For more than two decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has helped shape the national response to violence against women. As Presenting Sponsor of the Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) for 21 years, the Foundation has invested in saving lives, strengthening systems, and building safer communities. This long-term commitment remains a cornerstone of its work as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Each year in Dallas, the Conference on Crimes Against Women brings together one of the largest groups of professionals focused on gender-based violence. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, advocates, healthcare providers, and social service organizations gather to share best practices. They also learn about new technologies and remove barriers that affect survivors and frontline responders.
Recent conference data highlights the scale of impact:
“This is one of the nation’s most important training and collaboration forums,” said Michael Lunceford, President of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “It equips thousands of frontline professionals with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to better identify, prevent, and respond to violence against women.”
“Year after year, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is honored to serve as Presenting Sponsor. By investing in individuals and organizations that support survivors and strengthen systems of accountability, we help expand access to safety, healing, and justice.”
Since its founding in 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has granted more than $100 million to domestic violence prevention and response programs, as well as cancer research. The Foundation focuses on areas where funding can produce clear, measurable results.
Becky Park, Executive Director of the Conference on Crimes Against Women, noted the partnership’s reach: “Because of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s support, CCAW has trained more than 60,000 professionals nationwide. Each trained professional represents countless survivors who receive greater understanding, trauma-informed care, and coordinated support in their communities.”
Mary Kay Ash built her company and legacy on the belief that women should feel safe, valued, and empowered. That principle continues to guide the Foundation. Its 21-year partnership with CCAW reflects a clear commitment: a future free from violence for every woman is not just a goal—it is an achievable outcome through consistency and collaboration.
The annual conference is only one part of a larger system. CCAW also offers:
These efforts keep progress moving forward in courtrooms, hospitals, shelters, and communities across the country.
Violence against women is a complex and ongoing challenge. It requires informed, coordinated responses across sectors. The Mary Kay Ash Foundation recognizes that awareness alone is not enough. Education, resources, and sustained investment are essential.
Through its partnership with CCAW, the Foundation helps close a critical gap. It ensures that those who respond to survivors have access to current, evidence-based tools and strategies. Systemic change happens through shared knowledge and collective action. For more than two decades, CCAW has served as a source of hope, healing, and practical improvement within a system that still needs strengthening.
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