Sarah Jakes Roberts to headline Baton Rouge summit where empowerment meets domestic violence support
The YWCA Greater Baton Rouge will bring nationally recognized speaker Sarah Jakes Roberts to Southern University on Oct. 11 for a women’s empowerment summit supporting domestic violence services and survivors.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A day designed to help women recharge, reflect and move forward will also raise money for families facing domestic violence in Baton Rouge.
The YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Women’s Empowerment Summit is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 11, on the campus of Southern University and A&M College. The event will feature Sarah Jakes Roberts, a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Women Evolve.
The summit will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Organizers Diana Payton and Renata Sham said the gathering will combine personal restoration with a direct investment in the community.
A day of pouring into women
“This is a whole day of pouring into yourself,” Payton said during a television interview about the event.
The summit will include immersive experiences, live music, dancing, vendors and shopping, along with inspirational speakers. Organizers said the goal is to create an environment where women can connect, enjoy themselves and leave encouraged.
Roberts is expected to bring a message centered on restoration, transformation, and moving forward rather than remaining stuck. She is the daughter of pastor T.D. Jakes.
Sham urged women to make time for themselves.
“We all need a moment to really pour into yourself,” she said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Every dollar raised will support local families
The summit will take place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and organizers said every dollar raised through the event will go toward helping another woman and family in Baton Rouge.
That commitment gives the gathering a purpose beyond its entertainment and motivational programming. The YWCA’s domestic violence services include assistance for survivors, counseling, legal support, and resources aimed at helping women move toward safety and independence.
The organization’s Women’s Empowerment Center, located at 1690 North Blvd., also connects women with services such as financial literacy, career readiness, housing assistance, and legal support.
VIP experience offers access to Roberts
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with two admission options.
The VIP experience includes an opportunity to interact with Roberts, brunch, a signed book, and candid photographs taken during the experience.
General admission includes access to the shopping, vendors, and immersive experiences planned for the summit.
Event details
Event: YWCA Greater Baton Rouge Women’s Empowerment Summit
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Location: F.G. Clark Activity Center, Southern University
Keynote speaker: Sarah Jakes Roberts
Beneficiary: Women and families affected by domestic violence in Baton Rouge
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster. To learn more about the YWCA’s programs, visit ywca-br.org.
