KINGSTON — Kristen M. Gibbons Feden, Esq. looked around the packed room on Friday and grinned.
“The vibe in this room is amazing,” she said. “To be here with all of you who have the confidence and the empathy to accomplish things in your community.”
Feden, a lawyer who specializes in sexual abuse and civil rights, was the main speaker at Friday’s International Women’s Day Luncheon, sponsored by Dress for Success Luzerne County.
Rachel Malak of WBRE moderated the event.
Feden has shown herself to be fearless in her fight for survivors against well-known wrongdoers and large organizations. The New York Times referred to her as “The Prosecutor Who Confronted Bill Cosby.” She is internationally known as a leading litigator in the #MeToo Movement.
Feden is most famous for her involvement in the Bill Cosby sexual assault cases, prosecuting Cosby for three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, resulting in his conviction in 2018.
Accompanying Feden were her husband, Nicholas, also a lawyer, and their two sons.
“We are excited to have Kristen join us for our luncheon,” said Linda Loop, Founder and CEO of Dress for Success Luzerne County. “Her strong track record of supporting women and all victims of sexual assault, is inspiring. She is an advocate for changes in the laws and in how our society can better support survivors, and the way she supports the women she serves makes her a perfect speaker for Dress for Success.”
Loop added, “The luncheon gives the community the opportunity to come together, take a moment and celebrate all the wonderful things the women of our area have accomplished. We are honored by our partnership with the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and grateful for their support in planning the luncheon.”
Feden told the audience to “encourage inclusion,” and she thanked Loop for her leadership and meaningful work at Dress For Success.
“That initial impression is really so important,” Feden said.
Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December 2010, Loop said the program has reached 2,500 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance.
Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.
Loop said 100% of the women come to Dress for Success after experiencing a disruption in their lives caused by issues such as prolonged unemployment, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence and incarceration.
Loop said by helping the women in our community develop their skills, they will become sought-after employees and career-oriented members of society.
Feden said prosecuting Cosby was challenging because before the case, Cosby had been beloved throughout his career.
“We had to break down who we thought Bill Cosby was and show the real person,” Feden said.
When discussing her cases, Feden mentioned that she always calls her clients "survivors" instead of "victims," and they fully support each other.
Feden stated that her confidence stems from her compassion.
She mentioned, "I always try to operate from the heart. That's what gives me the confidence."
Feden emphasized the importance of giving back to the community.
She said, "Your efforts are aimed at making things better for everyone else."
After Feden finished speaking, the 300 people in attendance stood up and gave her a long standing ovation.
Following their return to their seats, Loop the made a special presentation — the 2024 Sister For Success Award to Helene Breznay, who accepted it with her daughter, honorary Dress for Success board member, Lizzie.
Lizzie Breznay, 23, of Plains Township, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. She graduated summa cum laude from Luzerne County Community College, achieving a 4.0 grade point average.
