Bio
Domestic Violence is the focus of my speaking. I was married for forty-three years; living in an abusive marriage; and I was attacked and nearly murdered on September 13, 2004. I was repeatedly bludgeoned for a period of about six hours and ultimately placed in the garage with two running vehicles. When I was found, I was near death and had to be airlifted to save my life. Now, approximately half my face is metal, and I have permanent injuries. However, I am resilient and determined to bring attention to this serious issue. www.carolynsilentsecret.com
Public Speaking:
Candlelight Vigils marking Domestic Violence Month, Woodstock Square - Woodstock IL
Professional Business Women of Illinois - Crystal Lake, IL
Project Inspire Fundraiser – Keynote speaker with Denise Brown - Crystal Lake, IL
Alpha Chi Omega Chapter - Barrington, IL
Annual Dinner for Turning Point Shelter - Crystal Lake, IL
Alpha Chi Omega National Convention – Scottsdale, AZ
Alpha Chi Omega National Headquarters – Indianapolis, IN. You Tube Segment for
Speaker at premier of documentary titled “Carolyn Silent Secret”, Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, IL
Dupage County Judicial Circuit Court Symposium
Future Engagements:
Colleges and Universities including Loyola, University - Chicago, IL; University of Missouri - Columbia, MO; University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA; Florida, Southern University - Lakeland, FL; Auburn University - Auburn, AL; Bradley University - Peoria, IL; and Purdue, University –Lafayette, IN.
Moms’ Groups Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL
Daughters of the American Revolution, Kishwaukee Valley
Pilot International Convention Keynote Speaker, Quad Cities
Family Shelter Service Benefit for Dupage County, Illinois
2010 Alpha Chi Omega National Convention –Washington D.C.
WINGS - Barrington, IL
Affiliations:
Pi Lambda Theta - Honorary Sorority for students in education
Daughters of the American Revolution - Current Corresponding Secretary
Woodstock Fine Arts Association - Current President (Second Term) WFAA provides programs and funding for the historic Woodstock Opera House
Bull Valley Garden Club - Past President
Collectors’ Club of Barrington - President
Invited to become an Honorary Initiate of Alpha Chi Omega
Initiation at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI
Outreach:
My activities in the capacity of Outreach are to speak to individuals and groups to tell them my story and to detail the factors I believe were important in contributing to my living in a marriage of abuse. I particularly highlight domestic violence in upscale marriages and society. My spouse was a graduate with a Ph.D.; I had a Master’s Degree; and we were living a prominent and active life in our community along with running a successful business.
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Testimonials
WOW!!!!! I can hear your talk over and over and still be totally overwhelmed. You are one of the finest speakers having complete command and ability to capture the heart of your audience. You could hear a pin drop. Sitting next to Kenny was very special and made me realize that no matter how many times you hear the story it is emotional and everyone is awed at how strong you are. What a wonderful mother and woman to have overcome this tragic situation and
taking the hard lessons learned and now helping thousands of others. You kids are so very
proud of you as are all your friends. Your strength is amazing and I love seeing you take on the legal
system and all its flaws too.
I am certainly very proud to be your friend and one day soon your "sister" too.
I was given the DVD when I left and would love to get more copies to give to friends. How and where do I get them?
Have a great holiday weekend and I will call you soon.
Love,
Medora
Hi Carolyn,
I wanted to send you a quick e-mail and tell you how very much we
appreciate you coming to Auburn. Our students have absolutely raved
about how much they enjoyed your talk and how much it impacted them.
Amye M. Still, Special Projects Coordinator
Auburn University
Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
Women's Resource Center
311 Mary Martin Hall
Auburn, AL 36849
My name is Abby Robinson and I am currently a junior at Bradley University. Your story was very moving to me and I think it would touch some of the people on Bradley's campus as well. I really admire your courage to be able to speak to various groups about something so horrific.
Thanks!
Abby Robinson
Carolyn,
Thank you so much for graciously coming to Loyola. I know you touched the hearts and minds of many of our students, and I, too, hope that you can come back to spread your wonderful message.
I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming events, and know that you always, always have a home with the Iota Rho chapter of Alpha Chi! I'm so proud to be able to call you a sister in the bond!
LITB (the secret Alpha Chi closing :),
Sarah
Hi Carolyn!!
I attended the Alpha Chi Omega national convention as a collegiate delegate, and I just want to let you know how incredible I thought your story was. Your story made me cry for quite a long time after you were done speaking, and I admire you for your strength. You proved to everyone in that room that no matter what, women are resilient and strong! I am the Vice President from my chapter at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. I'm not sure how comfortable you are with sharing your story again or if you are able, but we would love to have you as our guest. Since one of our main philanthropies is supporting victims of domestic violence, I think your story would be incredibly inspiring for our chapter and others. If possible, we would love to have you come down. Please let me know how you feel about this, and again, thank you so much for sharing your story at convention.
Sincerely,
Jenn Bowers
Hello Ms. Cox,
I know you met hundreds of women at convention, but I was one of them and you touched my heart. I spoke to you after lunch and then had my friend come up and talk to you because she was worried about her boyfriend. You really touched her and I both and I wish the chapter could have seen your presentation. You don't happen to have any pictures or anything that I could show the chapter, do you? We only have a chapter of less than 60 but if you are ever in Pensacola, FL please let me know and maybe you could speak to our chapter. Regardless, I want you to know that you touched my heart and made me realize why our philanthropy is Domestic Violence. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Lauren Glassman, President
Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Xi
(850) 261-5625
ltg2@students.uwf.edu
Not only is the domestic violence story of Carolyn Cox moving and distinctive, her personal presentation is poignant and riveting. She stands before you a beautiful, well spoken, well educated and cultured woman who experienced, silently, the worst abuse imaginable which ended only when her husband failed in the attempt to end her life. The absolute courage, triumph and possibility which shines from her and her story must be experienced personally. She is a beacon of hope and the battle cry for the need to end domestic violence.
Senator P. Althoff, Illinois
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