H.O.P.E. "You're Not Alone" | Zonta Club of Birmingham

Please join Zonta Club of Birmingham for the March club meeting as we hear from guest speaker Michelle Cowan Founder & President of H.O.P.E. "You're Not Alone"

Agenda

11:30 am Networking & Lunch ($) RSVP Required

12:00 pm Business Meeting (open to attendees)

12:30 pm Guest Presentation

Speaker Bio:

Michelle Cowan

Founder & President of H.O.P. E “You’re Not in It Alone”—nonprofit organization.

Occupation: Sergeant Started and Led a Victim Assistance Unit at A Law Enforcement Agency.

Michelle Cowan: Advocate, Law Enforcement Leader, and Community Champion

Michelle Cowan is a dedicated law enforcement professional and passionate advocate for women’s rights. With 19 years of experience in the field, she began her career in 2005 as a correctional officer with the Alabama Department of Corrections. In 2013, she took the oath as a sworn police officer at a local department, where she has since earned multiple promotions and accolades for her service.

Currently serving as a Sergeant, Michelle is deeply involved in her department, contributing as an Active Shooter Instructor and a Rape Aggression Defense Instructor. She has also held roles as a patrol supervisor and detective. Recognizing the need for stronger victim support, she took the initiative to establish and lead a Victim Assistance Unit within her department, demonstrating her commitment to helping those in crisis.

Beyond law enforcement, Michelle extends her impact through community service. In 2019, she founded H.O.P.E. “You’re Not in It Alone,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting women affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Through H.O.P.E., Michelle empowers survivors aged 19 and older by providing job placement assistance, housing support, and educational resources to help them rebuild their lives with confidence and independence.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Miles College (Fairfield, AL), and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Walden University (Minneapolis, MN). She has also earned a Master of Philosophy in Human and Social Services and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human and Social Services at Walden University.

About Zonta International

Zonta International has been committed to building a better world for women and girls for over a century. Through global leadership, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, Zonta works tirelessly toward gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.

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