sustained commitment, skill, and impact across multiple mentee matches.
Circle Facilitator Award
Recognition of a Rebuild Circles facilitator who has created exceptional space for women's restoration.
Community Champion Award
Honoring a community leader, pastor, or advocate who has opened doors for women's restoration in their community.
Corporate Partner Award
Recognition of a corporate sponsor or partner whose investment has significantly advanced the mission.
Volunteer of the Year
Honoring a volunteer whose consistent, behind-the-scenes service has sustained the Institute's programming.
Hope Index Research Award
Recognition of outstanding contribution to the research and measurement of women's rebuilding.
Voice of Hope Award
Honoring a woman who has used her story — with courage and consent — to inspire and educate others about rebuilding.
Founder's Award
Selected by the founder. Recognizes a contribution to women's restoration that defies categorization, in the spirit of the Institute's founding vision.
Legacy Award
Lifetime recognition for sustained, transformative contribution to women's restoration over many years.
Nomination Process
Awards Governance
- Hope Awards are governed by a written awards policy maintained by the board.
- The awards committee operates under a conflict-of-interest policy: committee members may not nominate, vote on, or select themselves, their family members, or individuals with whom they have a financial or governance relationship.
- Award categories and criteria are reviewed annually by the board. Categories may be added, consolidated, or retired by board vote.
- The awards committee's selections are final. No appeal process.
Submit a Hope Award Nomination
Nominations are expressions of interest. They are held confidentially until the formal nomination window opens. You will be notified when the window opens so you can submit your full statement.
The Summit begins when the work is ready
We will not set a date until programs are running, participants are rebuilding, and there is something real to gather around. Sign up to be notified when the Summit is approved and dates are announced.