For nearly five decades, the Downtown Women's Center (DWC) has helped women and survivors of violence move from homelessness to housing, stability, and renewed possibility. Light Her Way Home is the DWC Leadership Council's signature annual fundraiser, bringing together supporters, advocates, and changemakers who believe every woman deserves a safe place to call home. Through this event, we raise critical funds for DWC's programs while honoring champions whose leadership and generosity help make lasting change possible.

2026 Light Her Way Home Honoree: Debra Polanco

A Los Angeles native and mother of four, Debra Polanco is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sanctuary Clothing, the women's lifestyle brand she founded with her husband, Ken, in 1997. For nearly three decades, Debra has shaped Sanctuary around the principle that clothing should help women feel confident, relevant and authentically themselves.

A longtime advocate for women, Debra's commitment extends beyond Sanctuary through her philanthropy and longstanding support of the Downtown Women's Center. She believes that when you support and empower a woman, the impact extends far beyond her alone; strengthening her family, her community and the lives around her.

For years, Debra has shared her expertise, creativity, and resources to strengthen DWC's social enterprise initiatives, helping create opportunities that support women on their path to economic independence.

Join us December 3rd as we celebrate Debra's impact and raise critical funds to help women and survivors across Los Angeles find safety, stability, and a place to call home.

Event Details

Location:

Honeypot LA
212 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Date & Time:

Thursday, December 3, 2026

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sponsorship Opportunities: Click Here to View the 2026 Event Sponsorship Deck

To learn more about tax-deductible sponsorships or make a commitment:

Hillary Tribbs — Hillary.Tribbs@gmail.com
Olivia Gonzalez — Olivia.A.Gonzalez@gmail.com

About the DWC Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is a community of ambassadors dedicated to advancing the mission of the Downtown Women's Center. Members help expand awareness, mobilize supporters, and create meaningful impact through advocacy, fundraising, storytelling, and community engagement.

Learn more about DWC's Leadership Council and the Downtown Women's Center at DowntownWomensCenter.org/Leadership-Council

Light Her Way Home 2026