News Release: 10/24/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025

From Real Housewives of Beverly Hills to Advocate: Taylor Armstrong to Headline YWCA Evanston/North Shore Event on Domestic Violence Awareness

Evanston, IL — YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS) is proud to present In Her Voice: A Conversation with Taylor Armstrong on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Women’s Club of Evanston. This signature event marks the debut of a new series dedicated to uplifting women’s voices, deepening community dialogue, and sustaining attention to domestic violence beyond the confines of a single month.

Taylor Armstrong—author, advocate, and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—will share her deeply personal journey as a survivor of domestic violence and widowhood, as chronicled in her memoir Hiding from Reality: My Story of Love, Loss, and Finding the Courage Within (published in 2012). During her time on RHOBH (notably Seasons 2 and 3), viewers witnessed her marriage unravel as she publicly addressed abuse, financial pressures, and the emotional toll of her husband’s spiraling behavior. Tragically, months after filing for divorce in 2011, she discovered her estranged husband had died by suicide.

Although Armstrong later became widely recognizable as the face of a viral internet meme, many don’t know the real story behind that moment or the profound personal pain that accompanied it. Through her courage and advocacy, Armstrong has emerged as a powerful voice for survivors everywhere—reinforcing not just the urgency of awareness, but the possibility of healing and transformation. “I hope that by sharing my own long personal history with abuse, I might be able to help other women break the cycle,” she has written.

“This event moves beyond the typical gala,” said Cherese Ledet, CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. “It’s a space for real stories, real connection, and real impact. Taylor’s story resonates with many in our community and sheds light on the realities of domestic violence.”

This event marks a new chapter in YWCA E/NS’s public programming. While In Her Voice builds on the legacy of the YWomen Leadership Celebration, it offers a more intimate, accessible, and mission-centered gathering. Attendees can look forward to shared conversation, light refreshments, and meaningful opportunity to support YWCA’s work in ending gender-based violence.

Proceeds from In Her Voice will directly support YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s comprehensive domestic violence services—including our 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency and longer-term housing, counseling, children’s services, legal advocacy, our Alternatives to Violence partner abuse intervention program, and a full array of prevention education and training. In a time of shrinking budgets and federal funding, and increasing need, sponsorships and ticket sales are critical to sustaining these life-saving programs.

This November event also extends momentum from October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Earlier in the fall, YWCA E/NS will host its 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Resource Fair on October 30, connecting survivors, families, and community members to vital local services from over 25 local organizations. By scheduling In Her Voice immediately following October, YWCA ensures that the message of awareness and action carries forward through the year.

EVENT DETAILS
In Her Voice: A Conversation with Taylor Armstrong
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Doors open: 5:30 p.m. | Program: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL
Ticket price: $50 (general admission) + $5.20 service fee

Eventbrite site to purchase tickets: https://ywinhervoice.eventbrite.com
Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Free parking available on-site.

 

About YWCA Evanston/North Shore
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Established in 1931, YWCA Evanston/North Shore is one of 194 local YWCA associations across the country and a part of one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world. Through comprehensive, trauma-informed direct services, education and training, and community partnerships, we advance our mission across four key areas: Domestic Violence, Racial and Gender Equity, Economic Advancement, and Aquatics. These efforts serve over 8,000 individuals and families across the Northern Cook County area annually, and aim to build stronger, more equitable communities and a future rooted in justice and dignity. Learn more at ywca-ens.org.