Century Club Charities has announced that Lulu Gribbin, founder of the Lulu Strong Foundation, shark attack survivor, adaptive athlete, and youth advocate, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Women’s Day Luncheon on Tuesday, October 6, at 11 a.m. at The Country Club of Jackson.

Women’s Day remains one of Century Club Charities’ signature community events, bringing women from across the state together for an afternoon of inspiration, leadership, and connection while supporting its mission to promote the game of golf for the benefit of Mississippi charities. That mission continues this year with the Century Club Classic, a Pro-Am event to be held September 22-23 at Old Waverly Golf Club.

At just 17 years old, Gribbin has become a national symbol of resilience after surviving a devastating shark attack in June 2024 while diving for sand dollars with friends along Florida’s Gulf Coast. After losing her left hand and part of her right leg, she endured multiple surgeries and an intensive rehabilitation program before returning home with prosthetic limbs. Since then, she has returned to school, reclaimed her athletic lifestyle, and become a passionate advocate for young amputees.

Gribbin is the founder of the Lulu Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to advanced prosthetics, virtual reality rehabilitation, and other emerging technologies for amputees. She also worked with Alabama lawmakers to establish the Lulu Gribbin Shark Alert System Act, which provides real-time alerts for shark sightings and attacks in Alabama. The Alabama legislation has also served as a blueprint for federal legislation known as Lulu’s Law.

“Lulu’s courage, determination, and unwavering optimism have inspired people across the country,” said Steve Jent, Executive Director of Century Club Charities. “Her story is one of resilience, hope, and purpose, and we are honored to welcome her as this year’s Women’s Day keynote speaker.”

Through her message of perseverance and faith, Gribbin has addressed audiences ranging from the Alabama State Legislature to TEDx Youth and has been featured on ABC’s Good Morning America and Nightline. Her story continues to encourage others to overcome adversity and find purpose through life’s greatest challenges.