Fall Luncheon 2024

Beverly Gooden, a distinguished writer and social activist, gained renown for spearheading the groundbreaking social movement, #WhyIStayed. Her creation of the #WhyIStayed hashtag and movement was a response to the pervasive victim-blaming of domestic violence survivors. CNN hailed #WhyIStayed as one of the 8 hashtags that reshaped the world. Gooden’s insightful writings have graced prestigious platforms such as The New York Times, TIME, and the U.S. Office on Women’s Health.

In 2022, Gooden released her debut memoir, “Surviving: Why We Stay and How We Leave Abusive Relationships,” shedding light on the complexities of intimate partner violence. She holds a master’s degree in social justice from Loyola University Chicago, where her thesis focused on institutional responses to single women facing intimate partner violence.

Gooden’s impactful advocacy has garnered recognition, including the Investigation Discovery and Glamour magazine’s Inspire A Difference “Everyday Hero” Award.