The Women's Foundation welcomes Gloria Reuben, actress, singer and activist, as the keynote speaker of the 10th Annual Tribute Luncheon – "Celebrating Women, Amplifying Voices and Raising Hope."

Few artists can literally say that "they've done it all," but actress/singer Gloria Reuben is making a concerted bid for that elusive distinction. A gifted actress, exciting vocalist and committed activist on social issues, Reuben brings energy and enthusiasm to every audience. She will honor women of Memphis in a personal message entitled Women: Loving, Living, and Leading. 

Reuben has achieved tremendous artistic success, stepping beyond her groundbreaking role as the HIV positive character, “Jeanie Boulet” in the hit series, ER, a role that garnered her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. As a social activist, Reuben spends a great deal of time supporting programs that address the ever growing problem of HIV/AIDS and its effect on women and children both locally and abroad. On World AIDS Day in 2005, Reuben was the keynote speaker at the first Black Women's Conference on HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles. She has also been an avid supporter for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa.)   

Most recently, Reuben co-starred in The Sentinel and Life Support. Reuben attributes her success and broad base of talent to her mother, an accomplished singer, who helped nurture and develop her. Before her teens, Reuben was playing piano, studying music technique and theory, and later studied ballet and jazz at the Canadian Royal Conservatory.