We came together for an extraordinary evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration as we honored the achievements of women and championed progress on March 6th, 2025.
Location: Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara, California
This year’s event was our most dynamic yet! Attendees were inspired by an incredible lineup of groundbreaking women leaders who transformed industries, challenged boundaries, and created meaningful change. Our distinguished panelists shared powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership.
Highlights included:
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Thought-provoking panel discussions
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Networking opportunities
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Celebration of women’s achievements
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Inspiring keynote presentations
Our panelists represent diverse backgrounds and extraordinary accomplishments—but we’re keeping some details under wraps to build anticipation! Prepare to be amazed by the remarkable women who will grace our stage.
ShelterBox USA’s International Women’s Day Event was Presented by:
Twin Hearts: Belle Hahn & Lily Hahn Shining
Mindy Budgor
Mindy Budgor is an entrepreneur, author, and barrier-breaker redefining leadership and cultural narratives. While an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin, she launched her first company before earning her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. At 27, she traveled to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve for charity work, where she claims to have become the first female Maasai warrior, challenging generations of tradition. She chronicled her journey in Warrior Princess: My Quest to Become the First Female Maasai Warrior (2013), sparking global conversations on gender, resilience, and cultural boundaries.
Monique Limón
Senator Monique Limón is a dedicated public servant, educator, and advocate for equity and community empowerment. Representing California’s 21st Senate District, she has championed policies that advance economic opportunity, education, and women’s rights. Before her election to the Senate in 2020, she served in the State Assembly, where she chaired the Banking and Finance Committee and was Vice-Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus. A UC Berkeley graduate with a master’s from Columbia University, Monique spent years mentoring students at UCSB and Santa Barbara City College, helping them achieve higher education and career success. Rooted in her district, she continues to build coalitions that strengthen local communities and uplift future generations.
Capt. Sheila Kelliher
Captain Sheila Kelliher is a trailblazing fire service leader dedicated to public safety, mentorship, and community engagement. As the first female Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, she ensures the public stays informed with accurate, real-time updates. Since joining the LACoFD in 2000, she has risen through the ranks from firefighter to paramedic to fire captain, previously serving at Fire Station 125 in Calabasas. A passionate advocate for diversity in the fire service, she mentors future firefighters through the Women’s Fire Prep Academy, Girls’ Fire Camp, and the Explorer Program. A decorated athlete and mother of twins, Sheila continues to break barriers while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Trinity Tran
Trinity Tran is an award-winning activist and economic justice leader redefining public finance for equity and sustainability. As co-founder of the California Public Banking Alliance and Public Bank Los Angeles, she spearheaded landmark legislation, including the California Public Banking Act and CalAccount, expanding financial access for marginalized communities. She also led pandemic relief efforts as Executive Director of Urban Partners LA, delivering over 270,000 grocery boxes to low-income families. Honored as Woman of the Year by the California Legislature, a 2024 Roddenberry Fellow, and a nominee for the Los Angeles Times Inspirational Women Leadership Awards, Trinity is a powerhouse for systemic change.
Women are disproportionately affected by disaster
As women around the world flee violence and face disasters, they are often left homeless and vulnerable.
Women experience higher death rates, increased gender-based violence, economic loss, and loss of education. However, women are pivotal in the recovery process – they are often the first responders to a crisis and play a central role in the survival and resilience of families and communities.
Last year we reached thousands of women, delivering emergency shelter and supporting them to rebuild their homes and their lives.
An estimated ONE IN FIVE female refugees have experienced sexual violence – actual numbers could be much higher
Violence against women increases in conflict settings, with more than 70% of women experiencing it in some crisis settings (ActionAid)
60% of preventable maternal deaths take place in settings of conflict, displacement and disasters (UNFPA)
At ShelterBox, we prioritize the most vulnerable families and communities and empower them to rebuild and restart.
By providing women and families with immediate emergency aid we can help them recover faster. Rebuilding their homes, caring for their families, resuming their livelihoods.
75%
Women and Children account for more than 75% of the refugees and displaced persons globally. (WHO SouthEast Asia)
14x
Women and Children are up to 14 times more likely to die during a disaster than men. (UNDP)
ALL
All forms of violence against women increase during disasters and displacement. (UN Women)
Resilience and strength
Despite being disproportionately affected by disasters, we are constantly amazed by the incredible strength that women show. Meet some of these strong women who have rebuilt their homes and protected their families in the face of disaster.
