Empower Hour 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
April 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
An Evening of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration
For 20 years, Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer has championed one urgent belief: No woman should fail to detect breast cancer early because she lacked access, information, or the power to advocate for herself.
Brem Foundation focuses on the gaps where women most often fall through: Knowledge. Access. Equity.
Join us for an inspiring evening featuring Dr. Rachel Brem, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Brem Foundation in conversation with Sheryl Sandberg, Founder of Lean In and former COO of Meta.
At Empower Hour 2026, we will launch Brem Foundation’s next chapter – and raise $300,000 to fuel it.
At this pivotal moment, Brem Foundation is poised to:
Broaden and deepen our programmatic reach
Educate even more women to take control of their breast health
Drive advocacy and policy change to expand and enable early detection of breast cancer for all
Realizing this vision requires new investment in Brem Foundation’s infrastructure, programs, and partnerships—so every woman, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to detect breast cancer early and live a full, healthy life.
Purchase a ticket. Become a sponsor. Give generously. Together, we can ensure every woman has the power to detect breast cancer and live a full, healthy life.
The Next 20 Years Start Here.
The Ritz-Carlton
1150 22nd Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
6:15 PM Check-In
7:00 PM Program Begins
Polished professional attire with festive flare
Featuring Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is the Founder of Lean In, supporting a global community of over 138,000 Lean In Circles in 183 countries dedicated to building a more equal world.
Sheryl previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Meta for fourteen years, during which the company grew from $150 million to over $110 billion in annual revenue and implemented industry-defining programs to make the workplace more inclusive.
She is the bestselling author of Lean In and Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy. Sheryl received a BA summa cum laude from Harvard University and an MBA with highest distinction from Harvard Business School.
With Dr. Rachel Brem
Shawn Yancy is an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award–winning broadcast journalist, artist, and nonprofit founder. She anchors the 5 PM and 11 PM weekday newscasts at NBC4 in Washington, DC, and has been a trusted voice in the region for nearly three decades, including 19 years at FOX5. Her Washington career began during the events of September 11, 2001.
Beyond journalism, Shawn founded The Giving Foundation for Women & Children, empowering underserved women and children through education and opportunity, earning her recognition as a 2023 Washingtonian of the Year. She is also an abstract artist, debuting internationally at Art Basel Miami in 2024, with work currently on display at Zenith Gallery. Guided by her mantra, “If the dream is big enough, the facts don’t count,” Shawn’s life reflects faith, determination, and purpose.
Dr. Rachel Brem is Director of the Breast Imaging and Interventional Center at the George Washington University, Professor and Vice-Chair of Radiology. She founded Brem Foundation after a lifetime dedicated to early detection.
When Dr. Brem was twelve, her 33-year-old mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and given six months to live. Her mother survived 43 more years—inspiring Dr. Brem to dedicate her life to this fight. At 37, while testing new imaging equipment on herself, Dr. Brem discovered her own breast cancer. After beating the disease, her mission became even more powerful.
As an international breast cancer expert and a leading pioneer in early detection technology, Dr. Brem has been named a top cancer doctor by Newsweek and continues advancing lifesaving innovations.
And Emcee Shawn Yancy
Sponsorship Opportunities
Corporate sponsorship opportunities available to support Brem Foundation's mission and connect your organization with leaders in healthcare, philanthropy, and innovation.
Reach out to Jessica Horwitch for more information: [email protected] | 202-505-1104
2026 Impact Award
The Brem Foundation is proud to present the Impact Award to Mary’s Center DC, a longtime partner in expanding access to lifesaving breast cancer screenings. Through sustained collaboration and a shared commitment to equitable care, Mary’s Center has helped ensure more women receive the early detection and support they need to advocate for their health.
Purchase Your Ticket
Thank You to our Host Committee!
Liza Allner
Beth Bonita
Krysta Juris
Claire Nelson
Meredith Singer
About Brem Foundation
Brem Foundation champions early detection of breast cancer to improve health outcomes for all through innovation, education, equitable access, and targeted advocacy.
We envision a world where breast cancer is detected at the earliest possible stage, where every woman receives quality care tailored to her needs, empowering her to embrace a healthy and hopeful future.