"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

Erin Ryan Heyneman (left), Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) Outreach & Events Coordinator/former Summit participant and Brian Kremer (right), MASS Executive Director at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"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

Benji Kemper receiving his participation certificate at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"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

Maisie Kramer receiving her participation certificate at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"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

Austin Carr receiving his participation certificate at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"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

Cody Rooney receiving his participation certificate at the 2023 Paul W. Spooner Generational Leadership Summit.

"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."
- 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.

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