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 facilitator, an educator, an advocate, and an optimist. She has devoted her career to helping community-serving organizations serve diverse communities with care and dignity. As co-owner of Kindred Consulting, Adana helps organizations nurture cultures of care and belonging, where employees get to love their work and feel that work loves them back. Adana is an adjunct professor at Seattle University. She is Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Explorer West Middle School. Adana is a member of the editorial board of Administrative Theory and Praxis and has been published in several academic journals.
