Anisa Palmer: Women’s History Month Keynote Speech (2026)

It’s March 2026, and as we look around our community in Atlanta and beyond, there’s a palpable energy in the air. Women’s History Month has always been a time for reflection, but this year feels different. It feels active. It feels urgent.

Recently, our very own Anisa Palmer, Founder and CEO of I Will Survive, Inc., was invited to deliver a keynote speech for a special Women's History Month Zoom event. If you weren’t able to tune in live, it seems we can’t find the full video recording just yet to share publicly: perhaps the digital archives are still catching up with us! However, because we want you to be part of this movement, we’ve put together the full transcript of her moving address.

Sharing the virtual stage with legal giants like Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Chief Magistrate Judge Cassandra Kirk, Anisa spoke directly to the heart of what it means to be a woman, a survivor, and a history-maker in today's world.

The Power of the Room (Even on Zoom)

There’s something uniquely powerful about a digital room filled with hundreds of women. Even through a screen, the collective resilience is heavy in the best way possible. Before Anisa took the "mic," the atmosphere was already charged with the wisdom of the judges who preceded her.

Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Judge Cassandra Kirk are more than just legal experts; they are trailblazers who have spent their careers dismantling barriers. For Anisa to speak between these two powerhouses was a testament to how far I Will Survive, Inc. has come and how integral our mission is to the broader conversation of women’s rights and health equity.

The Keynote: A Transcript of Resilience

Below is the transcript of the two-minute speech Anisa delivered. It was designed to be short, punchy, and deeply personal.

Anisa Palmer’s Keynote Address:

"Good evening, everyone. It is a profound and humbling honor to be in this space tonight. To Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Chief Magistrate Judge Cassandra Kirk: thank you. You haven't just practiced the law; you’ve paved the way. You are living proof that when a woman decides to lead, the entire landscape of justice shifts.

Often, when we talk about 'Women’s History,' we look at the past. We look at the textbooks. But I want to suggest that Women’s History is happening right now, in this Zoom room. It is the active, breathing resilience of the survivors I see every single day.

At I Will Survive, Inc., we don't view survival as a static state. We see it as a foundation. Our mission is simple but life-changing: we provide financial assistance, we offer wellness programs, and we work tirelessly to prevent homelessness for those battling breast cancer. Because no woman should have to choose between her life-saving treatment and her front door key.

Our theme this year is one I hold close to my heart: 'We don’t just survive; we pave the way for others to thrive.'

Survival is the first step, but thriving is the goal. We thrive when we support one another. We thrive when we demand better healthcare and more stable communities. To every woman listening: your struggle is valid, but your strength is historic. You are making history every time you choose to keep going, every time you reach back to pull another sister up, and every time you advocate for your own health.

Continue making history in your homes, in your workplaces, and in your communities. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Thank you."

Why the "Thrive" Message Matters

The core of Anisa's message: moving from survival to thriving: is the heartbeat of everything we do at I Will Survive, Inc. When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the world doesn't stop. The bills don't stop. The need for a healthy diet and regular exercise doesn't stop.

We’ve found that many of the women we serve are so focused on the immediate "fight" that they lose sight of the "future." Our goal as a non-profit is to provide that safety net so they can look at the future. Whether it’s helping someone manage hair loss with dignity or addressing dental issues after chemotherapy, we are looking at the whole person.

Redefining Women’s History

In her speech, Anisa challenged us to look at history as something we are actively building. This is a central philosophy for our Ladies First Initiative. We believe that female empowerment and community health advocacy go hand-in-hand.

When we support a survivor, we aren't just helping an individual; we are stabilizing a family. We are keeping a mother in her home, which keeps a child in their school, which keeps a community strong. That is how you change the course of history.

Perhaps you’ve felt like your personal journey doesn't "count" as history. We’re here to tell you that it does. Every mammogram scheduled (even if you had to check on your COVID-19 vaccine timing first!), every stress-relief technique you practice, and every time you volunteer virtually, you are contributing to a legacy of wellness and strength.

Our Mission: Keeping Homes Stable and Hearts Full

One of the most moving parts of Anisa’s speech was the mention of preventing homelessness. It’s a harsh reality that medical debt is a leading cause of housing instability in the United States. At I Will Survive, Inc., we see the "Outside the Box" solutions as the most effective.

We don't just hand out pink ribbons; we help pay the rent. We help with the utilities. We provide the breast cancer help that people actually need when they are in the thick of it.

How You Can Make History Today

You don’t need a gavel or a keynote stage to make an impact this Women’s History Month. You can start exactly where you are. Here are a few ways we can work together to ensure more women thrive:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is the best tool for reducing breast cancer risk. Share resources with the women in your life.
• Give Back: Whether it’s a one-time donation to our fundraising campaign or becoming a recurring donor, every dollar stays in the community to help survivors.
• Volunteer: We are always looking for passionate people to volunteer virtually. Your professional skills could be the very thing we need to reach more families.
• Support Local: We love partnering with local businesses, like Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, who understand that community health is everyone's business.

(Alt-text: A diverse group of women standing together in solidarity during a community health event.)

Looking Forward to the Rest of 2026

Anisa Palmer’s speech was a beautiful reminder that our work is far from over, but our resolve is stronger than ever. As we continue through 2026, we are committed to being one of the greatest breast cancer charities in Georgia, not just because of our ratings, but because of the lives we touch.

We are so grateful for the leadership of women like Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Judge Cassandra Kirk, who remind us that the law and the heart can work together. And we are grateful for you: our donors, our volunteers, and our survivors.

Summary & Takeaway

The 2026 Women’s History Month keynote was a call to action. It reminded us that:

1. Women’s History is current. It’s made in the choices we make today.
2. Survival is just the beginning. We are building a world where survivors thrive.
3. Community is our greatest asset. When we support each other’s health and financial stability, we all win.

Let’s carry Anisa’s words with us throughout the year. Let’s not just survive. Let's pave the way.

Ready to help us make history? Donate today and join the movement to keep families stable and survivors thriving.