Intersections of Our Lives Summit 2025 – Day 1

” You remind me of a perfectly tailored garden. Water yourself.”

We opened our gathering with reverence—holding space for those who could not be with us and grounding ourselves in the land that holds our histories. With a heartfelt land acknowledgment, we honored Indigenous sovereignty and recognized the deep, ongoing harm of white supremacy and colonial violence. In naming these truths, we recommitted to our shared responsibility: to fight for our communities, protect native sovereignty, and build toward collective liberation.

The message was clear from the start: liberation is up to any one individual. It is something we achieve together—through storytelling, action, and connection. Access to healthcare, dignity, and justice must be for all of us, not just a privileged few.

Guiding us through the day were our incredible MCs, Ani and Tuyet, whose energy anchored our space with care and joy. We celebrated every voice in the room with a roll call that brought cheers from 22 states represented—a powerful reminder of the reach and strength of our community at the summit

Lynnesse Wallace, Director of IOOL, welcomed us by introducing our Executive Directors. Each leader shared from the heart: why we were here, what we’re building together, and just how powerful it is that we have gathered in person to dream and do this work side by side.

We then paired up for an ice breaker—sharing our political awakenings, our first acts of resistance, or moments we felt truly heard. Stories of bold first steps, quiet transformations, and enduring courage rippled across the room. In the back, the affirmation station offered grounding words to all, and Ani and Tuyet gifted us more affirmations throughout the program.

Together, we explored the Reproductive Justice (RJ) timeline—first at our tables, then as a large group. We reflected on key events: What moments shaped us? What moments mirror our current realities? From immigration struggles to the fight for bodily autonomy, the echoes were unmistakable. Stories of resistance, grief, and hope were shared generously, reminding us that our histories live within us and around us. We heard from Poderoses of all ages that had very meaningful ties to the timeline.

A powerful fireside chat brought more wisdom: Dr. Regina Davis Moss, Congresswoman Cori Bush, Manila Mansoor, and Lucy Ceballos Felix spoke truth to power. Lucy shared how Texas organizers have long been on the frontlines, fighting for freedom through every storm. Cori brought the fight for housing justice from her struggles to Congress, emphasizing that the seeds we plant today will bloom into the future we envision 30 years from now.

Throughout, we were reminded that our stories are not just personal—they’re transformational. They shift narratives, build tools, and shape the communities we deserve. As one speaker reminded us, “Share your story, no matter what. It can change so much. Don’t doubt yourself—by sharing your story, you can liberate yourself and others.”