01
Curated brunch experience
A stylish, warm, intentional gathering inside one of Toronto's most respected social impact venues.
Toronto launch brunch · May 31, 2026
Medusa Speaks
A curated gathering where advocacy, healing, leadership, culture, and meaningful conversation come together.
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto
A room worth being in
On May 31, survivors, founders, legal voices, creators, media, advocates, and changemakers come together in Toronto for a powerful public launch moment.
Medusa Speaks is the official launch of The Survivor Collective and Project Medusa — two survivor-led initiatives built to challenge broken systems, strengthen support, elevate public conversation, and create meaningful change.
Guests will also be the first to hear the unveiling of three new initiatives designed to expand this work in bold new ways. This is where momentum begins.
Why this event is different
Most events talk about change. This room is built to create it.
Intentional atmosphere
Designed for meaningful conversation, not noise.
Curated audience
A select group across justice, leadership, healing, and culture.
Timely moment
A chance to be in the room early — before everyone else catches on.
What you'll experience
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Launch moment
Be present for the public debut of The Survivor Collective and Project Medusa.
03
Featured speakers & voices
A select group of contributors across advocacy, healing, leadership, and community.
04
Three new initiative announcements
Be first to hear what's next.
05
Networking & meaningful connection
Meet influential, values-aligned people across advocacy, business, media, law, and culture.
06
Partner experiences
Thoughtfully integrated sponsor and collaborator activations.
Who will be in the room
~200 attendees. Curated.
Survivors and allies
Lawyers and justice professionals
Founders and entrepreneurs
Creators and influencers
Media voices
Wellness leaders
Advocates and nonprofit leaders
Values-driven supporters
People who move culture forward
Voices · Vessels · Vines
Of Speakers & Storytellers
A garlanded circle of survivors, makers, and truth-tellers — gathered in the spirit of Medusa: feared, misread, and at last, allowed to speak.
- I.
Sarah Jean Hodkinson
Actor · Dancer · Arts Educator
Meet Sarah — an actor, dancer, and arts educator with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. From producing and performing in films, TV and commercials screened across Canada and the U.S., to mentoring young artists, her work is rooted in passion and purpose. A natural leader since childhood, Sarah began teaching in her teens and has been committed ever since to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth. She believes in the power of the arts to help heal and transform lives. As a survivor of rape, she uses her voice to empower others and advocate for ending sexual violence.
- II.
Ashley-Lauren Elrod
Emmy-nominated Producer · Survivor Advocate
Ashley-Lauren Elrod is an Emmy-nominated producer, trauma-informed intuitive healing professional, and survivor-advocacy leader dedicated to transforming pain into purpose through storytelling and prevention. As founder of Visionary Woman Productions, she leads creative campaigns across film, branded content, and experiential media — collaborating with brands including Dove, Delta Airlines, and Kia. A multi-assault and occult survivor, Ashley-Lauren has worked alongside International Justice Mission, Songs Against Slavery, the United Nations, the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, and the National Children's Alliance. She is the creator of Maya's Magic Word, an interactive child safety and empowerment platform, and is at work on her forthcoming book, The Diary of a Recovering Inner Child.
- III.tbd
To be announced
A voice yet to be named
- IV.tbd
To be announced
A voice yet to be named
- V.tbd
To be announced
A voice yet to be named
- VI.tbd
To be announced
A voice yet to be named
Garlands of gratitude
Sponsors & Supporters
A laurel woven from many hands. Every name below helps carry this work — from boardroom to brunch table.
· Sponsors
Anchor partners whose generosity makes the gathering — and the work — possible.
Anchor partners whose generosity makes the gathering — and the work — possible.
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
· Supporters
Friends of the Collective contributing resources, networks, and care.
Friends of the Collective contributing resources, networks, and care.
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
· Advocacy Allies
Organizations standing alongside our mission for survivor-centered change.
Organizations standing alongside our mission for survivor-centered change.
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
· In-Kind Donors
Brands and makers offering goods, services, and craftsmanship in kind.
Brands and makers offering goods, services, and craftsmanship in kind.
Your name here
Interested in joining this circle? team@thesurvivorcollective.org
Sponsorship & partnerships
A limited number of aligned partners.
Ideal partners include law firms, wellness brands, women-led businesses, health brands, financial institutions, media organizations, and community-minded companies.
Partner benefits include
- Brand visibility before, during, and after the event
- Presence in a curated room of ~200 engaged guests
- Meaningful public alignment
- Social media and content inclusion
- Select speaking or featured opportunities
- Early access to future initiatives and programming
For sponsorship, speaker, or collaboration inquiries, contact team@thesurvivorcollective.org.