In our conversation, Jess shared how the evening brought together supporters across generations and movements, and why staying connected is more important than ever.
You can view our case study of the event on our website and behance.
HK: What inspired this year's gala theme, Courageous Together, and what did you hope guests would take away from the evening?
JE: With everything that's going on right now in our communities, we really wanted to bring people together, encourage each other, stay hopeful, remember the power of our movements, and be inspired to continue taking action together.
We had all these examples that we'd been hearing about in our communities of people taking really courageous stands, whether in their individual lives or at their nonprofit organizations. We really wanted to highlight that, and how all those actions kind of come together, braid together into this strong, woven fabric of how we can keep our movements moving forward and continuing to gain strength.
HK: I love that image of everything braiding together. It tied in so naturally with the visual identity and became such a strong foundation for the design.
JE: We really wanted to convey that understanding of we are stronger together, and not just as individual people or our neighborhoods and communities, but across movements.
Seeing the visual design reflect that through these strands that were braided together, along with the bright colors, felt really hopeful.
It's so easy right now to feel isolated with all the news we're inundated with every day. The policy changes that impact us, and the constant barrage of bad news, affect us on such a human level. It's easy to feel isolated in that.
We really wanted to remind people that in order for us to stay strong in our movements and continue doing this important work, we have to be together. Not just while we're working, but also outside of work, where we're building community and showing up for each other.
It's been proven through decades of different movements how important it is for us to remember that we're human and be there for each other. Showing that togetherness on that level was important to us too.
HK: I remember one of the biggest conversations during the concepting phase was making sure the visuals showed people feeling connected, rather than separate. That idea really stayed with us throughout the project.
JE: Exactly. The bright, powerful, and inspiring design at the event became a great way to bring cohesion to the evening while symbolizing how we were coming together across all of our different identities.
HK: I love that connection. It really brought the theme full circle.
HK: Beyond fundraising, what role do events like Courageous Together play in building community around ERA's mission?
JE: Having all of our supporters from different areas come together in one room, funders, law firms we work with on pro bono cases, our clients, and our partner organizations, is such a unique and important opportunity.
People walk away from the event expressing so much gratitude for being together and for the value that provides.
Even connecting people from the immigrant workers' rights movement with people working on paid family leave reminds us that these seemingly separate causes really aren't separate at all. They show up in each of our lives as connected.
We also get to bring together people who have been part of ERA's history from the 1970s through today. We're connecting people across generations, which is always so powerful. Having one of ERA's founders talking with one of our current student clients is such a beautiful way to build community and keep us inspired. Everything the movement accomplished decades ago can still inspire us today.
HK: That really came through in the room. Seeing younger volunteers alongside people who have been part of ERA for decades was really special. You could see those connections happening throughout the evening.
JE: Exactly. Even the volunteers. That's such an important part of it. The event is also a great opportunity for us to share the multifaceted work we're doing in one place. It can be difficult to keep up with everything online or through social media, so it's a chance to bring it all together and help people understand how those moving pieces fit together. That often inspires people to take action themselves.
HK: It really gives people the opportunity to see how all of those different efforts connect to one another.
HK: What are some initiatives or priorities ERA is especially excited about over the coming year? Is there any upcoming work, campaign, or advocacy effort you'd love people to know more about?
JE: I'm really excited about some of the bills we're sponsoring in California right now because we do a lot of work, once those bills are passed into law here, to replicate them in other states.
That's been a really powerful way for us to defend our rights against federal attacks by introducing these protections in more progressive states and creating a blueprint that other states can follow.
For example, right now we have a bill that would protect immigrant workers from coercion in the workplace. If a supervisor threatens a worker by saying something like, "If you report this violation of your workplace rights, remember I know your immigration status," this legislation would provide stronger protections against that kind of coercion.
We also have really strong bills to protect trans people's healthcare data from outside parties. For example, if the federal government wanted to collect information on patients receiving trans healthcare in California, they would not be able to easily do that ****if we get this bill passed.
We're also working on policies that help women and families facing the affordability crisis, especially working women caregivers who are struggling to make ends meet, take care of their families, and put food on the table. We're working on policies that would level the playing field for them and make thriving in this country a possibility again.
In addition to defending against federal attacks, we're also trying to advance whatever rights we can at the state level and then replicate those in other states. That's what I'm excited about right now.
HK: Those are incredible examples. The work you all are doing is amazing, and it's exciting to see how many different ways ERA is advocating for people right now.
HK: How can people continue supporting ERA beyond attending the gala?
JE: Of course, we always need donations. Donations are down across the board for nonprofits. It is a difficult time.
But we also really rely on our community to join us in taking action. Supporting our bills, contacting lawmakers about policies we disagree with, and raising awareness about important issues.
We have such a strong community of action takers at ERA, including people who might not be able to make donations. They step up and make a huge difference by taking action online, staying engaged, and showing up at events like this.
We also rely on our community to spread the word about people's rights while also raising awareness about threats to those rights. Staying informed and helping keep your own community informed is incredibly important right now.
HK: I think that's something a lot of people don't realize. It's easy to assume one email won't make a difference, or that if you can't donate there isn't much you can do.
JE: Exactly. Especially at the state level, lawmakers really do pay attention. If they don't hear from people about a bill, it can lose momentum. Reaching out really does matter.
If you'd like to learn more about ERA's work, here are a few great places to start:
ERA recently released a new report exploring the wage gap impacting Black women, offering both the latest data and the policy solutions needed to create lasting change. Read the report here.
Visit ERA's Take Action page for current campaigns, advocacy opportunities, and practical ways to support their work.
Don’t forget to follow Equal Rights Advocates on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates on their work, upcoming events, and ways to take action throughout the year.
