Editor’s note: The following is a transcript of Amie Ichikawa’s remarks on behalf of herself and other Independent Women Ambassadors Prisha Mosley, Allie Coghan, and Soren Aldaco, upon receiving the Resilience Award, delivered at the 2026 Annual Awards Gala.
Amie Ichikawa:
Thank you so much for this honor.
It wasn’t always easy for me to tell my story and it wasn’t until I started my ambassadorship with Independent Women that I began to experience the healing and restoration that happens through storytelling.
Every opportunity I’ve been given to share my experiences in prison has helped liberate me from the shame and embarrassment associated with my past that kept me locked up despite being free.
I have become comfortable and confident in who I am and what I stand for. I recently noticed that I don’t excessively apologize anymore. I’ve been sorry for everything since I was a little girl. Having Independent Women’s team of women believe in me and what I am capable of doing has helped me reach a point in life where I can exist without being sorry.
What I’ve gained since Independent Women took me under their wing doesn’t just benefit me. It extends to one of the most forgotten sectors of society: incarcerated women. Being seen by them on the news, being able to mail them one of my op-eds, having them know that we’re bringing the heat to the fight for their most basic human rights is a priceless gift. This is giving them the courage to start valuing their lives and together we are learning that we do matter and that we do not have to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment.
On behalf of all of all these resilient women on stage with me, thank you for your support and for this incredible honor. Good night.