First Lady Jill Biden Speaking at Annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26

First Lady Jill Biden will be our guest speaker at our Annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26 — marking the first time a sitting first lady has joined us to keynote this event.

As First Lady, Dr. Biden has championed numerous efforts, including the first-ever White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to fundamentally change how our country approaches and funds research on women’s health. Dr. Biden’s participation is a perfect complement to this year’s lunch, which is highlighting the 50th anniversary of Betty Ford’s breast cancer diagnosis and her 1974 candid conversations that changed the conversation about women’s health in America.

In conjunction with the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) and American University’s School of Public Affairs, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is proud to welcome Dr. Biden to our lunch, a fellow advocate for women’s health.

She is continuing the tradition of first ladies who have honored the leadership and contributions of First Lady Betty Ford. Previous first ladies to attend the annual lunch include Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush.

Come learn about the work that our current First Lady is doing and celebrate the legacy of Betty Ford.

Please join us for the Ford’s biggest event of the year.

2024 America’s First Ladies Luncheon
Friday, April 26, 2024
JW Marriott Hotel, Grand Rapids

Registration closed for this event. 

Bonus First Ladies Experience Following the Lunch

Continue your first ladies experience with a free afternoon conference at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, loaded with distinguished panelists showcasing Betty Ford’s leadership and commemorating her 1984 groundbreaking conference on First Ladies. Hosted in conjunction with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, the First Ladies Association for Research and Education, and American University’s School of Public Affairs.