May 4-8, 2026
May 4-8, 2026
Equity, like hospitality, is not a destination – it is a practice. And hospitality, like equity, is not achieved through good intentions, but through dynamic and ongoing engagement with questions of power, consent, and context. We’ve all had that moment when we’ve shown up with the best of intentions and an interaction has just fallen flat or, even worse, left someone feeling disconnected, unseen, or even disrespected. We strive to be welcoming, but notice disparities in engagement, in the strength of our connections, in the resilience of our relationships, and in outcomes for kids and families.
What does it mean to radically commit to equitable hospitality in our work with children, with families, and with each other? What does it look like to treat equity and hospitality as verbs and values in our work, so that every family in our care feels known, supported, and valued? And, most importantly, how can we think about both equity and hospitality differently, so our good intentions turn into meaningful and affirming partnerships?
In this keynote, we’ll explore equitable hospitality through the lens of Disability Justice and learn how to create conditions inside our organizations to nurture the connection, recognition, inclusion, and agency we want all children and families to experience.
Adana is a community educator, parent advocate, convener, and scholar. Her work focuses on harnessing the power of narrative to create a more inclusive, just, and equitable community. A seasoned professional speaker and facilitator, Adana has a unique talent for making complex and emotionally charged subjects accessible to diverse audiences. Using a combination of data, storytelling, and a healthy dose of Black Girl Magic, Adana creates safe spaces for critical analysis, experiential learning, and deep conversation. By honoring the need to balance emotional honesty with sharp analysis and strategic action, Adana brings a holistic and human-centered approach to this work. Adana’s expertise lies in applying an intersectional lens to social equity issues, resulting in a nuanced and comprehensive analysis and the development of innovative solutions. Adana comes to this work as a disabled, mixed-race Black mother, raising disabled kids. It is this life experience that gives Adana unique insight into the ways that racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression interact with and reinforce each other. This is what drives Adana’s passion for inclusive movement-building toward shared liberation, because all oppression is connected. Adana holds degrees in Organizational Leadership and Political Science, and is currently hard at work earning her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, she has worked with organizations across the country to challenge systems of oppression and facilitate the creation of spaces for inclusion and belonging. Through her boundless curiosity and unwavering commitment to leading with compassion and empathy, Adana nurtures individuals and organizations as they develop their anti-oppression practices and make strides toward a world of justice and mutual flourishing.
