BREAKFAST CLUB OF GRAND RAPIDS
Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN
Big E's Sports Grille
710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025 – 7:15 AM
Sarah Lilly struggled to find organizations offering affordable microloans to women in developing countries. Motivated by firsthand experiences abroad, she started the Lift Her Up Foundation to provide low interest, no collateral loans to fill this critical gap. This organization is dedicated to empowering women in developing countries through education, economic opportunities, and leadership development. This blend of feasible financial access, business training, and community partnership creates the conditions for women to develop personal stability through entrepreneurship.
Her work has transformed countless lives, equipping women with the tools and resources they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. During her presentation, she will share powerful stories of resilience, discuss the foundation’s initiatives, and demonstrate how to make meaningful changes.
Invocation: Eric Nelson Introduction: Jeff Kissinger
Empowerment
"When we invest in women, we invest in a powerful source of global development." – Melinda Gates
"Earning your own money is not just liberating, it is empowering. It gives you the ability to make choices and pursue your dreams fearlessly." – Jean Chatzky
"Financial empowerment is the new feminism. Women can't be fully empowered without economic independence." – Keisha Blair
