HERstory Night • November 12 at The Jefferson Hub • 950 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201 • Doors Open at 6:00pm

HERstory Night storyteller application

Tell Your Story at HERstory Night

We’re looking for women with one honest story to tell.

No speaking experience needed. No polish required. Just something real, and the will to say it out loud.

Selected storytellers get five minutes onstage.

The Stories We Are Looking For

A moment that changed you. Something you overcame. A truth you finally said out loud.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic. Just personal, specific, yours.

Not a keynote. Not a pitch. One woman, one true story, a room that came to listen.

How It Works

Apply

Tell us the story you're carrying. Applications take ten minutes to complete.

We Read It, Really

Every application gets read by our team. We're looking for true, not polished.

Support

If selected, we’ll help you calm the nerves and feel ready to share your story.

You Take the Stage

Five minutes. One room. Women who came to hear you and support you.

This May Be For You If..

  • There is a story you keep returning to
  • You have something you wish more women talked about
  • You want to share honestly, not present perfectly
  • Public speaking makes you nervous, but part of you still wants to do it
  • You are willing to be vulnerable without trying to teach, sell, or impress
  • You can tell one specific story in approximately five minutes

You do not need to be a professional speaker, author, coach, entrepreneur, or public figure. You only need a story and the willingness to step into the room.

Who We Are Looking For

What is HERstory Night?

HERstory Night is:

  • True and personal
  • Focused on one experience, moment, or chapter
  • Approximately five minutes long
  • Told in your natural voice

HERstory is not:

  • A business pitch
  • A promotional presentation
  • A résumé of your accomplishments
  • Advice disguised as a personal story
  • An opportunity to sell a book, service, program, or brand

"Thirty seconds of brave is all it takes to start."

Apply to Tell Your Story

Please know:

  • There is a $25 non-refundable application fee
  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a storyteller spot
  • Previous HERstory speakers may apply again, but are eligible for consideration one year after they last spoke.
  • If you are not selected for this event, your application will remain active for one year
  • You will be considered for future HERstory Night events during that year without applying or paying again
  • Storytellers are not paid
  • This is not a promotional speaking opportunity
  • Selected storytellers must be available to attend HERstory Night Detroit at the Jefferson Hub in Detroit, MI on November 12, 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
  • Your story needs to fit in five minutes or less.
 
Applications are always open!
Stories submitted after the deadline will be considered for a future HERstory Night event. Follow us on social media for upcoming application deadlines.
HERstory Storyteller Application
Name
Email
Address
Your response may be enlarged and displayed as part of the HERstory Night experience. It will remain completely anonymous, with no name, social handle, or identifying information attached to it.
Would you like to have professional photography/videography? (Optional paid add-on)
Would you like to have your entire story recorded on your phone?
This recording is intended primarily for visual footage, not high-quality audio.
Are you comfortable having us record and post your story on social media/website etc.?
Indicating no does not disqualify you from potentially being selected.
Your social contact information will be used in the HERstory Human Library, an interactive connection wall created to help women stay connected beyond the event. It gives attendees a way to find and connect with women whose stories, experiences, work, or wisdom resonate with them.

By applying, you understand that:

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee a storyteller spot.
  • Your story should be your own and fit within approximately five minutes.
Price: $25.00
$25 storyteller application fee. Your fee supports HERstory Night and keeps your application on file for consideration for one year from the date you apply. Payment does not guarantee selection as a storyteller.
$0.00

Your questions answered

FAQs

No experience is required. You can be nervous and still be ready. We are looking for honest, specific stories from women of different backgrounds, identities, ages, and lived experiences. Your story does not need to be dramatic, polished, or perfectly resolved. It only needs to be true and yours.

A rotating board of trusted women reviews every application. They consider the honesty and focus of each story, the storyteller’s connection to it, and how the stories work together to create a diverse and meaningful room. We are not choosing the most polished speaker or impressive résumé.

This is not a paid or promotional speaking opportunity. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee to support the review process. If you are not selected, your application remains active for one year, and you may be considered for another event without applying or paying again.

You will be contacted by email. If selected, the HERstory team will help you shape your story into a focused five-minute experience while keeping the voice and story completely yours.

 

The Connection Wall brings women together beyond the event. Attendees can choose to share their name, photo, and a QR code linking to their social media or website, making it easy to connect and stay in touch. The wall will be displayed at HERstory Night and may also be shared digitally.

Previous HERstory speakers may apply again, but are eligible for consideration one year after they last spoke.

You can apply anytime! To be considered for an upcoming HERstory Night, be sure to submit your story before the application deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for a future event. Follow us on social media for the latest deadlines.