The Radiate Gala 2025: Why You Can’t Miss This Night of Purpose
Last year, I attended the Salt & Light Coalition’s Radiate Gala for the first time. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I knew a little about the mission and about its founder, Izabel Olson, but I hadn’t yet seen her vision in action.
By the end of the night, I walked away deeply moved.
Getting to Know Izabel
Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to get to know Izabel better, and she continues to impress me on every level. Born in Brazil, she’s not only the founder of Salt & Light Coalition but also a PhD scholar with a passion for psychology. What stands out most is her heart for guidance, her ability to open doors for women whose lives have taken unexpected and often devastating turns.
Her work is about more than resources; it’s about creating a path forward, restoring dignity, and showing survivors of sex trafficking that they deserve opportunity, safety, and joy.
“Healing isn’t just survival—it’s about rediscovering joy, opportunity, and the freedom to dream again.” — Izabel Olson
What Makes the Gala So Special
The Radiate Gala is unlike any fundraiser I’ve attended. The program is beautifully designed balancing heartfelt, tear-worthy moments of storytelling with uplifting bursts of music, dance, and joy. It’s an evening that mirrors Salt & Light itself: resilience, hope, and community in motion.
And this year, guests are in for something extra special. Without spoiling the surprise, I can tell you there’s a secret performance planned that will leave the room in owe!
Why This Year Matters
This year’s Radiate Gala, held on Saturday, September 27th at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, is more pivotal than ever. Salt & Light has set an ambitious goal: to double the number of survivors they serve. Over the last 8 years, they have served over 350 women. In their previous space, they were able to serve 40 women per year and now with their new location, their goal is to serve 240 per year.
That means 6X the impact.
6X the healing.
6X the opportunities for women who deserve a chance to rewrite their stories.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Location: The Drake Hotel, Chicago
Hours: 7:00 – 10:30 PM (official program)
An Invitation to Be Part of the Change
The Radiate Gala is not just another date on the social calendar, it’s an opportunity to be part of something transformative. You’ll experience a night of community, high fashion, storytelling, and yes, some unforgettable entertainment. But more than that, your ticket directly supports women reclaiming their futures through Salt & Light six month empowerment program that break cycles of abuse and poverty through trauma informed healing, life skills and workforce development.
If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation → visit here!
If you’re a business owner who would like to get involved, please reach out to me directly. Every partnership, sponsorship, and donation matters. Together, we can help Salt & Light open even more doors for survivors ready to begin again.
Because this isn’t just Izabel’s story, or Salt & Light’s story, it’s one we can all be part of.
I would personally like to thank my clients and business associates who have already supported Salt & Light.
About Salt & Light Coalition
Salt & Light Coalition is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of sex trafficking through workforce development, wellness, and community. By offering holistic training, mentorship, and career pathways, Salt & Light equips women with the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.