The Power of a Voice: Chanel Miller’s Impactful Evening in Jackson Hole

In honor of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Community Safety Network partnered with the Brainstorm Series to bring author, artist, and activist Chanel Miller to Jackson Hole’s Center for the Art’s stage.

About Chanel Miller

Author, Artist and Activist

Chanel Miller was known under the alias of Emily Doe when she astonished the world with an unforgettably powerful letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting Miller on Stanford’s campus. Her response, a powerful victim impact statement she read in court, immediately went viral after it was posted on Buzzfeed. Within days it had been viewed by over eleven million people, translated globally, and read on the floor of Congress. Miller’s testimony ultimately inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge who presided over her case. Thousands of assault survivors wrote that her letter had given them the courage to speak up about their own experiences.

In Know My Name, Chanel Miller reclaims her identity and her narrative, turning pain into a declaration of power in this memoir of trauma and transcendence. Her story underscores that even in a “perfect” sexual assault case—one with eyewitnesses and plenty of evidence—justice is never a guarantee, and often the inciting incident is just the beginning of the trauma. Know My Name shines as a story of dignity, resilience, and the strength required to maintain humanity under a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable. Now, in her intimate, inspiring events, Miller shares her insights on writing, art, and how one brave voice can change the world.

What a night! There wasn’t an empty seat in the house as Chanel shared powerful messages of empowerment and healing. Adrian Croke, Community Safety Network’s Director of Education and Outreach, joined Chanel on stage for an intimate, honest conversation before 500 attendees. Chanel answered questions about what it’s like to have such a personal story shared publicly, and how she was able to write so clearly about such a traumatic time. She also spoke about how her writing continues to evolve and heal.

What’s next for Chanel Miller

Recently, Chanel published a middle grade chapter book, Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All, and is in the process of writing another book for teenagers. She shared that she’s excited to write for young teens because she’s able to explore important and sometimes complicated subjects like mental health and self love. She talked about receiving support and inspiration from her family, her hope for the future of masculinity, and the uplifting power of the messages she has received from survivors across the world.

Chanel Miller has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for survivors of assault. She embodies the growth, healing, and self-love that is possible for all of us – and something we all deserve.

There was a buzz in the air of the theater that night, as we all felt awash with that recognition.

After the Interview

After the on-stage interview, Chanel sat in the lobby of the Center for the Arts for hours signing books. Each person in line received a post-it on which to write their name, so that Chanel knew how to spell it. During her talk on stage, she shared that she keeps each post-it. At the end of the night, Chanel took home hundreds of post-its pouring over with well-wishes from Jackson Hole.

Her conversations with each person and family were filled with authentic warmth and connection. To be around her was to feel that, regardless of the pain in the world, there is also extraordinary love. We were honored to be a part of this special event, and will continue to be inspired by the strength and compassion she showed and shared with our community.