29th Annual Speaking of Women Features Award-Winning Author Stephen Mills

Bridgeport, CT — September 15, 2026 — The Center for Family Justice’s 29th Annual Speaking of Women, presented by M&T Bank, will take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut, and is proud to welcome Stephen Mills, award-winning author, survivor, and nationally recognized child abuse prevention advocate, as this year’s keynote speaker.

Stephen Mills is the author of Chosen: A Memoir of Stolen Boyhood, which won the 2022 National Jewish Book Award. He will share his powerful story of survival, healing, and the pursuit of justice, offering a compelling message about the lifelong impact of childhood trauma and the importance of prevention, advocacy, and support for survivors.

“We are excited to welcome Stephen Mills as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Mark Antonini, President and CEO of The Center for Family Justice. “His powerful story reinforces the importance of prevention and the need to invest in programs that educate, support, and empower young people to build safer, healthier futures.”

In Chosen, Mills chronicles his experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and his decades-long journey to uncover the truth and seek accountability. Through his writing and public advocacy, he has become a respected voice for survivors and for the prevention of child sexual abuse.

In addition to his memoir, Mills is the coauthor of Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees, a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year. Since the 1980s, he has advised and written for numerous public interest organizations focused on human rights and environmental protection. He currently serves as an Ambassador for CHILD USA and on the board of Darkness to Light, a national organization dedicated to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse.

Anna Zap, co-host of Star 99.9’s Anna & Raven Show, returns for her ninth year as master of ceremonies. This year, we will also honor Donna Craft for her 30 years of support of CFJ’s mission and her invaluable contributions to our community. Through her volunteer leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy, Donna has helped strengthen CFJ’s programs and raise awareness for survivors throughout our region.

Attendees can expect an inspiring keynote that not only sheds light on the realities of child sexual abuse but also encourages collective responsibility in creating safe, supportive communities.

“We are honored to serve as Co-Chairs of the 29th Annual Speaking of Women. For almost 30 years, this event has united our community to inspire action and support the life-saving work of The Center for Family Justice,” says Speaking of Women co-chairs Anna Rodrigues and Susann Palumbo. “Together, we celebrate the resilience of survivors and work to ensure vital prevention and support programs remain available to those who need them most. We invite you to join us in creating hope, healing, and lasting change in our community.”

Speaking of Women raises vital funds that allow CFJ staff to continue providing free, confidential, trauma-informed services for anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, or child abuse. This year’s luncheon will specifically support CFJ’s Prevention Education Program, Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport, Pathways to HOPE and Child Advocacy Center helping children and teens build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and break cycles of trauma through education, mentorship, and healing-centered programming.

The need for these services continues to grow. Over the past two years, CFJ has experienced a 47% reduction in funding while calls for help have increased by 32%. Last year alone, CFJ reached more than 10,000 youth and adults throughout Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

The luncheon begins at noon at The Waterview in Monroe. VIP ticket holders are invited to attend a private reception from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the program.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at bit.ly/cfjsow26. Please join us for an unforgettable afternoon of inspiration, resilience, and hope.

About The Center for Family Justice

Our mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse by providing services and care that create hope, restore lives, and drive social change through education and community collaboration.

The Center for Family Justice’s services include the operation of a 24-hour crisis hotline, an emergency safe house for survivors of domestic violence, as well as comprehensive supportive services for those seeking to rebuild their lives after trauma. These services include safety planning, support groups, counseling, and self-sufficiency programs.

Our programs also feature our Prevention Education Program, a Child Advocacy Center, and The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport and Pathways to HOPE programs for youth ages 7-17.

The towns CFJ serves include Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

For more information and to get help:

www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call (203) 334-6154

24/7 Hotline Numbers