“Most importantly to me, the Summit gave me ENERGY and motivation to really get back into disability advocacy.”
– Maya Evohr, 2025 Participant

“The Summit helped me make connections I never would have otherwise made allowing me to ask questions and get several different viewpoints. It reminded me that true leadership is constantly evolving.”
– George Farrington, 2025 Participant

"The director of the Northeast Independent Living Program noticed that my name was on the list of attendees for the Summit. This led to me eventually getting my first job! I'm now a Community Advocate at NILP!""
- Sophie Korpics, 2024 Participant

"As someone on the Waiver, I've often felt disconnected from the broader disability community. The Summit was one of the first places where I felt seen as a disabled person with a voice that mattered. It wasn't just about learning policy — it was about realizing that I had a place in this movement."
- Destiny Maxam, 2024 Participant

"The Spooner Conference showed me that there is a huge and varied community of advocates right here in Massachusetts. I loved learning about the life and work of Paul Spooner himself, and his legacy continues when those of us with all types of disabilities come together at this conference. I made friends that I still connect with, and I met Brian Kremer from MASS Advocates Standing Strong, who happens to be my new boss!"
- Erin Ryan Heyneman, 2023 Participant

"The Spooner Summit was full of disability pride. It was amazing to meet new people and learn from each other. The Summit helped me develop my skills as a community organizer and gave me ideas for future campaigns. One of the highlights was the panel talking about the intersectionality within the disability community. I also learned about great work happening in the community, like the #teachdisability campaign being run by Easterseals."
- Benji Kemper, 2023 Participant

"The Summit was an incredible opportunity for me to meet other disability advocates in Massachusetts and learn about what other people and organizations in the state are doing to advance disability justice. Before going to the Summit, I had no idea that there was such a vast network of disability advocates in Massachusetts, and my favorite part of being a Spooner Summit participant was learning that I am far from alone in my advocacy. I cannot wait for this year's summit and to reconnect with folks from last year and meet all of the new people as well!"
- Maisie Kramer, 2023 Participant

"The Spooner Summit was a great way to network and build communities. During the Summit, I met new friends, engaged with leaders, and attended informative and empowering workshops. We had the chance to work on our social engagement skills that are useful to integrate into our professional careers and everyday lives. Because of this Summit, I was able to embark on new leadership initiatives."
- Austin Carr, 2023 Participant

"I did not know what to expect going to the Summit. All I knew was that it was a conference with workshops offered. It was a great and powerful experience. It was also a special way to honor a very well-known leader in the community. We felt his presence in the room for sure! We talked about what it takes to be a leader and the hardships it comes with, then ended with the next steps and how to overcome these obstacles. Just by networking during the Summit, more doors have opened for me. I am looking forward to coming back to this year's Summit."
- Cody Rooney, 2023 Participant

"It was incredible to see members of a new generation of disability advocates coming together, across disabilities, to level up their leadership and take on the mantle of the disability rights movement. Everyone came in with different skills, knowledge, and experiences, but everyone seemed to leave with the determination, confidence, and sense of connection that is needed to make change for the betterment of our community. Last year's Summit reminded me that our community is vibrant, innovative, passionate, diverse, and united, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."
- Harry Weissman

Harry Weissman presenting during a session at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"Volunteering at the Summit was an incredibly inspiring experience. Working with the new generation of disability advocacy leaders and emerging social justice advocates was a privilege. Their passion and innovative ideas were truly enlightening. I learned a great deal about the evolving landscape of disability advocacy, especially the importance of intersectionality and collaboration with other marginalized groups. This experience reinforced for me how vital continuous support and mentorship are for future leaders, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained progress in disability and civil rights advocacy."
- Imene Bouziane Saidi

Imene Bouziane Saidi working with participants during the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.