True North of Columbia
True North of Columbia is a nonprofit organization offering comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and stalking throughout mid-Missouri.
AUDIENCE: 800 community members, donors, and advocates
LOCATION: Columbia, Missouri
CHALLENGE: True North needed a keynote speaker who could inspire a large and diverse audience, raise awareness about the realities of interpersonal violence, and ignite a sense of shared responsibility for community healing.
CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:
Delivered a keynote that paralleled the mission of True North with her personal story of resilience
Helped create an emotional bridge between donor generosity and survivor outcomes
Participated in pre-event coordination to align her message with event goals
True North of Columbia has been a beacon of hope for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for over four decades. When planning one of their largest gatherings to date, an event hosting 800 attendees in Columbia, Missouri, they sought a keynote speaker who could move hearts and minds while advancing their mission of advocacy, education, and safety.
Cara Brookins was invited to deliver a keynote address that would connect emotionally and intellectually with a room filled with community leaders, advocates, donors, and survivors. With her authentic story of rebuilding a life from the ground up, Cara’s message of “Rise & Resilience” resonated deeply with the audience.
Her keynote not only reflected the struggles and triumphs of those True North serves but also illuminated the vital role of organizations like theirs in breaking cycles of abuse. By sharing her journey, Cara emphasized the power of community support, making a compelling case for why every contribution matters.
Cara worked closely with Executive Director Elizabeth Herrera Eichenberger and the event team to ensure the tone, content, and timing of her presentation fit the broader goals of the evening. Her ability to humanize trauma and recovery through storytelling helped turn passive listeners into active supporters, and underscored the life-changing work of True North.
