Please join BENS for lunch on Wednesday, February 26th as we host Rachel Briggs, Founding Executive Director of Hostage US. Each year, an estimated 200 Americans are kidnapped overseas. Their families suffer in silence and returning hostages face months of recovery to rebuild their lives. Ms. Briggs will discuss the support and guidance needed to recover from a hostage situation and detail the pro bono services Hostage US provides families and survivors of such a terrible ordeal.

WEDNESDAY / FEBRUARY 26, 2020
LUNCHEON WITH RACHEL BRIGGS
TIME: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Harvard Club of New York City, 35 West 44th, New York City, NY
COST: $75 per attendee

Hostage US is comprised of former hostages and their family members, subject matter experts, former diplomats, and professionals who have worked previous kidnap cases. They operate in various fields, from legal and financial advisory services to mental health. And have a nationwide network to support hostages and families wherever they are and with whatever their needs may be. Their mission is threefold: (1) ensure hostage families and returning hostages receive direct assistance and resources from the government and other organizations; (2) increase the capacity of employers to support hostage families and returning hostages through training and education; and (3) improve public recognition of the plight of hostage families and returning hostages.

Ms. Briggs has a long and distinguished career as a national security advisor to governments and corporations throughout the world. In 2014, she was awarded an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition for her work with hostages and their families.