Empower Hour 2026
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
April 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM
An Evening of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration
At our 2026 Empower Hour, we marked the 20th anniversary of Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer.
In the stories shared and conversations across the room, there was a clear and urgent belief that early detection and empowerment change everything.
We set out to raise $300,000 and thanks to an outpouring of generosity we raised nearly $500,000. This support directly fuels Brem Foundation’s work with partners and providers, making early detection a reality for many more women.
This milestone represents more than a celebration—it is a strategic investment in Brem Foundation’s future. With the support of partners, advocates, and those both in and outside of the room, we are strengthening the infrastructure, programs, and relationships necessary to reach more women and close gaps in early detection.
As we look toward the next 20 years, we are focused on growing our impact and invite you to continue partnering with us 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
Amplify our voice as a leader in early detection of breast cancer
Tune Into the Conversation
Empowering Women, Investing in their Future: Best practices for self-advocacy, maximizing breast cancer early detection, and the workplace as a critical setting for access and education.
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
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
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.
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.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Platinum 20th Anniversary Sponsor
Empowerment Sponsors
Self-Advocacy Sponsors
Education Sponsors
Table Hosts
Host Committee
*Denotes Champions Circle
Equitable Access Sponsors
Event Partners
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.