We are excited to announce that YWCA Kalamazoo’s Annual Men’s Breakfast is returning in 2025, and it’s one event you won’t want to miss! This year, we’re introducing a powerful addition to the program with Rakim “Rahk” Lash, Vice President of Programs for A Call To Men. Rahk is on a mission to educate men and boys around the world about promoting a healthy, respectful manhood. He will be joined by Ted Bunch, Chief Development Officer of A Call To Men, for a compelling conversation on advancing gender and racial justice.
YWCA Kalamazoo works to Align, Educate, and Engage men in our community around this important conversation, and we are thrilled to have Rahk and Ted leading the charge. This breakfast offers a unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue that drives positive change and fosters justice for all.
Date: Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center
Secure Your Spot Now: Click the Register Now button or scan the QR Code to reserve your seat at the breakfast. Don’t wait—spaces are limited!
Ted Bunch is an author, educator, activist, and Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men, internationally recognized for promoting healthy, respectful manhood and preventing violence against women. A leading voice on gender and racial equity, he co-authored The Book of Dares and the Live Respect Coaching Healthy & Respectful Manhood Curriculum.
An adjunct professor at John Jay College, Bunch co-created the largest U.S. program for domestic violence offenders and developed response programs for first responders. He has trained professional sports leagues, including the NBA, NFL, and NHL, and led #TimesUp Engaging Men efforts.
A sought-after speaker, Bunch has presented for the UN, U.S. State Department, and global organizations. His work has been featured internationally, and he has appeared on the TODAY Show and NPR. He has also served as a script consultant for Law & Order: SVU and Jagged Little Pill.
RaKim “RahK” Lash is the Vice President of Programs for A Call to Men, training and educating men and boys to promote healthy, respectful manhood globally.
First introduced to the organization in 2011, he joined as a Trainer in 2016 and became Director of Healthy Manhood Initiatives in 2023. RahK began his career in higher education, advancing through roles in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership, and Multicultural Affairs. As the inaugural Director of the MLK Scholars program at NYU, he empowered students through leadership, academics, and civic engagement.
Beyond his work, RahK is a writer, poet, DJ, cosplayer, gamer, and artist with a passion for all things comic-book and superhero-related.
This year’s Men’s Breakfast centers on the role of men in fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and community connection. Through an engaging discussion led by RaKim “RahK” Lash and Ted Bunch from A Call to Men, attendees will explore the ways male socialization shapes relationships, impacts mental well-being, and influences our collective commitment to justice.
Together, we will examine how men can align their actions with values of equity, educate themselves and others, and actively engage in creating communities where everyone can grow. This conversation invites men to reflect on their roles as allies, mentors, and advocates for meaningful change.
Together we act, united we change.
Join us for an engaging discussion on male socialization, dating violence, and positive mental health, led by RaKim “RahK” Lash and Ted Bunch. This conversation will explore the ways young men navigate relationships, mental well-being, and the expectations placed on them, while emphasizing the importance of community and support.
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Hosted by A Call to Men, this event is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and discuss how we can create respect and well-being for ourselves and those around us.
YWCA Kalamazoo invites businesses and organizations to join us as sponsors for this annual community celebration! To explore sponsorship opportunities, click the Sponsorship Opportunities button on the registration page or email lstoner@ywcakalamazoo.org for more details.
